Plans for a face-lifted version of the Ferrari 599->ke395 was supposed to take shape in the next 18 months, but Ferrari->ke252’s latest model, the FF, has proven to be quite a hit. In fact, it's such a hit that the Italian automaker has dropped plans of a face-lifted version of the 599 in favor of a replacement model.

The soon-to-be successor of the Ferrari 599 will be derived from the FF and will boast of unquestioned performance numbers. For starters, we're talking a 700-horsepower, V12 engine plus top-level fuel efficiency. Other details surrounding the successor to the 599 include an aluminum frame that’s made up of around 20 different alloys to go with some composite panels. The supercar will also feature a multi-link rear axle with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle, a method that Ferrari has previously implemented on some of its past models, including the California->ke3183, the 458 Italia->ke3479, and the aforementioned FF.

In essence, the 599 successor is being prepared to be sportier, more powerful, and more track-oriented than the FF. Something tells us that this won’t be the last time we’re going to hear about the successor of the 599 before it makes its debut in the latter part of 2012.

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