Ferrari Dino News: Ferrari Says No-Go, Again

[YSSMAN]

I'm still not completely sure on Ferrari's intent with the car, as the rumor control for the Dino has been on full-swing for a few years now, Ferrari denying any development of any kind of sub-F430 for some time.

But, here we go...

Spy photographers have captured what could be the first proof that Ferrari is working on a new Dino. These pictures purportedly show a test mule of the new car, which became the subject of multiple rumors in recent weeks. Based on a F430 body, the test car doesn't give away anything about how the Dino will look, but it does seem to confirm development is underway.

The prototype's front fenders are a little wider and the side rocker panels are missing due to a different cooling system. It also looks like the area around gearbox and rear axle is slightly different. Another characteristic that identifies the test car as a mule for the Dino is its engine sound — spies say it was less sharp sounding than the a F430, and just plain different. Output is expected around 400 horsepower.

Spies also noticed both a BMW M6 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage going in and out at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, so it seems like they are the main target for the Dino as well as the legendary Porsche 911. While the F430 is about 160,000 euros, the Dino will start between 100,000 and 110,000 euros.

(MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE)

I think this is a fairly reasonable idea for Ferrari to pursue, assuming of course that the story is correct. A sub-F430 will open up more doors to Ferrari fans around the world, and will increase the Ferrari profit margin quite a bit. If they can push the car out the door for about $100-130K USD (based on suggest Euro pricing), it will be an instant success.

I could see the car locking directly on the likes of the R8, V8 Vantage, and 911 Carrera S. Great competition creates great cars (usually), and it will be interesting how Ferrari will attempt to play it off. Either way, it will probably be at least two years before we see them on the streets, and I think Ferrari is waiting to see how the R8 does internationally before anything solid happens.

 

[McLaren]

Looks to me Ferrari wants a piece of V8 Vantage/M6 price territory.

 

[YSSMAN]

If they want a piece, I'm all for it. Any steps to make a more affordable Ferrari is a good one, IMO. The question would be how easily it can be done, and if they would actually sell it as a "Dino" or as a true Ferrari.

I'd still be inclined to buy a Z06 or 911 for less than $100K, but if Ferrari can make a good-enough case, things should be interesting.

 

[harrytuttle]

I trust the people who saw it firsthand, but couldn't this just be the 430CS or some other variant? Or is that in works somewhere else?

 

[Omnis]

Does anyone think they should square off the outsides of those front air dams? I can't really tell the difference between it and the 430.

 

[Jay]

I can't really tell the difference between it and the 430.

Thats the point, it's supposed to be a test mule, so it looks like a 430 (disguise) but isn't underneath.

 

[YSSMAN]

...As the article points out, the engine simply sounds different. Not your regular F430 scream, concerto, etc.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Thats the point, it's supposed to be a test mule, so it looks like a 430 (disguise) but isn't underneath.

Clever 👍

Although I never liked the huge grills on the front there, or air intakes, not sure what they are or what it's called in English

 

[Philly]

Hmm, I wonder if this will have the luxuries of its competitors or if it will be a barebones racy car. Unless this has significant plush, I can't see this going up against the M6 ect.

Going below the 430 might give Ferrari the same effect as Hummer. The H2&3 have really degraded the Hummer image of excusivity. I dearly hope the same does not happen for Ferrari. (not quality, but if production is high, then owning a Ferrari will mean less, because so many others own one too.)

 

[CDailey]

But the "Dino" was made to be a more affordable, more accessible Ferrari. If a lot of people buy a Dino, that doesn't detract from the exclusivity of the higher range models.

 

[Dave A]

Yes it does, in exactley the same way the Porsche Boxster lowered the exclusivity of the Porsche 911 by making the brand overall less exclusive it has a knock on affect when it comes to the image of the cars above it, not always in a bad way I hasten to add, but there is an effect. Just because they are two seperate models, it doesn't mean one model can't in any way affect the exclusivity of the others. It very easilly can do, by affecting the exclusivity of the brand overall.

 

[harrytuttle]

Yes it does, in exactley the same way the Porsche Boxster lowered the exclusivity of the Porsche 911 by making the brand overall less exclusive it has a knock on affect when it comes to the image of the cars above it, not always in a bad way I hasten to add, but there is an effect. Just because they are two seperate models, it doesn't mean one model can't in any way affect the exclusivity of the others. It very easilly can do, by affecting the exclusivity of the brand overall.

Exactly. There haven't been this many Porsche's on the road in...well, ever. Another example is Lamborghini: adding the Gallardo dropped the image of the company down one entire level, to the point where Audi's R8 is a serious competitor. That simply shouldn't happen. This is not to say that the Gallardo (or Boxster, or upcoming Dino) are bad cars, but when you have a less-extreme and less-expensive model in any segment, it brings down the image by implying that the company is "selling out", or maybe not trying as hard, even if by just a little.

It's basically the opposite effect of a hot chick going bar-hopping with her ugly friend.

 

[McLaren]

I trust the people who saw it firsthand, but couldn't this just be the 430CS or some other variant? Or is that in works somewhere else?

No, the 430 CS is already in development.

 

[SagarisGTB]

I cant help thinking 208... even though the aim is completely different.

 

[YSSMAN]

...I really don't see this "Dino" taking that much away from the brand at all. The car will still command an exclusive price, the performance will continue to be top-notch, and it will still be rather rare by comparison to a 911 or V8 Vantage. Certainly the Boxster has watered down the image of Porsche to some extent, but I wouldn't go so far to say the same of the Gallardo (other than it being a performance disappointment). If they sell the "Dino" for $130K, have it perform similarly to a Porsche 911 Carrera S, push the "Ferrari Image" hard enough, and don't over-produce the models, they could be just as special as the Dinos of yore.

Ferrari wouldn't be developing the car if they saw it as something that could damage their reputation, I think that is pretty obvious with a company such as this. Worse comes to worse and a few more douche bags get to buy a Ferrari with Daddy's money, but that doesn't make the car any less of a Ferrari to regular folks like us now, does it?

 

[niky]

What about doing a full-on "Dino" and badging it as a "Dino" and not a "Ferrari"?

Heck, what about... gasp... four and six cylinder Dinos? Or even a small displacement V6 or V12 Dino, about the size of a Miata, as a homage to great Ferraris of the past... that'd be awesome.

 

[JohnBM01]

The older Dino (like in "OutRun 2006: Coast-to-Coast") is a wonderful car. Bringing back the Dino would be quite wonderful. Let it be known that I am one of the biggest fans of the F430. Ferrari made up for their Enzo styling with this beautiful F430 machine. Never hated anything about it. Not to mention it's raced by (Houston's own!) Risi Competizione. Sorry for the cheap plug ^_^.

Anyhow, the only difference between that car and this is obviously along the side skirts. It's design is like 80% Ferrari, 20% Lamborghini. Now if you go to the website to leftlanenews.com that YSSMAN posted, you'll see a car that looks more like a rendering of what Ferrari is likely going for. This one is the left picture on the first row at < http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/11/01/spied-proof-ferrari-is-working-on-a-new-dino/#more-4343 >. That rendering looks like something in the mold of the 612 Scaglietti. Only thing I don't like about the (even though it's a rendering) deal is that it has some extra grills on the corners of the front bumper. I don't like them too much.

It's surely something to stay tuned to about.

 

[Omnis]

Thats the point, it's supposed to be a test mule, so it looks like a 430 (disguise) but isn't underneath.

Oh, duh. My mistake.

 

[usedHONDA]

Pocket change. Or get a Terrossa for 60K on eBay

 

[SagarisGTB]

What about doing a full-on "Dino" and badging it as a "Dino" and not a "Ferrari"?

I doubt Ferrari would do that. "Dino" doesnt sell like "Ferrari" does. Though it makes some sence. While the F430 is still true to its roots in basic concept, it has evolved greatly from the 206 and 246. I dont mean not having a V6, but being larger and expensive. Ad a 400hp V8 (or atleast more than 170hp) and alot of parts from the 430 into a smaller package and a 120-130k euro price tag(it wont be 100k-110k), and youve got a money maker. Cant wait to see how it looks.

Pocket change. Or get a Terrossa for 60K on eBay

Thats alot of money for a vacuum cleaner.

 

[YSSMAN]

If Ferrari was to build a true "Dino" I'd say that would be pretty cool. Let Ferrari work their magic fingers on an Alfa V6 lump, strap it to the F1 transmission, and strip her down to the bare essentials.

...Or they could get really cool and bring back the Lancia Stratos like the rumors pointed to about a year ago...

 

[harrytuttle]

I true Dino is something I would strongly consider buying. Mid-engined, V6, lighweight...I'm all over that. I can live with it not being a real Ferrari, but it feels disingenuous if it actually has the prancing horse on the front. The four letters "Dino" seem much more appropriate...especially since they're resurrecting the brand to begin with.

It has to be mid-engined for me. Ferrari GT's are front-engined; their sports cars should be mid-engined. My purist opinion, of course, but a front-engined V6 Ferrari/Dino removes an entire layer of "special" from the car.

 

[TheCracker]

Exactly. There haven't been this many Porsche's on the road in...well, ever. Another example is Lamborghini: adding the Gallardo dropped the image of the company down one entire level, to the point where Audi's R8 is a serious competitor. That simply shouldn't happen. This is not to say that the Gallardo (or Boxster, or upcoming Dino) are bad cars, but when you have a less-extreme and less-expensive model in any segment, it brings down the image by implying that the company is "selling out", or maybe not trying as hard, even if by just a little.

It's basically the opposite effect of a hot chick going bar-hopping with her ugly friend.

Did the Porsche 912, 914, 924, 944 or 968 dilute the Porsche brand?

Did the Lambo Urraco, Jalpa or Silhouette dilute the Lamborghini brand?

No. Porsche have always had a lower model than the 911 which have also sold by the bucket load without effecting the image or sales of the 911. The smaller/cheaper Lambos never effected the sales of their top models, even though they were generally rubbish and sold in small numbers.

Ferrari already have a Dino replacement anyway - the F430.

Just as the original 206 and 246 Dinos were superseded by the 308 Dino and 308 GTB/S. The 308 was replaced by the 328, the 328 by the 348, the 348 by the 355, the 355 by the 360 and the 360 by the F430. This lineage has always been Ferrari's cheapest model.

 

[harrytuttle]

I just want to preface this with the fact that I really liked the Dino, and all the "lesser" Porsche's.

Did the Porsche 912, 914, 924, 944 or 968 dilute the Porsche brand?

No, but the Boxster definitely did. Before the Boxster, the 911 did not sell in significant numbers, mostly due to it's inconsistent handling (in the hands of the untrained). Cars like the 924 (all of which also failed to sell in large numbers) kept things alive so the 911 could evolve beyond the 964 series. In fact, the Boxster has often been referred to as the car that saved Porsche. Okay, that's not entirely true, but it completely changed things for Porsche. Prior to the 986 project, the non-911 cars had little resemblance to the 911 itself. The Boxster not only resembled the 996 911, but shared many components, not to mention a similar layout (albiet mid- rather than rear-engined), similar engine design.... It was almost literally a watered-down 911, far more accessible to the masses (including the untrained). Right on the heels of that, 996 sales went through the roof. That is the definition of "diluted".

Did the Lambo Urraco, Jalpa or Silhouette dilute the Lamborghini brand?

No, they were too far off the map to be considered of any influence, good or bad. If anything, they diluted Lamborghini's funding.

Ferrari already have a Dino replacement anyway - the F430.

Just as the original 206 and 246 Dinos were superseded by the 308 Dino and 308 GTB/S. The 308 was replaced by the 328, the 328 by the 348, the 348 by the 355, the 355 by the 360 and the 360 by the F430. This lineage has always been Ferrari's cheapest model.

Unfortunately, this is where you're mistaken, and the answer is glaringly obvious. While the 206/246 is the direct ancestor of the 430, it was officially a Dino, but unofficially a Ferrari. The 328 was officially a Ferrari, and nicknamed a Dino. The difference is in the Dino itself: Enzo would not name a V6-engined car a Ferrari, let alone one powered by a Fiat (non-Ferrari) engine. The evidence is right in front of every Dino:

206/246/early 308:

Everything else:

This was specifically done so as not to confuse the two, and to possibly create a "second line of vehicles that would let the Italian manufacturer compete against such lowly marques as Jaguar, Mercedes and Porsche." This is the definition of preventing dilution.

 

[SagarisGTB]

You know your facts, but there is nothing here to demonstrate that Ferrari is reviving the "Dino" brand. As far as I know, Ferrari has said nothing and LeftLaneNews is speculating/reading rumors.

We know its a sub-F430 car being developped in Maranello. Im guessing a V8 powered car to fit under the F430 in Ferrari's line, with the Dino name attached to it somehow, though still a Ferrari. Its not a revived 206 or 246, though it may take cues from them.

And it still makes me think 208...

 

[YSSMAN]

...Every time someone brings this up with Ferrari themselves they usually deny it. So you aren't going to get anything out of them...

But given the photos, you can draw two conclusions:

1) Ferrari is building a modified version of the F430 that isn't the CS version, or they are updating it

2) Given the reports of a more subtle exhaust and the stripped-down nature of the car, it could be the Dino we've all been hearing about

...I'd take option 2 for $3000, Bob...

 

[SagarisGTB]

Well, its obviously a sub-430 model. nobody was debating that.

I think you missed my point. Im saying there has been nothing to show me this car will be badged a Dino or have a V6. Unless you could enlighten me otherwise...

 

[harrytuttle]

I think you missed my point. Im saying there has been nothing to show me this car will be badged a Dino or have a V6. Unless you could enlighten me otherwise...

I don't think Ferrari would be coy about anything Dino-related, and then turn around and put a "Dino" badge on the front of their 430-based test mule. If they go with a V6 (Alfa's 3.2L V6 from the 147GTA?), then I would expect them to resurrect Dino, at least as a model name, if not as a sub-brand. If this 430 mule had a smaller V8, then I would put money on it being 100% Ferrari.

 

[YSSMAN]

I believe the engine in question is technically a GM mill, part of the "Alloytec" or "High-Feature" family. We don't have the 3.2L unit here in the US, but we will when Alfa hits our shores. Having "only" 255 BHP, I would hope Ferrari works some magic to squeeze out more power, or goes with the Cadillac 3.6L DI version (in the works) with around 300 BHP.

 

[niky]

Alfa's gorgeous V6 in a Ferrari... finally in the right position in the car?

I still like my idea of a "Dino" brand, targetted more at the low-end Porsche market, but still retaining a higher price and exclusivity than the Porsche.