In the latest issue of Car magazine, Ferrari's deputy managing director Amedeo Felisa and Massimo Fumarola, the product development director, gave some insight to Ferrari's future...
So, will Ferrari expand?
Definitely not. Even though it will make more than 5000 cars this year, and is selling in ever increasing numbers like Russia and China, Ferrari must remain an exclusive brand. "Porsche is the benchmark because they have the best balance sheet in the world," admits product development director Massimo Fumarola. "we may increase volumes but only very slightly. Selling cars in more territories doesn't undermine exclusivity."
So no new Dino then?
Emphatically no. The possibility of a smaller, less expensive Ferrari has been looked at - especially as the current 'entry level' model is the 118,500 GBP F430 - but, says deputy managing director Amedeo Felisa, "It would destroy the entire model range and proposition. We think that the way things are configured now is correct, thought we want to bring down waiting lists to around 15 months."
Will the next Enzo be chasing the Bugatti Veron's mega output?
"What is power?" says Felisa. "Its a big discussion internally. Ferrari is about overall performance, not simply about the greatest horsepower. We wont just do big power for marketing purposes. We are looking at the possibility of smaller, more compact engines, and at supercharging. But a V12 will always head the range." Legislative changes and ever tightening emissions regulations have prompted Ferrari to investigate forced induction.
Has the Bugatti's 'dual shift gearbox' (DSG) sent Ferrari back to the drawing board?
"We are looking into it," says Fumarola. "We definitely believe that its the future. But it takes time to develop properly." Adds Felisa: "If you want the best balance between comfort and speed, then its the right way to go. It would fit with the character of the 612."
... cancellato il nuvo Dino ?