We know Ferrari is working on a hybrid sports car and we figured it would use the 3.9-litre biturbo V8 from the 488 with electrical assistance. However, a new video seems to hint at a revival of the Dino badge with the corresponding V6 engine.
It’s difficult to glean much from the video, with it being night and all, but at around 28 seconds in, you can hear the Ferrari’s engine kick into life as the test mule changes lanes. It’s hard to tell but it doesn’t sound entirely like a V8. That said, there could be new, more emissions-friendly exhaust technology being tested, muting the note.
Another hint to the Dino comeback is in the description of the video. It calls the car a Dino 488 Hybrid. While this is most likely just to get extra hits on the video, perhaps the uploader caught something the camera didn’t.
Ferrari is working on expanding its hybrid range, with plans to electrify both members of a “two tier mid-rear engine product range” by 2021. One of these will be the 488 successor so the other could be a V6 Dino? Ferrari did mention a new V6 architecture is being worked on when it revealed its 2018-2022 industrial plan, although it stopped short of issuing any further details. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Original article by Nile Bijoux at NZ Autocar