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Ferrari 458 Prototype with V6 Turbo Engine Sound Spotted, Dino Successor Testing Already?

Why would Ferrari’s body specialists bother with crafting a pair of massive air intakes into the sides of a 458? This test mule is, most likely, high-octane fuel being added to the fire of the Dino revival rumors.
Ferrari Dino test mule 10 photos
Photo: Carpix
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The vehicle was recently spotted by out test photographers. The transformed 458 was followed closely by a 488 and the voices of the two engines weren’t anything alike. Instead, the expected Dino mule was closer to the soundtrack of a turbocharged V6.

Not only has the Dino revival been long rumored, but company officials recently discussed the possibility. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne went as far as saying that, if the project gets the green light, it will be engineered in a way that will allow it to be a proper Prancing Horse.

Perhaps Ferrari is referring to the California (not the T though), which many saw as the company’s entry-level model, but not 100 percent genuine.

Returning to the test car, with this being the first sighting of the mule, we should expect the first Dino prototypes to show up in about one year from now.

The complexity of the project

Ferrari’s V6 return has also been long rumored and with the company’s recent return to turbocharging to comply with future emission regulations means everything would make sense. After all, Ferrari does build incredible twin-turbo V6 hearts for both Maserati and Alfa Romeo (Giulia QV).

A modern-day Dino brings so many variables into Maranello’s equation. Aside from lowering Ferrari’s average emissions, such a car would also come with a price leading to a sales increase.

However, this is an area Ferrari approaches with great caution and has been the subject of internal debates over the past few years.

Ferrari must also move its troops so that the Dino doesn’t cannibalize Maerati - the Trident brand is working to develop two coupes. And while the range-topping Grand Turismo won’t have any market slice to share with the Dino, the smaller Alfieri poses a risk the Italians will have to eliminate.

Enzo Ferrari started using this designation for his cars after his elder son, Alfredo “Dino”, died of muscular dystrophy at an early age. The Dino models were originally envisioned as a Ferrari sub-brand, but the situation should be different this time around.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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