The last time Ferrari built a V6-powered road car was way back in 1969, the year the Dino 246 was launched. Its immediate predecessor is the now-legendary Dino 206. Its 1967 arrival featured something no other Ferrari had at the time: a transversely-mounted V6 engine. The brand's mid-engined models, including today's F8 Tributo, can trace their ancestry directly back to the 206.

Last month's debut of the Ferrari 296 GTB was significant not only because of its plug-in hybrid powertrain but also the V6 combustion engine. While we wouldn't dare call the 296 GTB an "entry-level" Ferrari, the six cylinders it shares with the 206 and 246 might make some wonder whether it should have had the Dino name attached. There's a good reason why it didn't.

Autocar spoke to Ferrari's commercial boss, Enrico Galliera, and he clarified why the company didn't revive the name. "It's true, there are some similarities - mainly the engine. But the Dino didn't carry the Ferrari badge, because it was developed to attract new clients, to enter a new segment, and Ferrari accepted some compromises in terms of dimensions, space, performance and price."

Those who aren't familiar with their Ferrari history may be surprised to know the original Dino wasn't badged as a Ferrari for the reasons Galliera mentioned. Also, Enzo Ferrari was adamant at the time that any road car bearing his family name had to have a V12 or flat-12 engine.

Another critical thing to mention is that the 206 GT was the passion project of Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, Enzo's extremely talented son whose engineering career and life were tragically cut way too short due to muscular dystrophy at the age of 24. Some may argue a name is everything, but it's very clear the new 296 GTB carries the spirit of the original 206 like no other mid-engined model. Dino Ferrari pushed his father to try something new with the V6, mid-engined setup.

Despite his father's initial hesitation, the younger Ferrari was years ahead of his time and history has proven him right. It's truly a shame he's not around to see what's transpired.