Autoblog

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Luxury

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a marsh. Today, we've got another head scratcher for you - Luca Montezemolo beaching a Ferrari California.

Luca and the stuck California were at the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain. The Ferrari and Fiat Chairman was ferrying the Scuderia's brand-new F1 driver Fernando Alonso (who is technically still under contract with Renault) and carryover driver Felipe Massa around the track, waving to the fans. Then - for who knows what reason - Montezemolo decides to not bother with pit lane and just make a ninety degree right hander into a gravel trap. A gravel trap, it should be pointed out, that's used to catch and slow cars spinning out of control at triple digit speeds.

The result is the new Ferrari grand tourer getting stuck like whale. Montezemolo tries spinning the back tires a bit, which only digs them deeper, while Alonso and Massa attempt to push. Sooner than later, track workers show up and all three men escape to safety seated on the back of a blue California. Watch a few different videos of the ordeal, after the jump.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Continue reading VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections

Drew Phillips — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Hamann Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like their ever-tuning counterparts Edo Competition, Hamann Motorsport have got their hands on a 2010 Ferrari California and are working on an aftermarket program for the folding hardtop sportscar. Among the performance parts on the way are new exhaust system and a revised engine management program that the company says yields a 20% gain in horsepower from the 4.3-liter V8.

Until then, California owners can opt for Hamann's aerodynamic kit that makes extensive use of carbon fiber. The complete kit consists of a new hood, front spoiler, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser, and a small rear wing. Other available components include Hamann's lightweight forged wheels and a range of interior accessories. Hit the jump for the company's press release or browse through the high-resolution gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Hamann Ferrari California

[Source: Hamann Motorsport]

Continue reading Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections

Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Ferraris

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

Ferrari at Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery

Summers in Michigan are little more than a series of car shows, with events ranging from the Woodward Dream Cruise to the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. While we love Woodward's tribute to American Muscle, only the Concours could deliver on genuine luxury exotics. And what supercar display would be complete without the father of all exotics, Ferrari.

The Meadow Brook Concours didn't disappoint with Ferraris ranging from a pristine 1953 Tipo 166mm Competizione Spider with its intricate 2.0-liter V12 engine, to the new for 2010 Ferrari California. Other Maranello-sourced supercars include the 612 Scaglietti, the 1967 330 Spyder with its three valve, 450 hp mill, and the Concours award-winning 1967 Dino Competizione driven by none other than movie director/car nut Jim Glickenhaus. Click the gallery below to take a tour of the best the Prancing Horse had to offer at Concours 2009.

Gallery: Meadowbrook Concours 2009: The Ferraris

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Ferraris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Ferrari California by Edo Competition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its position as the 'approachable' Prancing Horse, Ferrari's new California folding hardtop is a heck of an impressive drive all the way around. However, that hasn't stopped some quarters from suggesting that it's a bit compromised and a bit too effeminate to be a proper Maranello supercar. While we think that's nonsensical, we admit a little toughening up couldn't hurt to silence the doubters.

Enter German tuner Edo Competition, which has just taken the wraps off of their own fettled California. Looking suitably foreboding in black with larger matching alloys, Edo has tweaked the car's 4.3-liter V8 engine to deliver 500 horsepower (+40). That nice, round number arrives courtesy of a remapped ECU and a pair of high-flow cats that feed into a new cockpit-adjustable exhaust system. The engine's torque level doesn't swell quite as much, peaking at 369 lb-ft (@ 5,200 rpm), but nevertheless, EDO says the car is good for a 0-62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and a top end of 315 km/h (196 mph). Oddly, Ferrari says the box-stock Cali will get to 60 mph in "under 4 seconds," so there's probably not much of a difference between the two on the low end, although Edo's top speed is 5 kmph faster than when it left the factory.

Commendably, Edo has resisted the need to fit a lairy body kit, although the company says it will be happy to trim-out your droptop with lowering springs (-35mm), a full-on sport suspension system with adjustable damping, or your choice of 20- and 21-inch wheels. They'll even redo the interior for you, although we find the standard car to be quite wonderful in this regard, and might recommend leaving well enough alone.

Check out the high-res gallery below and Edo's official verbiage after the jump.

Gallery: Edo Competition Ferrari California

[Source: Edo Competition]

Continue reading Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition

Ferrari California receives 500 HP attitude adjustment at the hands of Edo Competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off up for sale - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California not included

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Ferrari, Lifestyle, Celebrities

Cameron's home from Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Click above for an image gallery

"The place is like a museum. It's very beautiful and very cold, and you're not allowed to touch anything." So says the title character in reference to his best friend Cameron's home in the John Hughes classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The house in question, which is located at 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, Illinois, is indeed rather beautiful, and it's also for sale right now, listed at a cool $2.3 million.

This 5,300 square-foot contemporary home sits on .75 acres and features four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a giant 40 x 25 living room, but what we're most interested in is the all-glass detached three-car garage out back that's cantilevered over a Ferrari-killing ravine.

One minor word of caution: should you happen to purchase this particular home and have the means to stock the garage with a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California (even if it is just a fiberglass-bodied replica based on an MG), we suggest you keep the door locked.

Gallery: Ferris Beuller home for sale

Gallery: Ferrari 250 GT Californias at Pebble Beach

[Source: Realtor.com via 0-60mag.com]

Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off up for sale - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California not included originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari denies trouble despite layoffs this week

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Supercars, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari

This may come as a surprise, but Ferrari is apparently mortal. Although it has denied being affected by the global economic crisis, the Italian supercar maker has announced plans to lay off up to 10 percent of its workforce this week. This comes on the heels of announcing in November that sales had dropped from around 600 units per month to a miniscule 92 sales worldwide. As many as 300 workers could be idled after negotiations with Italy's trade unions. So much for thinking it might be recession-proof.

For now the Maranello company has announced an unprecedented 20-day holiday shutdown this year to ward off huge stockpiles of parts and inventory. Even with the new California launching and the recently announced Scuderia Spider 16M on the way, and despite a two-year waiting list for its product globally, distributors around the world are apparently sitting on too much inventory. Sales of the V12 models have reportedly stalled and F430 sales have slowed to a trickle since the California was announced.

We now seriously doubt the company will be able to reach its goal of 10,000 sales by 2010, which Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo had been promising as recently as the Paris Motor Show back in October. For its part, Ferrari is saying that this is traditionally a slow time of year, that F430 sales were naturally affected by the announcement of the 16M and California, and that the extended holiday break has more to do with the calendar than the economy. We simply like the thought that this might one day mean lower prices for Enzo's finest. Thanks for the tip, Richard!

UPDATE: Ferrari contacted us to clarify some info that Autocar had previously reported. The Italian automaker wants to reiterate that is always focused on controlling costs, but that it never stated it is cutting 300 jobs. The Christmas Holiday is slightly longer only to bridge an extra weekend, as Christmas is on a Thursday this year. F430 sales are also where they're expected to be, although Spider sales are always slow in winter. 2008, like 2007, has been a good year for the firm and it is not experiencing any stock problems. The world financial crisis has mainly just streamlined the waiting list. We hope that clears things up. Now, can we expect a 16M under the tree?

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari denies trouble despite layoffs this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Waster of the Day: Ferrari California configurator launches online

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari, Toys/Games

Click above to jump to the Califigurator

Imagine stepping out of your hotel to see a driveway packed with Ferraris splayed out in different colors for you to choose from and you'll begin to understand three things. First of all, what a peacock would look like if God had met Enzo Ferrari before Creation. Secondly, the stupid grin on our faces when we popped in for the California test drive in Sicily. And lastly, the vast array of choices available to Ferrari customers upon ordering their new supercar. Unfortunately that's not a sight oft beheld by the common man (unless you work at Maranello), so Ferrari has given us an online configurator to let us toy around with the different color, trim and wheel combinations available on its latest offering.

With 27 exterior colors, 12 different leather hues, three wheel options and five brake caliper choices, no fewer than 4860 distinct combos can be had. You'll likely find that the California looks best in dark colors. Fortunately, there is no shortage in the catalog, especially since Ferrari revived some of its long-lost classic hues. What you see above (Grigio Scuro over Bordeaux leather with the 20" diamond rims and dark red calipers) is this scribe's combination of choice. Or maybe Vinaccia over Beige, or Scozia blue over Cuoio...this could take a while. Of course actual customers, upon visiting one of Ferrari's customization ateliers, can select from far more options, but this online gizmo should be enough to have you burning through minutes like a Ferrari does miles.

[Source: Ferrari]

Time Waster of the Day: Ferrari California configurator launches online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Ferrari California comes home

Drew Phillips — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ferrari California

The Ferrari California delves into new territory for Ferrari, both in theme and design. Many faithful to the marque may be against its styling, but the true test will be sales numbers. As Porsche has proved over the last few years, the addition of successful new models can be a valuable asset to a company's finances, and we're all in favor of Ferrari's increased capability to improve the breed. The LA Auto Show is the first time we've seen the car in its namesake state, and we took the chance to give it another close inspection after our recent first encounter with the Ferrari California in Sicily. The style is definitely growing on us, and we dearly loved the car in Azzurro Blue. Still on the fence? Check out the gallery below and see if you can make up your mind.

Gallery: LA 2008: Ferrari California

LA 2008: Ferrari California comes home originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Ferrari California in Sicily

Noah Joseph — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari, First Drive

Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

The best Ferrari is the next Ferrari. Whether you consider that to be a statement of fact or an opinion largely depends on how you define the term. It's an opinion like a Supreme Court justice's ruling is called an "opinion". Or better yet, like billions worldwide would view the Bible as God's "opinion". Coming from the mouth of the legendary Enzo Ferrari himself - famously expressed in response to a journalist's query - for the congregations of the faithful around the world, it's the gospel truth.

The Commendatore's statement was - as it remains to this day - backed up by a spirit of progress, by the constant pursuit of technical perfection that continues to drive his company into the 21st century and which makes each new Ferrari better than the last. Follow Enzo's declaration to its natural end and you'll conclude that the best Ferrari must be the new California, unveiled earlier this month at the Paris Motor Show, brimming with the latest in performance automotive technology and ready to hit the market next summer. But some 20 years after his passing, would Enzo Ferrari's truism still hold true? That's exactly the answer we sought as we boarded a flight for Italy to drive the new California along the twisting mountain passes, scenic coastal roads and wide open autostradas of Sicily. Follow the jump to read what we discovered.

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Ferrari California in Sicily

First Drive: 2009 Ferrari California in Sicily originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Michael Schumacher saunters around 'Ring in Ferrari California

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

Click image above for high-res mini-gallery of MS and the California at the 'Ring

This past Sunday, Ferrari had its Racing Days event at the Nürburgring in Germany and after the customers got a chance to 'ring out their rides, company legend Michael Schumacher wheeled out the new Ferrari California and put it through its paces. For those of you waiting to hear a lap time, don't hold your breath. The track was wet, the course was the F1 track, and the event was more of a meet-and-greet than a pedal-to-the-metal assault on the GT-R. This short YouTube clip by JurreAG will show you MS taking the California through the first few turns from a standing start near turn one. While you can clearly see that the car has some oomph, there aren't any real references for comparison or hard data for bragging/arguing/flaming yet. Sure does sound nice though, and it beats the last video clip we had of the car pretty much sitting still and posing for beauty shots. Check out the mini-gallery of stills below and the YouTube clip after the jump.

Gallery: Schumacher drives California at 'Ring

Continue reading VIDEO: Michael Schumacher saunters around 'Ring in Ferrari California

VIDEO: Michael Schumacher saunters around 'Ring in Ferrari California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ferrari California

Yesterday we told you that the Ferrari California was officially sold out through 2010. Some of you seemed to think that this was a ploy. Others thought it fitting. Still others thought it ridiculous because of the car's lack of aesthetic appeal. Well, for all but the last group, here is the newest batch of official photos from Ferrari showing this hot little coupe/cab. More beauty shots of the red and blue models have popped up in the wake of the Paris Motor Show and we have them here for you to see and download. They might even convert a few of you who have thus far been impervious to this car's charms. Click any image here to go to the full high-res galleries.

Gallery: More pics of the 2009 Ferrari California

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side

Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California is a true Ferrari: sold out through 2010

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

What recession? Ferrari just confirmed that the Ferrari California is officially sold out through 2010. The 179,000 Euro supercoupe/cab is scheduled to be produced in batches of about 2,000 per year and has been a runaway success for the Maranello manufacturer. Company President Luca di Montezemolo was recently quoted as saying, "In 2008 there was the success of the Scuderia. 2009 will be characterized by the California. It has been an incredible success. We have already sold all of the 2008 and 2009 production. You have to now wait until 2011 for one."

Rather than act as a replacement for anything in the current lineup, the California was intended to be an eight-cylinder car that would compliment the F430 and be a vehicle with a lot of flexibility according to Ferrari. While some say it isn't the most beautiful Ferrari they've ever seen, the performance should be pretty spectacular for those lucky souls with a signed contract already in hand. The new direct-injection, 460-hp 4.3L V8 should be more than adequate for propelling this prancing pony down the road with gusto. We'll keep our fingers crossed that someone listening will loan us one for a short stay in the garage so we can confirm our suspicions.

Gallery: Ferrari California LIVE

[Source: la Repubblica via Eurocar Blog]

California is a true Ferrari: sold out through 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lotus, Ferrari, Citroën, Toys/Games

Click above for shots of the GTbyCitroen, Ferrari California and Lotus Evora in GT5

Polyphony's Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is about to get a pretty substantial upgrade. The next time you boot up your Playstation 3, an update will be available for GT5 that will add the GT by Citroen, Ferrari's new California and the Lotus Evora. Lotus fans got a sneak peek into the Evora's GT5 inclusion at the British Motor Show a few weeks back, and now everybody gets to join in on the aluminum-intensive fun. It's always a pleasure to strap yourself in a Ferrari, in real-life or virtually, and the California is the latest Italian Stallion around, so its addition was a foregone conclusion. The biggest news, though, is the new French GT, which its maker says was "a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony." In the game-realm, the new GT concept will be powered by electrons generated from a hydrogen fuel cell. Even if the technology isn't quite ready for prime time in your driveway, it can always make waves in digital form, running around various race tracks while emitting nothing but water.

Gallery: GTbyCitroen, Lotus Evora and Ferrari California in GT5

[Source: PlayStation Blog via Joystiq]

Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Ferrari California in the flesh

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

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.

Gallery: Ferrari California LIVE

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

Paris 2008: Ferrari California in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One to One to 599: Ferrari customization available on GTB

Dan Roth — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Prior to Ferrari's successful customization plan for the 612 Scaglietti, your best bet at having Maranello build you a one-off would be to throw your wealth around like a Sultan. The One To One Personalisation Programme has been met with enthusiasm, so Ferrari is going to offer the factory custom treatment on the 599 GTB Fiorano, as well. The official announcement will take place at the Paris Motor Show tomorrow, where everyone will be packed like sardines to get a glimpse of the new Ferrari California up-close. An Atelier has also been set up in Italy to aid buyers in looking through all of the various permutations in order to come up with just the right car. The only option we're interested in is the one entitled "park a Ferrari in your driveway."

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading One to One to 599: Ferrari customization available on GTB

One to One to 599: Ferrari customization available on GTB originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Supercars, Ferrari

Click for more hi-res images from the Ferrari California launch event in Santa Monica, California

"We're not building a cheap Ferrari". That was the oft-repeated party line from Maranello as the Prancing Horse marque was plainly working on the new California. Well no kidding, not at these prices.

The first example of the Ferrari California was sold during its American unveiling in Santa Monica this week, garnering a top bid of $520,000. The event was attended by a handful of Hollywood celebrities, and even the Governator dropped by. Half a million can buy you a lot of car, and the California is expected to retail for about a third of that amount, but of course that's not the point: proceeds from the sale will go to the After-School All-Stars charitable foundation. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari California US unveiling

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction

Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch the Ferrari California official world premiere at 4:00PM EST

Drew Phillips — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Ferrari

We've seen the photos and read the press release, but still haven't managed to catch a glimpse of the Ferrari California in person. Even though everyone knows what the car looks like, Ferrari has been pretty strict about who gets to actually see the car in person. We're hoping that will all change with the car's official debut today in Maranello and at a satellite event in Beverly Hills, CA. If you didn't happen to receive an invitation to the events in Maranello or Beverly Hills, you can watch the unveiling live at FerrariCalifornia.com. The presentation will include a video filmed by Michael Mann, which is currently being previewed on the site. Live streaming starts at 4:00PM EST, so be sure to find a way out of work so you can watch the video.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

[Source: FerrariCalifornia.com]

Watch the Ferrari California official world premiere at 4:00PM EST originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ferrari California is easy to drive... you know, for the ladies

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above to watch the video

So far the only video footage we've seen of the new Ferrari California has been either computer animated or sitting still with a giant chin talking. But the fellas over at Autocar magazine in the UK made their way down to Maranello with video cameras in tow for an up-close-and-personal with the newest Prancing Stallion. After the jump you'll find some focus-changing fun angles of the new California, as well as a brief interview with product development director Roberto Corradi, who amusingly informs us that the car was made easier to drive and more softly styled to accommodate female customers. Seriously. Check it out after the jump... it's good for a laugh.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari California is easy to drive... you know, for the ladies

VIDEO: Ferrari California is easy to drive... you know, for the ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari to offer California with manual, HGTC handling pack

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ferrari California

Some of the more hard-core tifosi have been whining that Ferrari has gone soft with the new California. It's pretty hard to justify that a car able to hit 60 mph in the three-second range is soft, but so be it. The nay-sayers point to the inclusion of a folding hard-top as a sign that Ferrari has grown more concerned with pleasing its poseur clientele than developing genuine performance vehicles. Never mind that the innovative rapid-deployment roof, according to Ferrari, actually weighs 5kg less than an equivalent soft-top and still only takes 14 seconds to raise or lower.

However, Maranello has not finished development of the California and intends to pacify those malcontents with some new features. For starters, Ferrari says that about 10% of its customers still demand a manual transmission, and so they will have one ready for the California by the time it actually goes on sale about half a year from now. Around the same time, Ferrari will also unveil a new HGTC handling package, like those offered for the 612 Scaglietti and the previous 575 M Maranello, to tighten up the California's suspension. A new set of lightweight wheels is also in the works, anticipated to shave some 10-12kg off of the unsprung weight. A 430 Scuderia it is not - that's why Ferrari makes both - but don't mistake the California for a lazy boulevard cruiser.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

[Source: EVO magazine]

Ferrari to offer California with manual, HGTC handling pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari California enters the world of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari

With Ferrari's road and race cars taking advantage of the latest emerging technologies, someone inside the marketing department in Maranello has taken the bold initiative to bring the company's PR into the same realm by utilizing popular electronic media. For its latest supercar, the highly-anticipated Ferrari California, the company has been releasing bits and pieces on a dedicated, flash-enhanced website, and the latest installment has just hit cyberspace.

For this episode, Ferrari has teamed up with the wiz-kids at Polyphony Digital who are the brains behind the Gran Turismo franchise. They offer up an adrenaline-pumping virtual reality video of the California racing through the virtual streets of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in the same style as the game's intro. And now that they have the car scanned, it shouldn't be long before you can download the California on your PS3 to drive in the game. We hope. Follow the Source link below, click "virtual test drive" and "play film" to watch the clip. Oh, and clear some time in your schedule, because the video will make you want to play video games all weekend. Enjoy.

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari California enters the world of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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