Like the larger V12 powered GT car, an HGTE package for the California would include a modified suspension with a lower ride height to give the car less body roll and a firmer feeling through the turns. The California HGTE would also wear specially developed rubber to make the most mechanical grip possible as well as a recalibrated seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.
On the Ferrari 599, the HGTE package also includes: loads of carbon fiber, a set of 20" split spoke rims and a matte black diffuser to inconspicuously create a low pressure zone behind the car, sucking it to the pavement. The interior of the superior handling 599 will be dressed up with even more carbon fiber accents on the interior and a pair of back Alcantara covered sport buckets.
Fifth Gear’s Vicky Henderson had a chance to try out the latest drop top from Maranello. Now Vicky isn’t like most girls who drool over the car’s physical appearance and incomprehensible price tag. No, the Vick that we all know is one that is eager to get behind the wheel and push the Ferrari California harder than Michael Schumacher. So what was she able to get out of the newest addition to the prancing horse family, have a look and see for yourself.
The Ferrari California has only been on the market for only a short while, but that doesn’t mean that aftermarket tuners haven’t had a chance to modify the new drop top from Maranello. Edo Competition has developed a program for the new California Spyder for those owners who wish to personalize either the looks or the power of this exceptional sports car, or both.
Starting with some 21 inch eye candy, Edo has come up with a few different wheel and tire combinations to suit a variety of Ferrari owners’ tastes. The California also sits a little closer to the ground thanks to a lowering kit that focuses on redefining the car’s ride height, while Edo is also offering a sport suspension complete with fully adjustable shocks in order to carry the maximum speed through any corner.
Edo Competition started by massaging a few extra ponies out of the high revving 4.3 Liter V8 by recalibrating the ECU to maximize the air, fuel and spark mixture. A unique feature for the Edo California is a high performance exhaust system that uses an adjustable butterfly valve to control the tone as well as a set of high flow catalytic converters to produce an impressive 500 HP and 369 ft-lb of torque. This much brute force allows the Edo tuned Spyder to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just under 3.9 seconds and clock a top speed of 196 MPH.
Top Speed has brought you plenty of coverage of the new Ferrari California, but nothing like this. May we present to you, the 7 time Formula 1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher. Apparently, the Scuderia legend had an instrumental role in the drop top GT’s handling and performance.
The California’s 4.3 Liter V8 is very similar to Ferrari’s mod engine sports car. It features a flat crank shaft just like the F-430, making more power in different places. This also helps to differentiate the California’s bark from FIAT cousins like the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Maserati Grantrismo. The 460 HP generated allows the California to go from 0 to 60 MPH in under 4.0 seconds and coupled with the 7 speed double clutch transmission can reach 192 MPH.
Ferrari revealed today the first images and official details of the 2009 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 California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position. The engine develops 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).
California will make its world debut this autumn at the Paris Motor Show, but more details will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.
In an unveiling befit of a championship racer the Coral Gables based car dealership, The Collection, to show off the latest offering from Maranello. President and CEO of the super car dealership Ken Gorin was all smiles just moments before ordering his men in black to pull back the covers on the 2009 Ferrari California.
Ferrari may be looking to use the California to fill a gap in its lineup. When the F430 is upgraded to the 500 hp (rumored) F450, there is a little bit of breathing room at Ferrari’s lower end.
So now the 460 hp California may be getting a performance-oriented upgrade. This spy shot suggest a more powerful version of the hardtop convertible is in the works. If the rumored name of Mondial will be used for this special edition, then we should expect a weight saving as well.
No word yet on when this Calfornia may be ready, but we’d imagine it will be a while considering how busy Ferrari’s development team is. It’s already working on the F450, refreshed 599 GTB, 599 Spyder, and a 612 upgrade.
Audi did not reveal any details on a possible US version for the new R8 V10 sportscar, but it seems there will be one after all. The proof? The first First U.S.-Bound Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 will be auctioned on February 21 at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. Next to it there will also be the first US version of the Ferrari California.
Despite the current economic situation, both cars are expected to draw a significant bid. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.
No news from Ferrari, but it did release new images of the California. So we’re always looking for an excuse for showing off an italian beauty.
The California is powered by a 460 horsepower V8 engine that is mounted in the mid-front position. This is the first time Ferrari has mounted a V8 engine directly behind the front axle, but that’s not a really big deal. Ferrari already mounts a V12 engine behind the front axle but in front of the passenger compartment in the 612 Scaglietti
You can’t afford a Ferrari California. We know this because if you could you wouldn’t be reading this website; you’d be outside driving your Ferrari California (or making love to one of your many girlfriends.) So for the rest of us who have to settle for domestic cars and internet porn, Ferrari is letting us almost live the dream by configuring a virtual California.
This set up shows the car from every angle with the folding hardtop up or down. It’s available with all combinations of the 27 exterior colors, 12 interior colors, 3 wheel choices and 5 brake caliper colors. That means there are 4,860 combinations possible for a car that will only have 5,000 units made over the next two years.
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