New Ferrari V6 engine

Does anybody here know what the stage of development is on the all new Ferrari V6, the engine they started designing in collaboration with Maserati?

 

First timeI hear this, do you have any links or something to back this up? It sounds interresting.

 

That's news to me. I find it hard to believe that Ferrari would bother with a six, especially since Fiat has three other makes that already make six's.

I'm curious to hear the logic behind this.



Forza,


Cavallini

 

What I have heard so far (from a source who is usually very reliable), is that Ferrari were developing a new V6 in collaboration with Maserati, which could be used on the new Maserati GT Spyder and Coupe models from 2008 onwards. It would have about 380-400 bhp (which seems a lot to me to be honest).

The reason why I brought it up, is because there are now fresh rumours from a Spanish car magazine (I am not at all sure if they are credible), that Ferrari have contacted several external parties, including DC, VAG and BMW to see if they can supply an engine. It sounds like a load of rubbish to me...

The engine would also be used for the Dino, for which there is high demand in the USA. Would it not be easier though, and more historically correct, to chop a 612 engine in half, to make a 65 degree V6 with 2,874 cc, and then to increase the capacity? The engine would surely be an ideal base?

What are the views on this forum about the Dino - would a V6 even be the best solution, or would they be better using a V8?

The GM souced 'HF V6', as used on the Alfa 159 & Alfa Brera will be offered in a 408 bhp version later on with twin turbo's. I can't see any other sports application of this engine.

The old 'Arese V6', as used on the 156, 166 and 147 GTA, is no longer built - the factory has closed. The problem with the new HF V6, is that it is not ideal for a sportscar - it is more suited to a saloon, as it has a near unit bore to stroke ratio. The rev's drop slowly, and the low-end torque characteristic doesn't really give the driver the urge to play with the engine - in short, it is not an engine for a fun car.

 

I've also seen news of this in the UK in last months 'Autocar' magazine.
It was a supposed 'Baby Ferrari' or the 'Modern Dino'. However, according to the import and sales director for 'Ferrari Uk' as i heard in an AGM i attended last month, the car is not to be produced. It was a new Maserati that was in development that has now been abandoned due to the split of Ferrari and Maserati to form a sole Ferrari group, and a Alfa Romeo-Maserati group.
Shame really, looked to be a nice car!
Feel sorry for alll those dealers who invested in Maserati showrooms along with Ferrari showrooms, don't know what the situation is in the US anyway!

 

One the one hand, a $100,000 Ferrari would certainly sell extremely well, regardless of engine size.

But would it undermine Ferrari's top-end goals and would it undermine future growth from a resurgent Maserati, resurgent with the QP and Gransport, and the other Fiat makes, especially Alfa?

Furthermore, Ferrari is operating as maximum capacity as it is, with an impending IPO.

I predict this new car will be a Maserati once the corporate reshuffling is complete. The engine will probably come from Ferrari, however, to increase value, and will be used in Alfas and Ferraris.

Why go downmarket to GM or anyone else when you have one of the premier engine makers in the world in your house? Some of the Ferrari mystique would certainly enhance the image and sales of both Alfa and Maserati, especially if Alfa plans a return to the US.

Imagine how easy the sales pitch would be...."Yes, and the engine is by Ferrari."

Alfa and Maserati could kill two birds with one stone, and Ferrari could as well, by breathing down Porsche's neck without tarnishing the brand with a "cheap" Ferrari.


Your thoughts,


Cavallini

 

I remember seeing a TV show about the Ferrari factory, and it showed the assembly line with 612, 360's and Maserati's build together. How does this fit into production capacity? Maybe they can fit another model now that they've split.

 

I went to the factory in October 2004 and, as far as I could see, by opening a few of the closed doors on the production line, the only Maserati produced in the factory is the MC12 which was built along with the last of the Enzos (Behind closed screens) .This production line has no hydraulic lifts or anything, the cars were on skids etc. Obviously seperate lines for 'Team 8 Cylindri' and 'Team 12 Cylindri' as they call it.

Funny though, watching the MC12's come out of the end of the line with a sheet over them being towed by a little fork lift truck, shame the wind took it off, if only for a moment, would have made a great shot but had my camera and phone taken off me at the reception!

Also, guys, the 430 challenge is going to be awesome from what I've seen, rad looking machine, and sounding!

 

Maserati engines are already manufactured on the Ferrari site in their purpose built engine machining factory, they even forge their own blocks now - nothing is brought in.
All Maserati do is bolt on their gearboxes wether it be manual or 'CambioCorsa'. - But yeah, they go to the Maserati factory on a pallet where they do all their own testing etc.

 

An entry level Ferrari would be interesting and would surely sell well, but isn't that against the point? A Ferrari is supposed to be super-exclusive, and a brand-new $100,000 Ferrari wouldn't follow that. Why would Ferrari go to a V6 for the first time ever? (Note: the Dino wasn't really considered a Ferrari) If they want a new engine, why not chop two or four cylinders off the V12 to make a V10 or a new V8?

 

The Dino would be sold as a seperate brand - not a Ferrari. Some dealers in NA would actually prefer to have the Dino brand in their showrooms than Maserati...

For information on the Maserati factory (well, assembly point), you may find this links interesting:

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/autodelta/rimini/3103/3103.html

http://www.autodelta-tour.com/images/maserati_visit/maserati_visit_frame.htm

 

Ferrari already has an entry level car. Its called the F430.