RE: Ferrari hints at '149M Project' for Geneva
Monday 3rd February 2014
Last year's Geneva show saw Ferrari reveal the LaFerrari; it was always going to be fairly hard to match that in 2014. It is therefore ramping up the PR effort well in advance to garner plenty of interest for the latest Ferrari.
Four years in and its refresh time'149M Project' sounds a lot more cryptic than it actually is; the California has 'F149' as its product code and 'M' typically denotes 'modificato' or modified (see 550 Maranello to 575M Maranello). So a revised California would be the safe bet.
Handling Speciale a welcome option in 2012Since its introduction in 2010, the most significant tweak to the California has been the 30kg weight reduction and 30hp power boost in 2012. At the same time a Handling Speciale package was added to the extras list, a £4,320 option comprising faster magnetic dampers, stiffer springs and a quicker steering rack.
Ferrari hints at '149M Project' for Geneva
Well that sounds more interesting than California facelift, doesn't it?
Four years in and its refresh time
The rumours so far are all about the California's engine. It seems likely that either the 3.0-litre V6 or 3.8-litre V8 Ferrari builds for Maserati will feature in the California. In their most potent versions, the V6 makes 410hp and the V8 530hp. With the current car naturally aspirated car at 490hp, the turbocharged V8 would surely be the engine of choice. A California mule was spied testing last year giving us some hint of what it will sound like. A few F12-inspired styling tweaks seem almost certain too.
Handling Speciale a welcome option in 2012
As you've probably gathered already, we'll see the full 149M Project on February 12 prior to its Geneva show reveal. Following its debut, the 149M should reach UK customers in the summer.
Discussion
I'm looking forward to seeing the F149WSR ( with split rims )
( please note the sarcasm )
It's hard to get excited about a tuned/tweaked version of a current GT/cabrio.
Now if they came along with a whole new model like a new Dino or Mondial (something along the size of the Alfa 4C) then it'd be something to shout about.
Actually, imagine that! A 4C/Cayman sized "entry level" fezza.
Anyone out there got skills with photoshop and fancy giving a 4C the prancing horse treatment ?
( please note the sarcasm )
It's hard to get excited about a tuned/tweaked version of a current GT/cabrio.
Now if they came along with a whole new model like a new Dino or Mondial (something along the size of the Alfa 4C) then it'd be something to shout about.
Actually, imagine that! A 4C/Cayman sized "entry level" fezza.
Anyone out there got skills with photoshop and fancy giving a 4C the prancing horse treatment ?
Skater12 said:
I'm looking forward to seeing the F149WSR ( with split rims )
( please note the sarcasm )
It's hard to get excited about a tuned/tweaked version of a current GT/cabrio.
Now if they came along with a whole new model like a new Dino or Mondial (something along the size of the Alfa 4C) then it'd be something to shout about.
Actually, imagine that! A 4C/Cayman sized "entry level" fezza.
Anyone out there got skills with photoshop and fancy giving a 4C the prancing horse treatment ?
Thing is, it would never happen. Didn't Di Montezemolo announce last year that Ferrari are focusing on exclusivity?( please note the sarcasm )
It's hard to get excited about a tuned/tweaked version of a current GT/cabrio.
Now if they came along with a whole new model like a new Dino or Mondial (something along the size of the Alfa 4C) then it'd be something to shout about.
Actually, imagine that! A 4C/Cayman sized "entry level" fezza.
Anyone out there got skills with photoshop and fancy giving a 4C the prancing horse treatment ?
To be honest I'm fairly interested to see what they can do with the California. The rear always has always looked a little 'unfinished' in comparison with the rest of the car to my eye.
Right with you Skater12 on the Dino idea. I thought this as soon as the Alfa 4C was announced. Montezemolo's exclusivity issue needn't be a problem as the original Dino 246GT wasn't badged as a Ferrari and had an engine that was also used in the Fiat Dinos and Lancia Stratos, so there's a precedent, Mr President. Maybe they could squeeze that V6 in or keep the four cylinder, but with twin-charging - super and turbo - and make a few subtle styling tweaks to differentiate the Dino from the Alfa. With Dino 246 values rocketing ($473,000 recently), a new version would surely sell profitably.
aspirated said:
the California is the Ferrari for people who don't care about cars
What didn't you like about it? The general consensus from writeups always seem to favour it as a very competent all-rounder but if your experiences with the car differ it would definitely be an interesting read, not that I'd ever be able to afford one 
I know this may be off topic, but I remember reading something a few years ago that Ferrari where looking into building smaller lightweight cars. The rumour at the time was a modern entry level Dino...
Thinking about it, why would you damage a brand when you could produce such a car within the holding group to "test the market"?
I really do think this is what the Alfa 4c is all about..
what do you think?
Thinking about it, why would you damage a brand when you could produce such a car within the holding group to "test the market"?
I really do think this is what the Alfa 4c is all about..
what do you think?
928Elan said:
Right with you Skater12 on the Dino idea. I thought this as soon as the Alfa 4C was announced. Montezemolo's exclusivity issue needn't be a problem as the original Dino 246GT wasn't badged as a Ferrari and had an engine that was also used in the Fiat Dinos and Lancia Stratos, so there's a precedent, Mr President. Maybe they could squeeze that V6 in or keep the four cylinder, but with twin-charging - super and turbo - and make a few subtle styling tweaks to differentiate the Dino from the Alfa. With Dino 246 values rocketing ($473,000 recently), a new version would surely sell profitably.
Well the Dino idea is quite interesting - Ferrari has the knowledge and technology to make the car the Alfa 4C should have been (a proper match for the Cayman) or maybe a 911/F-Type/new Mercedes GT rivaling coupe.But a big no to that four cylinder idea of yours.
997s said:
I know this may be off topic, but I remember reading something a few years ago that Ferrari where looking into building smaller lightweight cars. The rumour at the time was a modern entry level Dino...
Thinking about it, why would you damage a brand when you could produce such a car within the holding group to "test the market"?
I really do think this is what the Alfa 4c is all about..
what do you think?
Well, if the Ferrari v6 would drop neatly into the 4C, there you have your modern Dino. Also, they could change the headlights when they change the badge and perhaps weave in some styling cues from the original. It definitely needs more chrome.Thinking about it, why would you damage a brand when you could produce such a car within the holding group to "test the market"?
I really do think this is what the Alfa 4c is all about..
what do you think?
smilo996 said:
The LaFerrari has yet to actually appear as a road car. So they could equally make that happen. HoweverFerrari's line up now is better than it has been for a long time. Fantastic looking cars that behave and don't.
The first LaFerraris were delivered to customers just before Christmas (one is already for sale in Germany). I don't think any have been delivered to the UK though.365daytonafan said:
The first LaFerraris were delivered to customers just before Christmas (one is already for sale in Germany). I don't think any have been delivered to the UK though.
I kind of hate myself for asking this - but if customer deliveries of one of the most daftly named cars in history have started, will we get to hear of a 'Ring time? I badly want the P1 to give the Ferrari a bloody nose.
GALLARDOGUY said:
365daytonafan said:
The first LaFerraris were delivered to customers just before Christmas (one is already for sale in Germany). I don't think any have been delivered to the UK though.
Do you have a source for this?http://jalopnik.com/is-this-the-first-laferrari-fo...
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/288gto-f40-f50-en...
Edited by 365daytonafan on Tuesday 4th February 14:58
Edited by 365daytonafan on Tuesday 4th February 15:01
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