Ferrari's management says it can't rule out possibility of a V6 in the near future

Saw this on another Ferrari Chat forum
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/09/ferrari-chief-reportedly-admits-v6-a-possibility/
Words from Ferrari's chief executive Amadeo Felisa:


Purists who've given up hope with Porsche amidst their sedan and SUV shenanigans aren't going to like this one bit. After all but completely phasing out even the option of a manual transmission in Ferrari road cars (in favor of robotized sequentials and dual-clutch gearboxes), Ferrari's management says it can't rule out the possibility of a V6 in the near future.

The quote comes from Ferrari's chief executive Amadeo Felisa, who said that while the prospect would have been entirely dismissed as recently as a year ago, today's climate – in terms of the environment and customer conscience – precludes its being ruled out now. The last time Ferrari built a V6 (also used in Fiats and Lancias) was with the Dino 246 (pictured above) that went out of production in over a quarter century ago. The Dino is, however, fondly remembered as a classic, despite its relatively small engine.

Felisa did, however, rule out the possibility of taking future Ferraris electric-only. The Maranello-based exotic automaker is presently working on a hybrid system.

 

I have no problems with the possibility of a V6 Ferrari, but it should be about the size of a Dino, be as much a drivers' car as a Dino, as beautiful as a Dino, and - especially if it's going to include Hybrid technology - significantly more powerful than a Dino.

Hell, if it's got six cylinders, let's even CALL it a Dino.

There are both modern and classic GTOs and Testarossas, why not revive the Dino name?

 

Long discussion already here since original publication last Tuesday

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=273542

 

I feel the same as Bradley. The new Ferraris are just too large. There was a time when I thought the Boxer and specially the Testarossa were big cars, but, parked next to a new Ferrari, they look small. The Porsches are just too big now too.

I'm not sure if there is a way around the size issue, what with side beams, airbags, and all, but Lotus does build a small car. Luca dM in his wisdom announced a year ago that Ferrari will never build a small car. I hope he reconsiders.

Andy

 

I'm considering getting a 360, and most folks recommend the 3-pedal version as opposed to the F1 gearbox if long-term ownership is being considered.

Today I was able to sit in a 360 and check out the clutch pedal effort. Then I drove home and compared it to the Dino 246. The latter seemed much lighter than the 360-- maybe half as heavy. However, in between I drove my friend's E-type Jag manual car, so maybe my memory was not so fresh.

Anyone else have occasion to drive a 360 manual car and recall how the clutch was?

Jim Oddie