Dino discussions not on table at Ferrari – yet

FERRARI chairman Sergio Marchionne reportedly has said the return of the Dino name is almost a formality, but the Australian arm seems not to have received the memo.

When asked about Dino at the launch of the 488 GTB in Sydney, Ferrari Australasia president and CEO Herbert Appleroth said he did not comment on conjecture.

“Until I have to opportunity to see it on a product plan …” he said, before adding: “We don’t talk about future models.”Dino-branded cars were built by Ferrari between 1968 and 1976, with the name being reserved for cars with engines of fewer than 12 cylinders. Named after founder Enzo Ferrari’s son, the marque was designed not just to preserve the Ferrari name for premier models, but to compete with the likes of Porsche’s 911.

Mr Marchionne recently told UK magazine Autocar: “It is ‘when’, not ‘if’," in regards to the Dino name, adding that the car should not be considered an entry-level Ferrari.

A successor to the Dino would likely take on a two-door, mid-engined guise, and be powered by a cut-down 275-300kW V6 version of the 3.9-litre V8 that does duty in twin-turbo form aboard the 488 GTB.

The engine also appears in a naturally aspirated role in the $409,888 (before on-road costs) California T, Ferrari’s entry point to the brand and its best selling model of all time.

In this guise, the Dino would once again be aimed directly at Weissach’s venerable 911 range. Porsche is moving towards turbocharged flat-six engines in a bid to improve fuel economy and lower emissions, a move that might prompt Ferrari to take a similar strategy.

“The California T was an amazing addition to the stable,” said Mr Appleroth.

“People were surprised when we did that, and it’s been the most popular Ferrari of all time, and it’s been a great addition to the range.

“We look forward to any future Ferrari, whatever that may be.”