Ferrari Biofuel ushers in new age

Ferrari has unveiled its attempt to get onto the eco-friendly bandwagon with the F430 Spider Biofuel.

Exhibitors at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit are coming in every colour as long as it is green this year, with manufacturers falling over themselves to demonstrate their eco-credentials.

Now even the famous Italian marquee has relented and offered its vision of what the future may look like.

The F430 Spider Biofuel has been adapted from the existing F430, but can be powered by a mix of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

Both the engine and central processor have been altered to allow the vehicle to run on E85 - an ecologically efficient fuel.

According to a statement from the company, development of the vehicle was assisted by technology from the company's Formula 1 operation - where cars must carry petrol mixed with around six per cent of biofuel.

It is hoped the vehicle will assist the company in reducing its total emissions output by 40 per cent by 2012.