Entry-level Ferrari rumors resurface: 430 GT California

[El Calor]

For the past few months, rumors have been circling that an all-new Ferrari Dino would bow sometime in the not-so-distant future and slot beneath the F430 as the "entry-level" Ferrari. Several spy photos have shown what is believed to be a Dino mule clad in the body of a 599 — the underlying platform is obviously narrower than the 599's — but definitive evidence has yet to be discovered and Ferrari officials adamantly deny that a Dino is in the works.

Confusion surrounding the "Dino" has only grown with auto publications from around the globe publishing conflicting reports. Germany's AutoZeitung even reported that we would see a concept version of the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Unfortunately, Frankfurt's final press day ended on September 12th without a Dino unveil.

But, just last week, we reported that Ferrari is developing a new 2+2 car powered by a front-mounted 4.3L V8 — to be unveiled early next year –that could actually be the car we have been referring to as the Dino.

Needless to say, the Ferrari Dino has remained a mystery and in the headlines thanks to a plethora of on-again off-again rumors, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.

This time Italiaspeed is reporting that Ferrari will unveil a 2+2 coupe-cabriolet with a folding hard-top roof at the Detroit Motor Show next January. Dubbed the 430 GT California, the car is reported to use the same F1 'Superfast' sequential-shift gearbox found in the F430 Scuderia, as well as a version of the Scuderia's direct-injection 4.3L V8 — albeit detuned to make 450 horsepower. A manual transmission is said to be optional.

It is also expected that the 430 GT California will be underpinned by a strengthened version of the F430's aluminum spaceframe. Look for the frame to be slightly stretched to accommodate the rear seats.

The 430 GT California is intended to take on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with pricing starting from €130,000 ($182,000).

However, Italiaspeed claims that the 430 GT California is not the "Dino" we thought it might be and that the actual Dino will emerge as a completely separate model in 2009. Italiaspeed also says the Dino will be a 2+2 car and will use a 350 horsepower mid-mounted 3.5L V6, listing for around €100,000 ($140,000).

Given the speculations surrounding both cars, its hard to buy into either rumor. Hopeful some questions will be answered at the Detroit Auto Show. Check back for updates on these very dynamic rumors.

Entry-level Ferrari rumors resurface: 430 GT California