Thanks to the folks over at WorldCarFans we have these photos to show you of a prototype version of the Ferrari F430′s replacement. Previous shots of the car featured a modified F430 body, but these are the first snaps of what is believed to be called the F450.

There isn’t much to see as Ferrari has done a great job masking the car’s true identity, but what is noticeable is the use of LED lights. The most surprising feature, however, can be found out back where a hole in the bumper reveals three (yes, three) exhaust pipes.

While the official unveiled of the F450 could happen as early as this September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, judging by the work Ferrari has left to do on the car it might not debut until the LA Auto Show in December, or three months later at the Geneva Auto Show in March, which is typically the show that would get such a prestigious launch.

GALLERY: Ferrari F450 Prototype

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Some of the first details to catch the eye are the LED daytime running lights which appear to be flowing upwards into the fenders as headlight extensions. They will prove to be a provocative talking point if they make it into production.

The F450 will have a V8 engine worth over 500hp (368kW) and is likely to be shown for the first time at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Czech website ChechFerrari.cz is claiming that the photo above (as well as several others) are of the upcoming Ferrari F450 – the successor the the F430. Presumably the cars are test vehicles used by governments to ensure all the parts pass certification.

Until now the only spy photos of the F450 that have appeared show a mostly F430-like design. These new photos show something that is considerably more modern, with plenty more hard lines and edges.

We still don’t know what the front and rear bumpers will look like, but the profile gives a definite idea of the shape.

And those doubting that these are in fact photos of a Ferrari just need to look at the interior and the engine.

CzechFerrari.cz also recently posted spy photos that it claimed are of a convertible version of the 599.

Ferrari is expected to debut the F450 at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

[Source: CzechFerrari]