Is Ferrari prepping a V8 Vantage fighter?
England's Autocar is reporting that Project California is a go and is the first sign of a post-Maserati life. The front-engined V-8 coupe and convertible would be priced around $150,000 and is based on the Maserati Spider and Coupé replacement that was canceled just before Alfa Romeo to control of Maserati in February. Of course the picture is just a computer-created guess, but the car itself seems very real. Should Ferrari break into the "mass" markets with more cars, or should they stay at their 5000 car-a-year limit?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kris 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I don't know that the jump to 8,000 cars per annum (as reported in the article) is going to drag the name down too much, but I really think that if Ferrari started selling tens-of-thousands of branded cars a year it would definitely hurt their image. I like Porsches, but I see them on a [nearly] daily basis and therefore don't drool over them like I do when I see the occasional Ferrari.
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Jon F. 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
As long as this increased output is supported with higher quality cars and better pre-production testing, I see this as a good thing. It'll be hard for them to differentiate their products though.
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akatsuki 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Honestly having a car at 150K will pretty much make Ferrarri ubiquitous and begin the cheapening of the brand. Then again with Bentley and Aston in that range, who is really left in the super-exotic level besides Bugatti with their over-the-top Veyron?
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Tom 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I don't see the logic in remaining exclusive.
I would love to get my hands on a Corvette. The fact the Chevrolet also makes cheap transportation for the unwashed masses does not diminish my desire or respect for the name.
People that choose their cars based on exclusivity rather than the merits of the car itself have self-esteem issues.
Ferrari could always play the name game like Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, and Nissan/Infinity if they want to play both sides of the fence.
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Digant Jariwala 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I see a Porsche almost everyday as well. Does not mean I covet it any less. Give me ANY Porsche over a Ferrari any day.
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J Zeke 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
theres no good answer to this question.
One thing IS certain, its all about the product. Ferrari's killer app is 4 wheeled pornography. This car has to remain drop-dead gorgeous and sexy relative to anything else at that price range.
One thing is also certain, it would have to be reliable and cheaper to maintain to be competitive. Theres alot of great choices at 150k.
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van 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Is it just me, or did this site:
http://www.sportcompactracing.com/2005/04/18/is-ferrari-prepping-a-v8-vantage-fighter/
steal your article?
But anyway, this car looks amazing! I didn't think the F430 could be improved on, but this is pretty damn snazzy.
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Will 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
It's a risk, but as long as they don't make an SUV I think they'll be fine.
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bob the builder 6:10PM (1/01/2006)
your daughter is so hot! i'd tap that shit
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