It's been about two years since Ferrari updated the California to T-spec with a 3.9-liter, flat-plane crank, twin-turbocharged engine, and we found it to be a suitable change – rewarding to drive, and compelling to experience. Now Ferrari has introduced a new handling option, which will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, which should add a sharper edge to the roadster.
Like most handling packages, the springs and dampers get the most attention. The magnetorheological dampers fitted to the conventional California T get changes that increase their response time to changing road conditions. As before, damper settings are controlled via the steering wheel manettino, and the most aggressive change is to be found in the Sport setting. The front springs are stiffer – 16 percent up front, 19 percent in the rear – which will aid body control in all axes. Ferrari claims that, overall, the setup only marginally reduces the ride comfort. It'll take driving a Handling Speciale-equipped car to find out.
The changes go beyond just handling hardware. Shifts are faster in Sport mode, both in automatic and manual modes, thanks to recalibrated transmission logic. Ferrari's engineers also found some additional corner exit speed by tweaking the F1-Trac stability control system's programming. The company claims this tweak also helps with acceleration on bumpy surfaces.
Cosmetically, the California Ts with the Handling Speciale package will feature a matte grille, a rear diffuser with matte-painted fences, and matte black tailpipes. A special-edition plaque, located in the cabin, is also standard,
Finally, in a very Italian move, the exhaust note has been recalibrated "to underline the performance gains." That is to say, if you don't happen to have a skidpad handy to do a direct measurement of the increase in cornering capability – which, it should be noted, Ferrari doesn't quantify – the sportier sound will serve as a psychological reminder. There's no claim that the new exhaust system changes the engine's output – cars so equipped make the same 553 hp at 7500 RPM as the model we tested back in 2014.
Look for the Handling Speciale package to debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Related Video:
Like most handling packages, the springs and dampers get the most attention. The magnetorheological dampers fitted to the conventional California T get changes that increase their response time to changing road conditions. As before, damper settings are controlled via the steering wheel manettino, and the most aggressive change is to be found in the Sport setting. The front springs are stiffer – 16 percent up front, 19 percent in the rear – which will aid body control in all axes. Ferrari claims that, overall, the setup only marginally reduces the ride comfort. It'll take driving a Handling Speciale-equipped car to find out.
The changes go beyond just handling hardware. Shifts are faster in Sport mode, both in automatic and manual modes, thanks to recalibrated transmission logic. Ferrari's engineers also found some additional corner exit speed by tweaking the F1-Trac stability control system's programming. The company claims this tweak also helps with acceleration on bumpy surfaces.
Cosmetically, the California Ts with the Handling Speciale package will feature a matte grille, a rear diffuser with matte-painted fences, and matte black tailpipes. A special-edition plaque, located in the cabin, is also standard,
Finally, in a very Italian move, the exhaust note has been recalibrated "to underline the performance gains." That is to say, if you don't happen to have a skidpad handy to do a direct measurement of the increase in cornering capability – which, it should be noted, Ferrari doesn't quantify – the sportier sound will serve as a psychological reminder. There's no claim that the new exhaust system changes the engine's output – cars so equipped make the same 553 hp at 7500 RPM as the model we tested back in 2014.
Look for the Handling Speciale package to debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Related Video:
CALIFORNIA T – INTRODUCING THE NEW HS HANDLING OPTION FOR AN EVEN SPORTIER DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Maranello, 22 January 2016 – The California T, Ferrari's immensely successful front-engined V8 model with retractable hard top and 2+ seating configuration, is now available with the brand-new Handling Speciale (HS) option.
Clients the world over have been so impressed with the California T's ideal combination of performance and versatility that it has become the benchmark for all high-performance Grand Tourers. Now owners looking for an even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes, have a new optional package to meet their needs.
The Handling Speciale option offers a series of specific calibrations and a set-up that lends an extra edge, especially in the manettino's Sport mode. This bespoke solution incorporates new damper settings and modified springs that make the car stiffer which, although marginally reducing the ride comfort, results in even sportier feedback, aided and abetted by the new engine sound that increases as revs rise.
The gear-shift logic for the Sport mode has been modified (both in automatic and manual), resulting in faster, sportier gear engagement during both up- and down-shifts.
The HS package also includes 16% stiffer front springs and 19% stiffer ones at the rear with a consequent increase in body control thanks to lower roll, dive and pitch.
The differences in Sport mode are underscored by a new strategy for the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers that increases their speed of response and improves their efficiency. The revised F1-Trac logic helps ensure even better acceleration, particularly when exiting corners and on more bumpy road surfaces.
The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with silencers featuring two primary pipes and a new geometry designed to yield an exhaust note that increases progressively as engine speed increases, with a sound in keeping with the car's more sporty character.
The exhaust was developed in tandem with the engine and gearbox control software to underline the performance gains, with a more rapid response and improved sound and volume when driven hard.
The exhaust's new timbre is instantly recognisable as soon as the driver hits the Start button. It is fuller, richer and more involving at all speeds and in all driving situations.
On an aesthetic level, certain elements have been highlighted to underscore the HS package's sporty vocation while still retaining the California T's signature elegance and sophistication. These include the new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the rear diffuser in the same colour with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes. A special plaque in the cockpit also indicates that the car sports the HS optional package.
The new option makes its official debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.
Maranello, 22 January 2016 – The California T, Ferrari's immensely successful front-engined V8 model with retractable hard top and 2+ seating configuration, is now available with the brand-new Handling Speciale (HS) option.
Clients the world over have been so impressed with the California T's ideal combination of performance and versatility that it has become the benchmark for all high-performance Grand Tourers. Now owners looking for an even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes, have a new optional package to meet their needs.
The Handling Speciale option offers a series of specific calibrations and a set-up that lends an extra edge, especially in the manettino's Sport mode. This bespoke solution incorporates new damper settings and modified springs that make the car stiffer which, although marginally reducing the ride comfort, results in even sportier feedback, aided and abetted by the new engine sound that increases as revs rise.
The gear-shift logic for the Sport mode has been modified (both in automatic and manual), resulting in faster, sportier gear engagement during both up- and down-shifts.
The HS package also includes 16% stiffer front springs and 19% stiffer ones at the rear with a consequent increase in body control thanks to lower roll, dive and pitch.
The differences in Sport mode are underscored by a new strategy for the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers that increases their speed of response and improves their efficiency. The revised F1-Trac logic helps ensure even better acceleration, particularly when exiting corners and on more bumpy road surfaces.
The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with silencers featuring two primary pipes and a new geometry designed to yield an exhaust note that increases progressively as engine speed increases, with a sound in keeping with the car's more sporty character.
The exhaust was developed in tandem with the engine and gearbox control software to underline the performance gains, with a more rapid response and improved sound and volume when driven hard.
The exhaust's new timbre is instantly recognisable as soon as the driver hits the Start button. It is fuller, richer and more involving at all speeds and in all driving situations.
On an aesthetic level, certain elements have been highlighted to underscore the HS package's sporty vocation while still retaining the California T's signature elegance and sophistication. These include the new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the rear diffuser in the same colour with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes. A special plaque in the cockpit also indicates that the car sports the HS optional package.
The new option makes its official debut at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.
Related Gallery 2015 Ferrari California T: First Drive
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