Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari
Officially Official: New Ferrari California exposed!
by Sam Abuelsamid on May 13th 2008 at 6:06AM 
Click on the Ferrari California for some wallpaper quality high-res shots
Just days after Ferrari launched the teaser site for its new GT, the first full images and details of the Ferrari California have been revealed. Even though the countdown timer on the teaser site still indicates there's a week to go before the next info reveal, the countdown itself is little more than a formality.
Like other modern Ferraris, this one is fabricated from aluminum to keep mass under control. The 460 hp 4.3L V8 is the first from Maranello to use direct injection while following the racing tradition of using a flat-plane crankshaft. This car of firsts also debuts the production application of a dual clutch gearbox from Ferrari. The 7-speed unit is mounted in a rear transaxle configuration and should provide smoother shifting and even better performance than the existing hydraulically-actuated units that Ferrari currently uses. Acceleration to 60 mph should come in under 4.0 seconds.
The California is also Ferrari's first retractable hardtop convertible. From the shape of the hood scoop and headlights to the sweep of the rear fenders and vents behind the front wheels this car obviously draws on the heritage of the original 1960s 250 GT California. At the same time, it's blended with modern Ferrari design elements drawn from the current F430 and 599. We're looking forward to seeing much more of this car over the months leading up to the Paris Motor Show! Thanks to Mobius and Ovidiu for the tip!
Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California
[Source: Ferrari]
PRESS RELEASE:
New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
f3rg 6:23AM (5/13/2008)
Remove the prancing horse and it'd almost be impossible to tell what brand of car it is. Next gen Miata? Front engined MR2? Or maybe the new Hyundai?
You could have done much better, Ferrari.
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PiCASSO 7:47AM (5/13/2008)
I agree... this car didn't provoke any "Ferrari" passion for me this morning. Perhaps it's the background and the angles of the pictures, but aside from the small cues like the taillights (which could be mistaken for Alfa Romeo) and a few others, this could be another regular OEM convertible.
jon 11:22AM (5/13/2008)
i disagree this thing has ferarri all over it, look at the hood, look at the curves on the sidelines, no miata or MR2 would look like this
xpolarx 12:35PM (5/13/2008)
It's definitely a Ferrari. The front and rear draw from the 250 GT California...both of which I think are executed pretty well. As for the sides...that's where it loses its flavor. The Z3 gills are lame, and the lines coming off of them seem out of place. I don't know...for an average car, I'd give it a 7 out of 10. For a Ferrari, I'll give it a 3.5 out of 10.
Benfolio 2:21PM (5/13/2008)
Ditch the euro inspired Mazda wheels and the IS-F tail pipes and we'll talk.
Fooman 4:41PM (5/13/2008)
What happens when a z4 has sex with a f430...
Ferrari had a chance to do something new again, and they failed epicly. This looks like a poormans f430. Why did they not do a fresh design, like the Dino? The 308? Simply this car is boring to me, sure I see so many Ferrari's that they no longer turn my head in OC, and this car is just more of the same.
I know retro is out... but what about some styling cues from the old 250gt cars? What is up with the character line extending back from the vent? And the trunk? what is up with the stacked look? looks like a tacked on lower valance under some venting.
Mobius_1 6:31AM (5/13/2008)
Unmistakably Italian. Can't wait for the Paris Show big reveal
So who wanted to help me rob a bank again?
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Quattrofan 9:54AM (5/13/2008)
Agreed. Absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, I only came here to see the comments from nitwits who were/are comparing this to a Corvette. Good laughs.
So you need a partner for that bank job, huh?
EJ25RUN 10:34AM (5/13/2008)
I just spent 25mins comparing a 1961 250 California with this one and im liking this car even more now. My favorite part is the transition from the rear quarter to the tail. It's Beautiful and says Ferrari to me. I would have one for sure. Last night i went to our dealer to look at the cars and seeing a F430, 599, 612, and the California will be an amazing view.
Franz 11:33AM (5/13/2008)
Looks very good. Kinda Alfa-esque in the rear, but that's definitely a good thing imo.
homunculus 11:42AM (5/13/2008)
Agreed, this is a very tasteful non-retro (you paying attention Americans?) update of a classic. If I were rich, this would be my Sunday driver. I'd like to see those side vents in metal though. I for one LOVE how the stacked exhausts look like the old chrome rear bumper--genius.
MikeofLA 12:35PM (5/13/2008)
I told you already, I'm in.
;)
Josh 4:51PM (5/13/2008)
Agreed - i really like the tail pipe design - very different (i know - IS-F wah wah wah, i still think it is unique and gives it personality)
I would like to see it with a roof up too...
Ferdinand 6:33AM (5/13/2008)
Retractable hard top only?
That's a deal killer for me. I would have bought this if it was availbe as a fixed-roof coupe.
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Zane 2:08PM (5/13/2008)
Buy an F430 Scuderia..
Cyx 6:35AM (5/13/2008)
Wow,elegant!It looks like a small-size 575M Superamerican in front view,in its rear view I feel much more pretty than the F430.
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Smeagle 6:41AM (5/13/2008)
That is just spectacular. Much more interesting than the 599 or 612 and much prettier than the 430 or Enzo. This will be my desktop for at least a week.
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John 6:57AM (5/13/2008)
I believe it will be an awesome sports car yet it sure does look like a maserati left over if there ever was one..
Technology like direct injection and the 7 speed dual clutch transmission make this a tour de force...
Still I want this over a 50 grand corvette convertible because?
(the DSG 7 speed tranny and thats about it)
Sorry but true..
This new ferrari will be a huge hit I'm sure.
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NT 7:06AM (5/13/2008)
No thanks. I would be embarrased to park this next to a 430 or 599.
Speaking of which, both of those cars have a lot more style and character to them. This screams diluted brand about as much as the Cayenne. Only available as a vert; somehow the California name seems all to relevant.
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NT 7:06AM (5/13/2008)
Oh wait, it is the Ferrari Boxter, never mind.