Report - Next Ferrari 458 launching at 2015 Geneva Motor Show with twin-turbo V8

Could produce nearly 666 bhp and 745 Nm of torque. 

Autocar reports that the upcoming Ferrari 458M (name not confirmed) will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and will be powered by a smaller engine that will output a whopping 666 bhp. At the moment, it's not confirmed whether the 458 M will altogether be a successor to the four year old Ferrari 458 with a new name, or a mild facelift with a new engine and platform, akin to the relationship between the first Lamborghini Gallardo and the Gallardo LP560-4.

Codenamed "142M", the next iteration of the critically acclaimed 458 will pack a new engine largely based on the 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo unit found under the California T. Thanks to the smaller displacement, Ferrari can now curb the heavy chinese taxes levied on bigger engines, which has affected sales of the 4.5-liter V8-powered 458 in one of their biggest markets.

However, reports suggest that Ferrari will retune the engine to produce 666 bhp and 745 Nm, which is significantly more than the rival it's targeting - the McLaren 650S. This is possible thanks to its high compression ratio of 12:1, larger turbos, and stronger yet lighter materials. It will also feature a new tech called "ion" knock detection system that automatically adjusts combustion conditions for each of the eight cylinders.

To handle the extra torque and power figures, Ferrari will have to revise their 7-Speed F1 dual-clutch Getrag gearbox with more robust materials, or an extra "8th" gear could also be added to the revised transmission package.

On the styling front, the 458M will feature an "evolutionary" design, and looking at Ferrari's track record, expect them to balance beauty with aerodynamic efficiency.

Competitors: Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 650S
Launch date in Europe: 2015

[Source - Autocar UK]