German Car Zone

Despite rumors to the contrary, Ferrari has once again stated that it will never build a small car. In a published interview, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said that the company would focus on cars already within the model philosophy. More specifically, he stated that there would be no small car because it would mean a Ferrari with “less technology.”

Another topic Montezemolo touched upon in his interview with Auto Motor Und Sport magazine was the environment. Mainstream carmakers aren’t the only ones who take environmental issues seriously. Many sports car manufacturers are also interested in improving their mileage figures, partly because politicians may use them to set an example for everyone else with tax increases or even trying to force them out of business. The Italian company aims to reduce fuel consumption by 30-40% over the next five years by implementing a number of changes. The recent F430 Spider Bio Fuel concept car seen at the Detroit Auto Show gives us a clue about one of them: biofuels. But the real improvement in efficiency will come from lightweight technologies such as carbon fiber and aluminum.

The relaxed financial situation of Ferrari makes this huge investment possible. Total income grew 15% in 2007 up to €1.55b, and profits rose by 25% to €230m. Car sales also increased to 6,400 units, mainly due to the increase in million-and billion-aires in emerging markets like the Middle East and South Asia. This is causing a side effect: long waiting lists force clients go for other marques. Therefore, Ferrari will cut waiting lists to less than 18 months by increasing production to 8,000 units in three years.


Source: Motor Authority >> Ferrari: We will never build a small car

I remember when 4000 units was the production cap at Ferrari. Now they're over 6000, next up the magical 10K mark when Maserati, Aston-Martin, and Bentley all want to be or are currently at.

M

Yeah, I never got why the press keeps insisting Ferrari will make a cheaper model. Really, why should they make a model with lower margins when they can't make enough of the existing models. Which was not the case with Porsche or AM or Bentley or Lambo before they made their "lower" models.

What Ferrari really needs to do is give the 612 S a facelift and/or re-do to bring it inline with the rest of the family. The though of an ugly duckling Ferrari is just a disgrace.

M

Or stop making it. I mean seriously if you can afford a Ferrari and don't have a Land Rover, for the rare occasion you need the rear seats, jump off your penthouse!

Some section of the press has mentioned the idea of relaunching the Dino brand. Sure Ferrari might never build a small car, but they can still do it with a different brand name and get into the lower supercar segment dominated by the 911.

Even if they decide to go ahead with a cheaper model I can assure you that they will be gaguing their customers with overly expensive options.