The Dino Returns

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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EL34 - 10/19/2006 3:30:58 PM

0 Boost

I love this car.

I don't have the money for one.

*cries*

Jacob - 10/19/2006 3:56:48 PM

+1 Boost

Thank god it isnt retro.

dsch_iter - 10/19/2006 4:08:30 PM

+1 Boost

See the conspiracy here? Entry-level priced Ferrari. The price is low enough for you to keep your hope high that someday, you, too, can own one, but you probably won't, ever...

I dream of 2.8L V8 Ferrari, like old days :-)

EL34 - 10/19/2006 4:21:11 PM

0 Boost

This is an entry level Ferrari?

Maybe I can afford a Dino. :)

Sauceboy01 - 10/19/2006 5:39:58 PM

+1 Boost

This was posted 3 weeks ago!!!

AUDIMAN4 - 10/19/2006 8:44:34 PM

0 Boost

HELL YEA! I will use my trust fund money to buy this car!

t_bone - 10/20/2006 1:13:14 AM

+2 Boost

I hope to hell that jealous people whose upper budget limit will be about half its asking price won't brand it falsely as a "poser" Ferrari. You know, the kind of people who buy sports sedans with "sport-manual" transmission and don't "get" the whole pure sportcar concept.

UPshift - 10/21/2006 2:14:10 AM

+2 Boost

Why does this topic keep turning up?

As I stated before, the idea of an entry level Ferrari at this level is just stupid. It would drag down the prestige of Ferrari. This needs to be an Alfa or even a Lancia, not a Ferrari.

The Dino name denoted a mid-engined V6 powered car, devoid of Ferrari script yet a memorial to Enzo's son. The name does not need to be resurrected.

tecnopolis - 10/21/2006 7:43:12 PM

+1 Boost

Bellisimo~!

NARunner - 10/22/2006 10:41:45 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that the Dino name should not be resurrected, but I do not think that an "entry level" model for ferrari will kill their exclusivity or their prestige, especially keeping production per year around 4000 units (which isn't much more than the F430 or 599GTB).

Also, consider that even with a planned base price below $150K (rumored), it will be highly unlikely to drive one off the showroom floor for that price (a la 360,430, superamerica, 575 barchetta, etc.)

People made similar arguments when the V8 Vantage and the Cayman S came out. The bottom line is supply and demand drives prestige and exclusivity...and if you are ferrari your demand will always be high and as long as you keep the supply low/moderate, the brand will stay highly regarded. If maranello starts cranking out 15000 of these bad boys a year, then I would be worried.

It's not like everyone on your block is going to be pulling a new ferrari into their garage in 2009.

austintyson - 10/23/2006 2:48:28 AM

+1 Boost

I think its a good idea for them to have this car. Why just keep making more expensive cars that fewer and fewer people can afford. Before to long they will price themselfs out of business.. ok maybe thats a long ways off. But why not have a car that people are not afraid to drive down the street.

austintyson - 10/23/2006 2:54:46 AM

+1 Boost

Oh but it needs a new name. I think this car doesn't need the pressure of the Name Dino.. and I don't think you could have another Ferrari named Dino. I think that name is on the car it needs to be on. Its part of Ferrari history and needs to stay there.