Ferrari ’s often-rumored entry-level “Dino” remains a topic of much debate, but it looks like another car — the F430 GT California — will probably become a reality. The discovery of a new trademark filing confirms a car by that name is in Ferrari’s game plan.
Rumors first broke about the F430 GT California last month, When Italiaspeed reported the car would debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. The 2+2 coupe-cabriolet is said to have a folding hardtop and the F430′s 4.3L V8 de-tuned to make 450 horsepower.
Price below the current F430, the GT California will help the automaker rival the Aston Martin Vantage, the report claimed.
While it’s impossible to know if the rumors are accurate, a recent trademark filing confirms Ferrari plans a car by this name. Ferrari applied for a U.S. trademark on “Ferrari GT California” back in December of 2006. The application was denied — for unknown reasons — but could be resolved as of now.
No “Dino” connection
One thing’s for sure — this car is not Ferrari’s next-generation “Dino.” Rumors suggest that car — if produced — will emerge as a completely separate model in 2009. The latest reports indicate it will use a 350 horsepower mid-mounted 3.5L V6. Spy photographers snapped photos of a possible Dino mule back in August, but there’s no way of knowing the test car’s true origins.
