New Ferrari Generation.
Dino V6 and FF gullwing star in new Ferrari generation.
► New Ferrari generation
► A redesigned Dino V6 will star
► Radical gullwing FF plans
A new wave of Ferrari sports cars are coming, with new chairman Sergio Marchionne having sanctioned a compact, mid-engined ‘Dino’ powered by an all-new V6 engine. The Dino will be the newcomer to the re-energised prancing horse stable, which will be built on an all-new components set and share a revamped engine line-up.
Having bent Fiat and Chrysler to his will, Marchionne will lose no time streamlining the complex and in places inefficient Maranello operation. Critical to this will be the new modular vehicle architecture, which will cater for all future models bar LaFerrari-style carbonfibre hypercars. This flexible architecture will continue Ferrari’s aluminium spaceframe approach, and will likely be introduced with the second-gen California in 2017.
Thanks to advanced bonding techniques and a cleverly re-engineered body in white, weight will come down by up to 200kg. The parts kit can accommodate six, eight and 12-cylinder engines, in a front- or mid-engined position; the electronic platform and suspension are pooled too. This so-called AFM kit not only helps cut development and purchasing costs, it also introduces a new level of production flexibility, and makes limited run specials easier to implement.
Meaner, more dynamic, radical cars planned
FXXK and 488 point the brand in an even sportier design direction – more radical and with track-focused aero. The 2017 California MkII will be significantly lower, meaner and more dynamic in appearance and character too. The best-selling Ferrari will retain its folding hardtop, which loses weight and stacks more efficiently. In addition to the turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, Marchionne may grow Ferrari’s reach with a less expensive California powered by the new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6.
The comeback of a six-cylinder Ferrari engine is the cornerstone of project Dino. In the wake of Lampredi’s straight-six, Jano’s first-generation V6 and Rocchi’s 2.0- and 2.4-litre V6 units, this will be the brand’s fourth six-pot effort and the first since 1974.
It might seem logical to arrange the cylinder banks of the V6 and V8 engines at a common 90deg angle, but research is also looking at an F1-style wide-angle 120deg V6 which would push down the centre of gravity. While Alfa has pegged its top-of-the-line V6 at 503bhp, Ferrari says that 600 horses are perfectly feasible – and that’s before adding the kick of electric assistance, or E-chargers to provide lag-free electric turbo boost.
The V6 Dino: performance
The V6 is made to measure for the Dino which, at around €185,000 (£131,000), will be anything but a cheap Ferrari. Pooled with the completely redesigned 488 replacement, the reborn Dino is a compact mid-engined two-seater which sits on a shortened and slightly narrower platform. It’s 120mm shorter, sports slimmer overhangs, a low roofline and various drag-cutting elements. Different lights, bumpers, wheels and doors further differentiate it from its V8 sibling. Those in the know claim that the V6 model, which may be badged 486, looks butch and aggressive rather than sleek and elegant like the original launched in 1965.
A Dino was blocked by ousted CEO Luca di Montezemolo, but Marchionne has said the baby Ferrari is not a matter of if but when. The new chief is looking for ways to expand the prancing horse range, while staying true to the brand’s sports cars ethos; an SUV is currently off limits.
According to suppliers, the Dino’s V6 will be available with 450 and 600bhp. The modified V8 would be rated at 680bhp, and at 720bhp for the 488 Challenge/Speciale. V8-engined cars may also get a 150bhp boost from an electric power pack. While E-chargers may well be standard on future turbo engines, plug-in hybrid variants also get a recuperation system, a high-performance battery pack and zero emissions running. A third, lighter option could be 35bhp mild hybrid assistance.
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Plans for the next flagship Ferrari are fluid
A lesser version of LaFerrari without E-pack has been discussed but not approved. Instead, the engineers are said to be preparing a secret model for the brand’s 70th anniversary in 2017. This project, referred to by some as LaFerrarina, is loosely based on the platform of its $1m-plus stablemate. It is allegedly less extreme in design and concept, with a greater production run of perhaps 1947 units. No word on whether this car would run the V12 or combine a turbocharged V8 with the next-generation E-power unit.
As for the front-engined V12 flagship, the Maranello decision-makers contemplated replacing it with a mid-engined V12 coupe/spyder, or adding such a two-seater as a fifth model line. A smaller frontal area and a mid-mounted engine’s superior dynamics would help directly compete with Lambo’s Aventador SV. But customer feedback told Ferrari to stick with the engine up front. Although turbocharging the V12 would easily yield 1000bhp and more, an eco-conscious faction favours a plug-in hybrid fusing a V8 with a boost battery, for prodigious grunt and 30-miles of electric-only range. Like its sister models, the next F12 is going to be an even more dramatic looking piece of kit – narrower, lower, shorter, a mix of muscle car and high-end GT.
Radical plans for FF
The 4wd FF wagon will evolve sooner rather than later. Next year’s facelift brings an entry level V8 edition and a redesigned rear end with a less upright tailgate, a sleeker roofline, new lights, and bumpers with sharper contours. 2020’s completely new Mk2 FF, which also uses the AFM matrix, breaks with tradition in more ways than one.
It’s again front-engined and four-wheel drive, but rumour has it that the V12 will be replaced by a more economical twin-turbo V8. There is talk of a stunning, revolutionary body design with full-length gullwing doors and no B-pillars: think Maurizio Gandini’s Bertone Marzal. Some kind of avantgarde door concept is a cert.
Again shaped by design maestro Flavio Manzoni, the silhouette should encompass a shorter-nose, longer-roof coupe with a mildly extended shortback rear. No, this is not the first four-door Ferrari – the 1980 Pinin concept takes that trophy. But it is the first four-seater from Maranello which treats all occupants with equal courtesy.
Ferrari: the new wave
- 2016 F12 GTO 800bhp F12 GTO (650 units only) already being privately showcased to customers
- 2017 California Mk2 Mk2 cabrio introduces new flexible aluminium platform
- 2018/19 Dino Compact two-seater with all-new V6 mounted amidships
- 2021 F12 replacement Still front-engined, but could adopt V8 hybrid power
- 2016 FF facelift Big changes include new rear end and V8 option
- 2017 LaFerrarina Less extreme and exclusive LaFerrari to mark brand’s 70th birthday
- 2020 FF Mk2 Still four seats and 4wd, but with stunning looks and innovative doors
- 2021/22 488 replacement Twinned with Dino, but running 680bhp V8