We’ve lost count of the number of times rumors about a new entry-level Ferrari have surfaced, only to be shot down by company executives. Most recently, Ferrari General Manager Amedeo Felisa said there were absolutely no plans for a new model positioned below the F430. But again the rumors have surfaced, this time with AutoZeitung claiming the new model will arrive in three months.
This latest report from Germany makes no mention of the name “Dino,” which many publications have speculated would be revived for Ferrari’s rival to the Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8, and Porsche 911. Costing a bit over $100,000, the car would be Ferrari’s least expensive model by a significant margin.
If these rumors are to be believed, one possible explanation for Mr. Felisa’s comments at the Los Angeles auto show about no new “Dino” — which he mentioned by name — is that Ferrari will use a different name.
Frankfurt debut?
Most reports have indicated the the new low-cost Ferrari will arrive for the 2009 model year. AutoZeitung says the new car will first show its face at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, bug that vehicle would probably be billed as a concept.
Over the past two years, rumors have continued to circulate about the car. In October 2006, AutoWeek said the new “Dino” was “very much alive and in the early stage of development in partnership with Maserati.”
All of this comes despite vehement denial from Ferrari officials as often as rumors pop up. In 2006, Ferrari Deputy Managing Director Amedo Felisa said the idea had been shelved. In April of that year, Ferrari CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo also denied plans for a new, cheaper model.
Mystery car connection?
Given Ferrari’s continual rejection of these rumors, we’re far from convinced. However, recent photos showing a mystery Ferrari model under a car cover at the automaker’s headquarters should not be ignored.
Although the spies at Hidden Image claimed this car is the next-generation F430, we suspect it’s far too soon for Ferrari to have a finished prototype of a 2010 model. With that in mind, one can’t help but wonder if what we’re looking at is Ferrari’s new entry-level concept car.
06/21, 7:40 PM
posted by:
Brendino
heh. great picture.
i don’t see why the Ferrari execs would emphatically deny the rumors and then go back on it. doesn’t that make you look bad? in 2004 i believe the term was “flip-flop”
06/21, 7:40 PM
posted by:
Zo
Its coming sooner than I thought if they preview it in Sept…….cool.
06/21, 7:51 PM
posted by:
deantj
Something has to do battle with Porsche’s 928. Although the Dino is hallowed amongst the 50 and 60 year olds who were teens in its heyday, the 928 remains the hallowed nameplate for the 30 and 40 year olds. 100,000 bucks for an exotic is sounding reasonable. I might be able to swing one in a year or two…
06/21, 7:58 PM
posted by:
gtv6
It seems like they would want to keep the price above that of a maserati
06/21, 8:16 PM
posted by:
Wickedated
With the new Maserati Gran Turismo out, I’m sure Ferrari could slot a Dino in between the Gran Turismo and the F430 using the same chassis.
06/21, 8:40 PM
posted by:
Veda
When they have the ability to make manufacture more units then they’ll certainly make an entry level model though it’d still be above the competition in terms of pricing.
06/22, 1:40 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
The Dino was such a great Ferrari Enzo named it after his son. Will it live up to the name?
I’m sure it will, since Ferrari are some of the greatest automakers in the world.
06/22, 2:39 AM
posted by:
nickthaskater
The ‘Dino’ name had nothing to do with the car being ‘great’…
06/22, 2:58 AM
posted by:
fan
i think the one line about a ferrari official saying “no new dino” is the key to it… i guess they WILL make a car below the 430, but it wont be called “Dino”.
(this is close future)
Though, i think, they have plans for a car using the “Dino” nameplate… its too much of a great name AND history to not capitalize on it: Expect a car of that name priced about a nice Porsche Cayman sometime the mid of the next decade…
06/22, 7:54 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
The hard part for Ferrari is “tuning” down the performance so as not to get too close to the F430. You kow how most Porshce all perform around the same level…
06/22, 7:55 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
What also is interesting is what other models they bring out to fill up the Dino brand.
06/22, 8:34 AM
posted by:
angelo
Brendino, it’s different in marketing. Not too long ago (2004) BMW made fun of Mercedes-Benz for using superchargers on their carsand said that real great petrol motors were naturally aspirated… look at the 335 now.
The comment was made in reference to the S600 in a comparison to the 760iL; I think I read this on Motor Trend.
06/22, 9:13 AM
posted by:
Syrax
still think that the image is a F430CS.
06/22, 10:38 AM
posted by:
lyndon_h
An F car around 100k to 120k would be a pain in the ass, but good for the company. Could you imagine the “market adjustment” that dealers would charge for this car? I’m guessing the dealers will charge 160k for the car. There are just too many people that can afford a 100k car.
One good thing that may come of this is that Ferrari will be forced to improve the reliability of their cars. People that can afford to spend 225k dont need to care about reliability, but people that want a 100k sports car are used to comparitive reliabilty of Corvettes, Porches, BMWs and AMGs.
06/22, 10:54 AM
posted by:
SRT-4Ken
==========>>i still think tha the image is a 430CS…
06/22, 1:44 PM
posted by:
alucrowd
check this out : http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-2007-Ferrari-Dino-Concept-Design-by-Ugur-Sahin.htm
06/22, 2:25 PM
posted by:
LP640
Im with SRT-4Ken & Syrax that image is either an ordinary F360 with a cover over it or a variant of the F430. It should be a good rival to the Maser GranTrurismo
06/22, 3:52 PM
posted by:
Piablo
Hahahaha, I spoke too soon. So it IS another Dino rumor.
Let me repeat, there will be NO Dino. Ferrari didn’t make it to where it is by placating to plebians. There will be no $100K car. And for all the arm chair financial analysts, no, it would not be a wise move.
06/23, 4:55 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
ATTENTION ALL! IMPORTANT MESSAGE!
There will be NO NEW Ferrari Dino. Ferrari has given us a lighter, shorter Enzo concept called the millechile, weighing just 1 ton. There will also be a 430 CS, which won’t be as hardcore a the 360 CS, but featherweight nevertheless.
06/23, 4:56 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
Check out http://www.topgear.com for proof.
06/23, 8:04 AM
posted by:
Piablo
Nice find Aston. I think that’s enough proof…
06/24, 12:05 AM
posted by:
Renton
$140K++
If it exists.
06/24, 6:08 AM
posted by:
GBilbo070
That millichilli thing, fits the bill as it has a very narrow nose like the picture.
06/24, 6:25 PM
posted by:
Fiorano
THIS CAR IS LIKE SEX!
06/24, 6:48 PM
posted by:
A4
Ferrari should make a fast, lightweight 2-seater more akin to the F430 rather than the Maserati GT 2+2 segment. It should be fast, raucous, loud, raw, and pretty – Not heavy, luxurious, and serene. Think F430 (Elise, even) Ferrari, not 612 Scaglietti.
06/24, 6:49 PM
posted by:
A4
oh and obviously it should be in this 100,000-120,000 dollar price range
06/25, 9:29 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
I don’t know. Resurrecting the Dino badge would be the only way that Ferrari could increase its numbers (bar entering new markets, like China, India) without ’saturating’ the market with its cars.
Besides a CS Stradale wouldn’t need such an elaborate disguise.
06/25, 9:34 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
Also look at Ferrari’s rampant merchandising. Aren’t they opening some sort of theme park in the Middle East? They are in business to make money and a new brand would boost the numbers without devaluing the Ferrari’s exclusivity.
06/26, 7:12 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
Updated link on future ferrari models:
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1971/
06/26, 7:13 AM
posted by:
Aston Martin
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^CHECK THAT OUT BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTHS AND TYPE UP SOME RANDOM GARBAGE.
06/26, 8:19 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
As if the press never wrong and manufacturers never lie.
06/27, 8:30 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
No one will see this, but… just read that Lamborghini is placing the RS4 V-8 into the Gallardo as an entry level product. Wouldn’t Ferrari want to compete with that?
I say Dino is go.
06/27, 2:50 PM
posted by:
SRT-4Ken
========>>that does kinda makes some sense tho, meanpants555….