carmudgeons.com  

Go Back   carmudgeons.com > Automotive Forums > Car Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-07-2006, 12:40 PM   #1
IndyMike
Elected by grace
 
IndyMike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Carmudgeonly Ride: 11 1 M; 11 328iT; 22 M240ix
Location: Brickyard
Posts: 1,962
Ferrari 420 Dino













Tough call; the Dino, 911T or AM Vantage? Fortunately I won't have to make a choice until 2010.

Yes, the Dino is back!

These pictures show the new Ferrari 420 Dino, which our sources in Italy have confirmed will go on sale in 2010. Despite being conceived more than two years ago, the whole project only got the green light in September, and is scheduled to be unveiled at a major motor show in 2009.

Taking the latter part of its name from Enzo Ferrari’s son, our contacts are confident that the eventual title will be ‘420 Dino’, with the number referring to the V8 engine’s size.

Back in Italy, one fierce debate is still raging between Ferrari, Pininfarina – the car’s designer – and Ferrari’s owner, Fiat. While all indicators still lean toward the Dino being a coupé-cabriolet with a folding hard-top, some bosses would prefer to launch the entry-level model as a berlinetta hard-top GTB first, followed soon after by a targa GTS.

This would follow the trend set by the 246 Dino GT and GTS from 1968 and 1971, and the 308 GTB and GTS from 1975 and 1977.

Whatever is chosen, annual Dino production is figured to be anywhere between 3,500 and 5,000 cars, and Ferrari has actively sought partners to help lower and spread out the massive manufacturing costs. One company involved is aluminium specialist Alcoa, who will be making the spaceframe chassis in a new facility in Modena, Italy. The outer shell will be constructed from carbon fibre.

The new Dino started life as a Maserati in 2004. However, Ferrari’s then sister firm changed its plans, deciding to develop a luxurious Quattroporte-based coupé to rival the Mer¬cedes CL instead. So Ferrari adopted the chassis and technology for the Dino.

Unlike the classic original, the newcomer will get a front-mounted V8. The unit is expected to be an all-aluminum 90-degree 4.2-litre unit with around 480bhp.

Inside, the Dino will be the first Ferrari to get standard-fit satellite navigation. The cabin promises to be practical, and alongside the carbon fibre trim shown, an aluminium finish will also be available. Transmission options haven’t been confirmed, but the paddleshifters are likely to control an automated manual.

Aimed squarely at Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage, the Dino will be priced between £82,000 and £90,000. This will make the Ferrari badge more accessible, but will also leave room for the F430 to move upmarket. We can also reveal plans to give that model a 550bhp 5.0-litre V10 by the end of 2008. An all-new replacement for the F430 is also already on the drawing board, and is scheduled for 2010.
IndyMike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2006, 01:10 PM   #2
armaq
Jaded
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Carmudgeonly Ride: 1984 Schwinn Madison
Location: NYC
Posts: 532
Well, the original Dino was mid-engined, so I don't think this one will differ.

It looks like a Cayman because the PS was done based on one:

armaq is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2006, 01:11 PM   #3
FC
Solving problems
 
FC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,264
Quote:
Originally Posted by stuka View Post
Why does it look like a Caveman?


Though admitedly, a much sexier cayman.
FC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2006, 01:27 PM   #4
armaq
Jaded
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Carmudgeonly Ride: 1984 Schwinn Madison
Location: NYC
Posts: 532
What's interesting is that Ruf actually make a Cayman-based car that's inspired by the Dino.



A Ferrari-inspired Porsche, how ironic.
armaq is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Forums © 2003-2008, 'Mudgeon Enterprises - Site hosting by AYN & Associates, LLC