Shared Ferrari Platforms

It sounds like a step in the wrong direction but I will reserve judgement until I see the cars that come out of the factory after this move.

They have too much talent at Ferrari to make something that would embarrass the company. It almost feels like some want Ferrari to fail...

 

"Shared platforms" are already deluding McLaren. It doesn't take a genius to see where this is going.

 

Sadly the wast majority of them do not...

 

Mclaren's offerings are getting better and better IMO not worse, even with shared platforms.

 

The article does not say much. A shared platform is not as if they used the same ladder frame to use under 8 body styles. Basically they will spin one oftheother. Is the Gallardo any less of a car than the R8. They can also lengthen or shorten the wheel base as in 2002 Thunderbird/ Lincoln LS /Jaguar X / DEW 98 platform.

The process saves engineering costs to develop new models and saves starting every thing from scratch.

 

I question the veracity of the article regarding sharing platforms for mid and front engine cars. That seems like a totally unworkable idea.

Ferrari has been sharing "platforms" since 1947. Cars like the 330GTC and 275GTB have distinct personalities but have a lot similarity under the skin. The same with Daytona/GTC, 456/550, 612/599, and today with the FF/F12. Ferrari has also long shared engines and engine architectures. The Enzo motor was used in the 599 and then updated and used with variations in the LaF, F12, and FF.

All that said, I don't trust SM either, and pray that Ferrari is allowed to preserve a unique identity for itself and its individual products.

 

Funny thing is, while this also conserves parts between the models like with Porsche, I don't see it reducing parts prices one cent despite the part being produced in greater numbers. Ferrari pricing will still be the same for the out of warranty buyer.

 

Good point. We will have to wait and see.

 

The biggest potential savings in shared platforms comes from an increased number of models and an increased production volume.
Ferrari is being positioned for a post IPO sale to either an existing volume manufacturer or to a venture capital outfit.

We'll be talking about "Luca Era" cars and their appreciating value before long.

 

I don't disagree that the Mac "platforms" are getting "better and better".

That doesn't mean a new clean sheet design wouldn't be better or more purposeful for each.

Any time you "share" a platform you have compromise. Compromise to means to me "less".

 

No, I think it the biggest potential comes from reduced R and D, tooling costs, and parts costs to bring out a new model. Ferrari (ummmm... Sergio the Accountant) wants to spend less on tooling and R and D to put new models on the market.

Sharing is sharing. Spend money on one model and get the next at half price, even if a clean sheet solution would be better.

 

Aren't we past the point of "better" sports cars? They're all so good with most of their performance that can't be used on the streets. How much "worse" will they be with a shared platform? Would we all die if the Dino only had F430 performance?

BTW finally saw a 4C in real life. Damn it looks good in 3D!

 

True but the savings are multiplied with a bigger range.
Even if Sergio has no intention of producing more cars he's positioning it for new owners who do.

 

Every single car that has been produced by Ferrari is a compromise to one degree or another, forced upon them by a multitude of factors, even with a 'clean sheet design.'

A shared platform would be no different. If they still produce great cars then both Sergio wins as will the future customers.

 

Mclaren doesn't just only use the same platform, they only ever made one car but in different guises.
I'm more worried of how Ferrari seem to be giving the same style to all cars, and changing very little in between successors, VW way. Where is the creativity gone? Has it left with Pininfarina?

 

Sorry, but that does not make any sense.

Why would he want to "destroy" Ferrari?

And how would doing that save Chrysler?

 

The IPO is designed to pull cash out of Ferrari to buy Fiat time.

 

the shared platform might be an easy way to introduce a V12 production mid engine model.. could be pretty cool car... if the FF goes V8 then have a Front engine V12 like the F12 and a mid engine sports car , then the mid engine V8 like the 488 and the front engine california and FF, then the mid engine V6 (dino..)
sounds like a lot of potential don't need to build all the models all the time but nice way to always have something fresh....

 

True and wise words my friend...............