Understandably there's some considerable excitement at the new
Ferrari 488 GTB
. It replaces one of the greatest mid-engined Ferraris of all time, it's crammed with the latest tech and looks spectacular too.
Can we have smaller wheels please?
But the junior Ferrari now has 670hp. Which is quite a lot. At the turn of the millennium that car was a 360M with 400hp. So the news that Ferrari may resurrect the Dino badge for a c. 500hp V6 model, a lightweight sports car at similar money to a
California T
This is not an official confirmation, rather Autocar speculation based on a chat with new Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne. Apparently it is "not a question of it but when" the nameplate would return. Furthermore, it will not be introduced as a more affordable sub-brand like the original Dino; "it would be a wrong association to make Dino just a cheaper Ferrari" said Marchionne.
With a twin-turbo V6 already produced by Ferrari for Maserati, plus the need to reduce CO2, a version of that engine would seem the most likely powerplant for a Dino. If Ferrari sticks to its current goal of producing 7,000 cars, a V6 model would bring the fleet average down by taking a few sales.
While priced at a similar level to the California, any production Dino is likely to be a far less of a GT and more in keeping with the Ferrari sports car spirit. There's even a McLaren alternative to battle, plus the new Audi R8 and perhaps even the GT3 RS.
Anyway, these remain educated guesses for now. Once there's anything more we'll let you know. Of course any predictions (or wishes) for a junior Ferrari are gladly welcomed...