Ferrari to make a 911, 570S rival by 2019

This is one segment that is seeing some serious competition in recent years. Porsche was the undisputed king for very long with its 911 series, but in recent years, Jaguar introduced its F-type, Mercedes has brought the AMG GT, and even McLaren has thrown their hat into the ring with the recently unveiled 570S. An entry-level sportscar, embodying everything you’d want in a track day tool combined with practical usage, seems to be essential in international markets as a taster for more expensive, faster, and more focused cars in every brand’s portfolio. Now, Motor Trend‘s Jonny Lieberman has been seen tweeting about Ferrari’s plan to produce and sell a new entry-level Prancing Horse by 2019. The Italian supercar maker hasn’t had a proper ‘entry-level model since the 1968 Dino.

HOT SCOOP: Ferrari has a TT V6 car coming, aimed at Porsche Turbo S, AMG GT, and McLaren 570S. $180K, 2019 #ferrari #dino #dinolives #NYIAS

— Jonny Lieberman (@mt_loverman) April 5, 2015

This juicy bit of news comes from a source within parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) but doesn’t give definitive plans for what will happen to the current entry-level Ferrari, the California T (pictured). The new 911 rival may be 4 years away but the timing is crucial and significant. The new twin-turbo V6 entry level Ferrari could effectively replace the California and be ready to launch by the time the 570S and AMG GT will be nearing mid-cycle refreshes, while Porsche’s 991 generation will nearing the closing of its cycle.

[caption id=”attachment_10316" align=”alignnone” width=”538"]

1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Berlinetta[/caption]

The likelihood of Ferrari coming out with a statement confirming the car is non-existent but there are a few hints as to the validity. There has been talk of a smaller, more affordable model at the Prancing Horse’s headquarters for a number of years now, with information and speculation being shared in various media at different points. With the recently unveiled twin-turbo V8 488 GTB, Ferrari has shown that they have followed in the ‘downsizing and turbocharging’ trend to maximise economy while reducing emissions. A twin-turbo V6 is a definite possibility in this sort of a scenario, especially considering Ferrari has designed the404bhp twin-turbocharged V6 found in the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte.

Of course, don’t expect any official announcements from Ferrari any time soon if the story indeed does ring true. However, there are a number of reasons that hint to its validity. Talk of a smaller, lower priced V6 Prancing Horse has pricked industry ears on multiple occasions over the past few years and, given Ferrari’s new push towards turbocharging, a twin-turbo six would complement the current V8 range well.