next gen cali T, a v6 for 180K

Ferrari has a fantastic, nearly unblemished reputation as a highly coveted super luxury brand, and I think it would be a huge mistake to do anything that might diminish that. Let Aston Martin, McLaren, and anyone else cater to the bang-for-the-buck crowd, but if I were in charge of Ferrari, they'd never make another car for less than $200k. I imagine Ferrari sees it this way too. They sell plenty of cars at $200k+, I don't see them being seriously threatened by the competition yet, and they're highly profitable. Why would they go down market?

 

Because the company itself is in the process of being looted by shareholders.

 

Totally agree with Petrol. Ferrari has done an excellent job of managing the brand, it's value and how it all translates into the retention of value for Ferrari owners. I have owned several Aston Martin's and, while they are beautiful cars, Aston has done just the opposite. Before I placed the order for my new Cali T I was shopping for a new 2014 Vanquish last November/December at the end of the model year. The sticker on them is $300K+ depending on options and I had an offer to buy a new 2014 Vanquish from O'Gara Coach for $219K!! In addition, they had about 10 of them on the lot. This would NEVER happen at Ferrari. There were two demos at Ferrari of Houston and I was lucky to get an April build date. The bottom line is that Ferrari does not have to sacrifice the exclusiveness of the brand with a less expensive car because they are the standard for the exotic vehicle market.

 

I suspect there won't be a lower cost California model,but rather a lower cost entry level sports car model. The 458 and F12 have really moved up in price and performance and this leaves some room below the 458 for another sports model. It is correct they will feel new pressure to show profits so this makes sense. Remember, this won't come on line for several years.

 

Isn't Ferrari profitable now? With a 12 to 24 month wait for a new car and the best resale values in the exotic market, they have to be making money. I have owned Aston Martins until recently ordering my Cali T and they have been bleeding money. Was close to buying a new 2014 Vanquish at the end of last year for $90 off sticker. This would be anathema to SF. Ferrari seems to own the market.

 

I agree and if you go to the 206/246 DINO section it is being called the new dino.. and if you think about it a mid engine small V6 similar to the original dino concept would be a great way to build the brand.... I hope that is what they do it would be sort of like the alfa 4c only on steroids and much better I love the idea..

 

I thought an entry level Ferrari was called a Maserati?

 

Ha ha ha

 

Personally, i would not think this would be a replacement for the Cali T, perhaps it is an additional model. The Cali T would certainly hold value as a V8 with 560hp against a V6 with 404.

 

Agreed. Two different cars entirely with two different types of buyer.

 

Perhaps. Pricing pressure would only occur if they begin to lose market share, which despite sub $50 oil, is unlikely. Who knows? Time will tell, but given the quality, consistency and mystique of the Ferrari marquee today, the likes of Aston, Porsche, Mclaren, Lambo, Jag, etc. haven't hurt their share thus far. I'm sure whatever Ferrari elects to do, it will set a new standard in any vehicle category and price range in which they choose to participate.

 

The volume of nearly new Ferraris on the secondhand market now is unprecedented and Ferrari doesn't make money on used car sales. Currently the California is more expensive than the top Mercedes SL, but some overlap could be very lucrative for Ferrari. I don't think it's likely, but wouldn't rule it out. They're leaving a lot of money on the table.

 

Totally agree, I have had several SLs, SLK and others, Ferrari Cali T, for me takes the SL out of the running. Yes its more money, but its a Ferrari. The part of the equation which keeps Mercedes on top is Customer Service, Loaner Cars, ease of Service etc. Ferrari can and seems to get away from not have the best in Customer Service but if Maserati Ghibli is going to go after Mercedes, they will need to step up their game.

 

True about customer service. The 7 year Ferrari maintenance plan is a step in the right direction. If you want to experience very poor customer service try owning an Aston Martin, especially in Houston. Our local AM dealer is awful.

 

I'm here in Houston and purchased a new V12 Vantage from them back in 2011. Never had and issues with the sales guys but the service department could never really get their act together. The Aston is sold now and about to get a 458.