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Ferrari Spied Testing 488 Version Codenamed F142M M3, Is It the 488 "Speciale"?

Remember the LaFerrari Aperta that got spied through the Maranello factory gates last month, determining the automaker to come up with an official release a few hours later?
Ferrari "F142M M3" 488 Derivative Spied Inside Maranello Factory 4 photos
Photo: Youtube screenshot
Ferrari 488 "Speciale" prototypeFerrari 488 "Speciale" prototypeFerrari 488 "Speciale" prototype
Well, the V8 Prancing Horse spy video we have here isn't that kind of peek. While the supercar we see in this video has been caught inside the factory, the Italians have been careful enough to cover up most of the clues here.

Nevertheless, the "F142M M3" code visible inside the car points out to an upcoming 488 derivative, since the F142M is the internal code of the 488 GTB. Don't let the 458 base, or the Speciale wheels of this test mule trick you though, the automaker pulled a similar stunt when testing the "regular" 488.

The most likely conclusion seems to be that we're dealing with a test mule for the future 488 "Speciale". The quotes are here since the Prancing Horse changed the name of the track special supercar from one generation to another, with the 458 Speciale have been preceded by the 430 Scuderia and the 360 Challenge Stradale.

As for the turbocharged clues on the test car, the hefty air intakes sitting just aft of the doors speak for themselves. The front apron also includes a pair of side air intakes that are blocked out.

We'll turn to the soundtrack of the clip as a hint towards the V8 power of this Fezza. And if it seems like it's too early to talk about a 488 "Speciale", allow us to remind you that the 458 was retired early, with the 488 being just partially new. Factor in the early development stage of this prototype and the timing seems just right.

Marchettino, the car spotter who brought us this footage, claims one of the two Ferrari employees seen here told his colleague not to turn on the KERS system while the camera was off, but we'll have to wait for more info to arrive before discussing such a possibility. And we'll bring you extra details as soon as we get our keyboards on them.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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