Ferrari is preparing a new entry-level model that would compete with the Porsche 911 in both performance and price, and could even see the Dino name reintroduced. Ferrari is adamantly denying any such model, but insiders from parent company Fiat have mentioned that the car is in development and will be tied closely with the upcoming Maserati GT Coupe.
Key suppliers have also suggested that Ferrari will be building up to 4000 Dinos per year, with production tipped to start in 2009. Further, design work is likely being carried out by Pininfarina with input from former Ferrari design boss Frank Stephenson. As mentioned, the rear-drive Dino will share much in common with the new Maserati GT Coupe, which in turn is based on the current Maserati Quattroporte sedan. Also, the car was originally tipped to come with a folding metal roof, but it seems now that it will come as a coupe only, accoring to an AutoWeek report. We’ve had previous reports on the Dino (including the above rendering from Autobild), but the latest is the most detailed.
Extensive use of aluminum and carbon-fibre will keep overall weight down, while a new 400hp 4.0L V8 based on the Quattroporte’s 4.2L engine should give the Dino plenty of oomph. The partnership between the two Italian marques may see more models from each label sharing parts. There are rumours that the 540hp 5.5L V12 from the 612 Scaglietti could be used in the Quattroporte sedan to rival cars from BMW’s M division and AMG. The sharing of technology is a necessary evil for Ferrari if they’re to keep production costs low for the new car.
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