We can see wider front and rear wheel cases, so it is now obvious that the Ferrari F450 will have a wider track.

Also this prototype has a small bulge on the bonnet and air intakes behind the rear window. Looks like the new engine needs more air.

Rumor is that F450 will debut this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show. F450 will use a modified chassis and body from the F430.

F450 will get a more aggressive look and engine, with some components in the bodywork and chassis borrowed from the F430. Power will come from a 4.5-liter V8 that produces over 500 hp. If the rumors are true then sales are expected to start end if this year or early 2010.

Yesterday Ferrari issued a recall for 1,950 of its 2005-2007 F430 Spiders involving the car’s automatic convertible top, according to the NHTSA. The problem arose from the hydraulic hoses that operate the top, which could form hairline cracks due to heat from the engine. As a result, the hoses could leak fluid into the engine bay and possibly create smoke or even start a fire. To remedy the situation, Ferrari dealers will install an insulated heat shield that will protect the hoses from heat in the engine bay.

Yesterday saw the inauguration of the recently refurbished Mother Child Research Centre at the University Hospital at Modena and the ceremony closed with a speech by Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo. The Centre was renovated with the most advanced technologies and more employees thanks to the economic contribution from the Prancing Horse. The Company wanted to reaffirm its connection to the territory by giving specific help to medical research in Italy.

“We know very well,” Luca di Montezemolo said, “how important research is. We can see it in our daily work: every year Ferrari invests around 18% of its turnover in research and development for the new cars. Today we wanted to make a contribution to those who dedicate themselves to medical research in the most innovative areas, such as cellular therapy, which here, in this laboratory, has a special importance, as it’s dedicated to curing newborns and infants.

“I am pleased that this collaboration is with the University Modena and Reggio Emilia,” Luca di Montezemolo ¬said. “Ferrari has always had a very close connection with the territory and its centres of excellence, of which the structure inaugurated today is a vivid example.”

The contribution to the University Modena and Reggio Emilia is part of a series of interventions Ferrari is carrying out in 2009 in favour of research and formation. Amongst these there is also the financing of six scholarships for students at Italian and foreign Universities for the development of projects connected to industrial innovation.

In the meeting were also present Architect Giovanni Bissoni, Regional Health Councillor Professor Aldo Tomasi, the Dean of the University Modena and Reggio Emilia Doctor Stefano Cencetti, the General Director of the University Hospital Modena Professor Giorgio Pighi, the Mayor of Modena and Professor Emilio Sabattini, the Province’s President.

Some intriguing reports regarding the 2009 heir to the Ferrari F430 have appeared on a Ferrari forum, and this time they seem quite credible. The mid-engined car could be presented in October this year and released on the market come January 2010, according to Ferrari Chat.

So far, the new Ferrari would be called the F450 according to this forum, but other reports also have the moniker predicted as F470. Whatever the case, prudence is probably the best bet as we wait to see more news over the next few months.

At the exclusive ‘Ferrari Leggenda e Passione’ event on May 17, RM Auctions will present the 1957 Ferrari 250 TR.

Scaiglietti-designed, “pontoon-fender” 250 TR was produced from 1957-1958, only 22 units were produced. It is one of the rarest and most iconic Ferrari racing cars.

Between 1958-1961 Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races winning 10 of them. It is most desirable and cimpetitive racing Ferrari ever built.

RM Auctions expects that this Ferrari 250 TR will sell for over 11 million dollars (8.5 million Euros). Current world record for the most expensive vintage car ever to be sold at auction is also held by RM Auctions for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, which sold for $10,894,400 USD (€7,040,000 Euros). This record was set at least year’s Ferrari Leggenda e Passione, in Maranello, Italy on May 18, 2008.