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Ferrari planning six-cylinder Dino revival?

Ferrari swore up and down when it was developing the California that it wouldn't be an "entry-level" model. Whether that ultimately proved to be the case or not is up for debate, but it seems that the Prancing Horse marque is now preparing to launch a properly more accessible model in the near future. According to Motor Trend, Maranello is working on a new six-cylinder sports car to serve as the point of entry for new customers – especially in China. Tax implications there could mean the V6 would displace less than 3.0 liters, but likely pack a pair of turbochargers to ensure that output and performance live up to the Ferrari standard. Tipped to arrive in 2019, the six-cylinder model could materialize as a revival of sorts of the Dino line. Named after Enzo Ferrari's first-born son, the Dino sub-brand used mostly six-cylinder engines to take on the Porsche 911 on and off the track. The Dino 206 GT emerged in 1968, evolved into the larger-displacement 246 the following year and ultimately gave way to the very different, eight-cylinder, four-seat 308 GT4 in 1973, later to be rebadged as a proper Ferrari once the Dino brand was put to rest in '76. It's worth noting that Ferrari developed the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 for the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte, which would presumably serve as the basis for the new entry-level Ferrari. Though FCA typically endeavors to keep its brands from competing directly with one another, Maserati is due to release a production version of the Alfieri sports car concept within the next couple of years, powered by that same engine, and could share its underpinnings with the Ferrari model in question. The six-cylinder Prancing Horse could carry a price tag of around $180,000 to take on the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Mercedes-AMG GT, Audi R8 and the Sports Series which McLaren just kicked off with its new entry-level 570S. Related Video: News Source: Motor TrendImage Credit: Newspress Ferrari Coupe Performance v6 ferrari dino

The Prancing IPO

Owning a Ferrari is something that a lot of car nuts hope to achieve. If you cringe every time you see some celebrity put massive rims on a 458, or paint an F430 neon purple, then you are the kind of person that appreciates what a Ferrari is. It's not a status symbol that will somehow make everyone love you and think you the most amazing person. Rather it is a medium with which to connect yourself to the history and heritage that exists in Modena. The sights, sounds, and smells of the car are worth more than any "thumbs up" you might get driving down the street. The exclusivity of the brand is one of the mechanisms that helps preserve that absolute care it takes to create a Ferrari. Now I don't own a Ferrari, but I appreciate that the Mr. Enzo Ferrari had a very significant part in molding car culture and motorsports. That tradition was carried on by a lot of people after Enzo himself. During my formative years that person was Luca Di Montezemolo. Every time he stepped in front of the camera in his distinctively Italian suit and shoes, I knew Ferrari was in good hands. Just the attitude he had made me feel safe that this very significant part of car culture was in safe hands. He could be giving an interview in Italian and without understanding a single word (well maybe one word, Ferrari) knew he was going to keep the Ferrari in Ferrari. Enter Sergio Marchionne. Now I am a huge Sergio fan. This guy is not your typical auto exec. His office isn't in the highest part of the tallest tower in Auburn Hills, and he doesn't wear a hand-crafted suit made of million thread count cloth. Not dogging in the man's style (his wardrobe is for sure worth more than mine and most others), but basically he is normal guy that doesn't conform to what might be considered the norm. He is his own man. On top of all that, he is a financial wizard. I was skeptical when he took over the reins at Ferrari only because he seemed to have so much on his plate to begin with. In the end I knew a car-guy, albeit one with a CPA/MBA, was in charge. So now when I heard he wanted to spin off Ferrari, I started trying to guess how long it was going to be before the geniuses of Wall Street started pushing Ferrari to pump volume. I saw a horrible future where there was now some entry-level Ferrari with a turbo-six, and four doors...just so every 30 yr-old analyst could flash their Ferrari key at the bar. Then I started thinking about another thing, the value. What is it worth?

Marchionne: FCA, but not Ferrari, interested in Formula E

It seems like automakers have been clamoring to get on board with Formula E lately. In just the last few weeks a number of manufacturers have either become more directly involved, or otherwise announced entry into the series in coming years. That includes Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, with the latter two abandoning other series to join the electric one. Now, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne says his company might join Formula E as well, according to Motorsport. Previously, Marchionne had toyed with the idea of bringing Ferrari into the Formula E field, but now says that would be unlikely. Instead, he thinks an FCA brand would be a better fit, perhaps Alfa Romeo or Maserati. At the moment, Maserati seems like the best fit, as Marchionne just announced that the brand would electrify its entire lineup after 2019, with each car it sells having either a hybrid or electric powertrain. Fans would probably be excited to see Maserati return to racing, and Formula E would be a good test laboratory for the development of electric propulsion technology. Still, another brand could represent FCA in Formula E, and apply the knowledge learned there to its vehicles, as Marchionne says half of the FCA fleet will be electrified by the end of the company's five-year plan ending in 2022. Marchionne said that while Ferrari won't be directly involved, he doesn't know which FCA brand – Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, or Maserati – would enter. As interesting as an electric Dodge race car would be, it seems unlikely, especially because of, well, Maserati. We're hoping it's Jeep, though. Related Video: News Source: MotorsportImage Credit: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images Green Alfa Romeo Ferrari Maserati Green Culture Electric Racing Vehicles Sergio Marchionne FCA Formula E