Despite official claims, wild Ferrari Dino speculation continues

At the Los Angeles auto show just over a week ago, Ferrari General Manager Amedeo Felisa said there were absolutely no plans for a new model positioned below the F430. Felisa even mentioned the much-rumored "Dino," by name, saying there was no such project.

Yet just this week a number of magazines have published what they claim are "exclusive" illustrations of how the 2010 Ferrari 420 Dino will look. Created by artist Poblete, the images have appeared in multiple auto mags, including AutoExpress and Winding Road.

In a report published today, AE claims Ferrari approved the Dino project in September. According to the magazine, the Italian sports car maker will build 3,500 to 5,000 Dinos annually. Apparently, the car will have a 4.2-liter V8 with 480 horsepower and pricing somewhere between Aston Martin's V8 Vantage and Porsche's 911 Turbo.

For now, we'll take Ferrari's official word over these rumors. Despite spy photos of mysterious F430 test mules, there is no proof a Dino is really in the works. Either way, it's nice to dream. [Poblete illustrations: Side View | Front View | 3/4 Front | Interior | 3/4 Rear].