California is not really a Ferrari ?

There was some talk a while ago that part of the deal of Ferrari selling Maserati back to Fiat was that they got to keep the blue print of the jointly-developed GT, which the California appears to be. That being said I think the California is more Ferrari than Maserati or anything else (Alfa), so I'd expect it to perform in the after market as well as any other Ferrari would; in fact it will probably out perform the 612 in the devaluation stakes!

 

What do you think about the reports that Ferraris are really based on Fiats with shared parts, making it not a true Ferrari, and thus their value may not hold up (or even depreciate rapidly) like other cars ?

 

As long as it has the horsey on the back, and the SF shield on the fenders, I don't think that where some of the parts come from will be a concern.

now if the decide it needs the FIAT logo prominently displayed, they are in trouble.

DM

 

*cough*
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Well....based on a Maserati that was developed by Ferrari.....so really, still a Ferrari

 

There will be some who make the argument it's not a 'real Ferrari', but it has the badges, sold through the dealer, and will sell like hotcakes. Like it or not, the world will see this thing as a Ferrari. Many people will be overjoyed with getting their new Ferrari -- hairsplitters can keep debating on the internet...

 

Well, now that's a horse of a different color.

And last time I checked, they don't really hold their re-sale value either. If it costs $100MM to develop one, Probably $5-10MM to actually build one and they sell 'em used for a couple million, there's some pretty serious depreciation, eh?

DM

 

You have it all backwards. For the short time that Maserati was directly owned by Ferrari a significant amount of time was spent in developing the new Maseratis, at Ferrari R&D.
When you visit the Ferrari factory today you will see "Maserati" engines still being made alongside Ferrari engines and the paint shop still paints the current Masers.
This new car, even 'though it shares a chassis with the Maserati is very much a Ferrari - developed in house and built at Ferrari from Ferrari derived research.

The big gainer in this scenario is Maserati, which is really selling a Ferrari clothed in Maserati metal.

 

If they plopped a Mazda label on the front, I'd still want one

That thing is gorgeous.

 

I think except for specials like the Enzo, F is no longer building exotic cars

1 definition of exotic is rare, when you see 6 430s on every block in South Beach thats not exactly rare anymore

The Cali is probably a worse "investment" than a Camry as far as depreciation

 

You have the question backwards. Is any modern day Maserati a true Maserati?

Ferrari was put in charge to resurrect, design, build, sell, and service the Maserati brand.

I don't think Ferrari would place a Ferrari badge on a car that wan't a true Ferrari. And then name it after one of their legendary models?

 

The Dino wasn't a true Ferrari and enthusiasts still loved it to death. Unless Ferrari released a photo of a Fiero with some fancy body kit on, the California is 100% Ferrari. The Maserati GT is probably 40% Ferrari.

 

I think what Ferrari are trying to do here is throw some competition towards Aston Martin as well as Porsche and Audi. Its the niche they are filling with the Cali. The V8 Vantage as well as certain Mercedes and Porsches. Not to say these cars are "performance competition" but Ferrari are trying to take away sales IMO. Lets hope they don't hit the SUV segment.

The Cali is defiantly a Ferrari, just a smaller one. Anybody who has been to the car's web-site heard how quick the shifts were and its nice V8 sound.

She's a Ferrari in the same way the F430 is a Ferrari. Just with the motor in the front.




_J

 

Car and Driver reported that a possible downfall of the new model is that it will not be assembled at the Ferrari factory or somethign? maybe farmed out? Pinninfarina? I cant remember and the article is at home. does anyone remember what it said?

 

I remember that also, but didn't Ferrari used to have coachwork done outside of the factory years ago also? I do some issues with the fact that some people will associate the car as being a clone of the Alfa or Maser, much like the Camaro and Firebird were similar (not that I am comparing any of the Italians to the F Body GM cars, just using it as a point of reference).

 

I've heard that the California is built on the Maser GT frame. The Cali is bigger than it looks in photos.

 

If Ferrari outsource the production of the car to Toyota, perhaps the cars will become more reliable and less prone to spontaneously combust.

 

No. No matter the misinformation the current press keeps reporting, the California is based upon a platform that was being developed in the early 2000's for the (then) upcoming replacement of the Maser GranSport/Coupe/Spyder. After the split, this platform stayed with Ferrari. The GranTurismo is based upon a shortened QP platform. The GranTurismo was not intended by Maserati to be a replacement for the GranSport/Coupe/Spyder. Maserati Corporate has stated many times that Maserati will be a three model brand. The GS/Cpe/Spyder replacement platform will now be a collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

http://www.maseratinet.com/mas_news/ferrari_challenge.asp

 

it's built off a maserati platform, not even constructed at the main factory but out-sourced. it's not a real ferrari IMO.

 

I'm not disputing your comment but cannot find it in any of the information so far confirmed - where does this come from ?

As an aside aren't the frames for all the recent models etc outsourced to Alcan with some bodies outsourced to Scglietti ?

 

Ferrari is like an American mass producing manufacturer now. One platform, several cars (California, Alfa 8C, Maserati). What, did you want your Ferrari to be unique and special?

 

So basicly you are saying for future Ferraris to be unique and special, we need to start following the import ricer trend? Big bing bling rims, tinted windows, aftermarket spoilers, stickers, lower suspension, body kit and God forbid underbody neon kit? That would be depressing to see.

 

I think he is saying Ferrari is having to split R&D costs on some models due to the increasing amount of money needed to develop a new model.

 

Lessee,

Ferrari Red? Check.
Ferrari Motor? Check.
Ferrari Styling? Check.
Ferrari Badge? Check.
Ferrari Price Tag? Check.

I might be wrong, but I think it's a Ferrari.