ENTER the 612 Scaglietti - the new 2+2 Ferrari which will go on sale in the UK next summer.

It is the first V12 Ferrri with all-aluminium chassis and body construction and the all new, 4.9 metre long car boasts a 196mph top speed.

Although lighter, it is longer, wider and taller than the 456M and its luggage capacity has been boosted by 25 per cent to 240 litres.

For the first time, Ferrari will make a 12-cylinder model with both the space-frame chassis and body panels in aluminium. Ferrari says the benefits of this construction method include a 60 per cent increase in structural rigidity and weight savings of 60kg compared to the current 456M GTA.

All the 612 models will be fitted with a six-speed mechanical gearbox with a choice of manual and F1-style paddle shifts. The F1A electro-hydraulic system, which has been created for the 612, is designed to deliver fast and ultra-smooth gear changes.

The car is named after the famous coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, who brought to life some of the most beautiful Ferrari models in the 1950s and 60s.

The new 612 features the scalloped sides that recall the famous 375 MM he created for Italian film director Roberto Rossellini as a gift to his then-wife, the film star Ingrid Bergman.

First deliveries of the 612 Scagilietti in Europe are scheduled for March 2004 with right-hand drive models for the UK anticipated from mid-2004. Prices will be announced later.