Paris 2008: Ferrari California in the flesh
by Noah Joseph on Oct 2nd 2008 at 12:59PM 
Click either image to view the Ferrari California live in high resolution
It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new sportscar. And when it does, it's almost invariably billed as a successor to the one that came before, or a version of something already on the market. But the Ferrari California is an entirely different beast, expanding the Prancing Horse's line-up into a new segment, and it certainly looks the part when viewed up close. We'll have to reserve our judgment for the time being on the California's driving dynamics, but the Italians promise it'll keep up its end and then some with its new direct-inject, 460-hp version of the company's 4.3L V8. In the meantime, today was a big day for Ferrari, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Click the thumbnails below to see for yourself.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jrejre 1:05PM (10/02/2008)
I like it.
Reply
JAZ 3:14PM (10/02/2008)
I hears it wasn't going to be good, but I have got to say this thing is absolutely amazing especially in red.
Stumpy 1:05PM (10/02/2008)
I like it, I don't care what anyone else says...
Reply
Allan 1:12PM (10/02/2008)
I'll second that... I've seen a lot of comments on the other posts for this about how many people don't like this.
I think it's pretty hot. Kind of like someone put a 599 in the microwave and cut the top off.
garlinski 1:13PM (10/02/2008)
That's one sexy Ferrari... not that any Ferrari isn't sexy... this one's got a little extra sex appeal...
Reply
Chris 1:15PM (10/02/2008)
It's not bad looking, it'll take a little getting used to, not as beautiful as a 599 GTB Fiorano though.
Reply
Gregg W. Smith 1:22PM (10/02/2008)
I wonder if it is related to the Alfa roadster? Could be from the same platform. It seems similar in size and the engine used as well.
Reply
zamafir 6:13PM (10/02/2008)
yup, same as the 8c, cost cutting and tacky patches ftw. I don't care for it or the lexus fail pipes one bit, but like the current crap crop of BMWs, it'll trade based on it's name. Just like the ferrari branded coffee makers et-al.
Farris 1:26PM (10/02/2008)
I'm actually not a fan of the looks of this Ferrari.
To me it just looks too little. Almost like it doesn't have any presence. The first picture on this post is really the first picture that I've seen that gives me a good way to describe what I mean:
It aaalllmmmooosssttt looks like someone put the front of a 430 in a huge vise and squeezed it... headlights got bent up, "mouth" got squished, and some creases formed on the hood.
I do like the fact that the taillights wrap up and over the top of the rear decklid, but overall it's just not an "OMG I lust after that car" sort of car... which a Ferrari should be, IMHO.
(Actually, this whole post is IMHO)
Reply
Preus 1:28PM (10/02/2008)
I don't agree. I think, that this is a disaster looking at design. The front headlights isn't 'Ferrari', sideline is ugly and the backend is messed up and way to high. Peugeot 308 CC back, that's how you do it. This just doesn't look like a Ferrari to me, more like a Fiat sportscar. Negative from me.
Reply
Flea 1:27PM (10/02/2008)
the only thing I don't like are the headlights. Someone was bang on when he said they look like outturned eyelids.
Reply
GDUB 1:29PM (10/02/2008)
Its very Bland. I like the rear lights. This design does not come close to evoking the spirit of the original car.
BLAND BLAND BLAND
Reply
BoxerFanatic 1:31PM (10/02/2008)
My previous criticisms still hold.
The line transition at the rear edge of the door into the rear fender should be severed into two lines.
the grille is a slight bit odd, with an arched top line.
The tail is very tall, and the blackout is a bit too low on it, where it accentuates how short and low the "bumper" is and how high the trunk lid is. It looks like the back of it's pants are falling down, to anthropomorphize it.
But I do like the new wheels. It would be better if they were all painted, but at least the new designs are nice.
The thick 5-spoke wheels look like Sears AutoCenter specials, not Ferrari caliber wheel design. I'd probably still put BBS Challenge style wheels on any ferrari.
This car still doesn't look as good to me as the 430, hard roof or convertible. The 612 or 599 don't look as good as 430, either, though.
And I still find myself looking back at the 355, 288GTO/308/328, and 512BB. Those were very nice designs.
Reply
Torrent 1:43PM (10/02/2008)
it's just so ugly
Reply
Adam Marcello 1:46PM (10/02/2008)
Whats the point of a push button start when you still have to insert a key fob. Rediculous.
Reply
Ben 2:03PM (10/02/2008)
Overall, it looks pretty good - just not bleeding-edge.
The Mercedes folding roof is a nice touch. =]
Reply
MajorGeek 2:25PM (10/02/2008)
Only if it comes with a Ferrari Segway, Notebook, Bicycle, jacket, watch, child seat, helmet, remote control car, stuffed animal, baby measuring tape, books, pens, humidor, ashtray, candle, magnets, belt, gloves, wallet, clipboard, address book and of course keychain all in a Ferrari bag.
Seriously, I am torn. Part of me says bland, part of me says sexy. So, I guess as Ferrari goes its middle of the road.
Reply
Ian 2:58PM (10/02/2008)
I like it but I can't get over the IS-F exhaust tip arrangement, wtf?
Also, whats that gray lens just above the exhaust?
Reply
jared 8:52PM (10/02/2008)
Agreed. I'm pretty positive about the design except for the rear end, and the worst part of the rear end is the exhaust arrangement.
Trent 3:25PM (10/02/2008)
seriously, if a celica and a Maserati GranTourismo had children, that's what their face would look like.
Reply