The upcoming Ferrari California:brand insult or logical addition?

[Auto Purveyor]

Hey Speed Freaks,

Once upon a time, Enzo Ferrari refused to sell anything without a 12-cylinder motor under the hood. In fact, he created a whole new brand when a 6 or 8 cylinder engine was used [Dino]. Fast forward to the present where Ferrari is readying another "entry" level model that, for the first time, places a V8 upfront. How about a Team Speed member poll on the matter.

The upcoming Ferrari California...

- Can't Wait

- Enzo would hate it

[lager99]

Logical...gone are the times when you built cars out of strictly passion. If you don't make a profit, you won't exist. This has a market.

[TTM0TION]

unfortunately the above is true

[jox]

While I don't think the California does much in way of insulting the brand - they seem to be trying really hard to destroy the brand with many other insanely idiotic things. Perfumes, Ferrari branded Acer computers etc. Shesh.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by jox

While I don't think the California does much in way of insulting the brand - they seem to be trying really hard to destroy the brand with many other insanely idiotic things. Perfumes, Ferrari branded Acer computers etc. Shesh.

Don't forget the Ferrari Segway

[Dave S]

I think that they could start making Dino cars again, competing with 911's etc. But I wonder if the Dino marque wouldn't be too closely connected to Ferrari, hence, people won't see it as separate brands.
Jox got a good point, in fact it sums up Ferrari's problem.
I was in Venice last week and stumbled across a Ferrari store. They sold everything from Ferrari socks and baby clothes to memorabilia (old engine parts from F1 cars). Everything, off course, to a ridiculously high price. The feeling you got wasn't exclusive Italian car manufacturer, it was tourist souvenirs sold at the highest possible price. The merchandising opportunities of a recognizable and enticing brand as Ferrari are endless, the problem is that you're destroying the brand a bit with every single perfume, fake cf pen, tie or stuffed animal you sell.

Ferrari should stick to making sport cars. Hell, I doubt they could mess up their trade mark by making a smaller, more affordable Ferrari as much as they destroy it by selling Ferrari diaphragms or teddy bears.
Porsche got it more right with Porsche design. Still using one of the brand's strong sides, the design. Then broadening the span from cars to watches appliances etc while still remaining nice, classy products that aren't sold en masse.