Ferrari will unveil at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show a 2+2 coupe-convertible model with a folding roof. Called F430 GT California, the new model will be priced at around 130000 euro, the new Ferrari will compete with cars like Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

2008 Ferrari F430 GT California

Specifications
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  • Model: 2008 Ferrari F430 GT California
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For sure the model that the Italian maker is preparing for the Detroit Auto Show will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint much faster compared with the time needed to say it's name, but the most important thing about the F430 GT California 2+2 CC it is contained in its name: Ferrari will be offering a coupe-convertible with 2+2 seats powered by the same V8 engine used in the F430.

The 2008 Ferrari F430 GT California will be designed by Pininfarina and will feature the latest version of the F430 family's aluminium spaceframe. The chassis will be updated and strengthened to accommodate the roof structure and to provide optimum rigidity roof-down. Thanks to the front engine, the new Ferrari will have a small pair of rear seats.

Under the hood of the F430 GT California you will see a 4.3 liter V8 direct injection engine with an output of 450 hp. It will feature the same F1 "Superfast" sequential-shift gearbox as in the F430 Scuderia and the manual gearbox will be offered as an option.

The F1 Superfast will reduce gearchange times to just 60 milliseconds. F430 GT California will also feature the same traction control used in the Scuderia, which will combine the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system.

It is expected that the F430 GT California to make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than four seconds and have a top speed of 195 mph.

The F430 Gt California will be offered in both 2+2 seats and 2 seats versions.

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History

 

1980-1993 Ferrari Mondial

The Ferrari Mondial was the only 2+2 model offered by Ferrari and produced from 1980 through 1993. The "Mondial" took it's name from Ferrari's history: the famed 500 Mondial race car of the early 1950s. It was designed by Pininfarina and it's 12 years life, Ferrari produced more than 6,800 units.

The first version of the Mondial was the Mondial 8 introduced in 1980. It used a mid/rear-mounted V8, shared with the 308, mounted transversely. The engine used just two valves per cylinder. The chassis was also based on the 308 GT4, but with a 100 mm longer wheelbase at 2650 mm. The suspension was double wishbones all around.

A four valves per cylinder engine was introduced in 1982. Output was 240 hp.

A Cabriolet version was unveiled in 1983.

In 1985, Mondial grow bigger and powerful: a 3.2 liter engine was used with an output of 270 hp. Styling was refreshed with painted bumpers and new wheels. The 3.2 also boasted interior updates and later cars sported anti-lock brakes.

With the introduction of the Mondial t in 1989, Ferrari unveiled the "new generation of V8 Ferraris." It was powered by a 3.4 liter V8 engine with an output of 300 hp. The 3.4 liter V8 was now controlled by Bosch DME 2.5 (later DME 2.7) electronic engine management that integrated EFI and ignition control into a single computer unit. Two of these were used in the car: one for each bank of the engine. Engine lubrication was upgraded to a dry-sump system.

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Competitors

 

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin unveiled one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November. Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience."

Developed from the outset alongside the V8 Vantage Coupe which was launched in 2005, the Roadster shares the unique-to-Aston Martin bonded aluminium VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture – the backbone to all modern Aston Martins. Adding to this structure, sophisticated materials such as lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites are used for the body, further contributing to the car’s low weight and high rigidity.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in 5.0 seconds (0-60mph in 4.9 seconds) and a potential maximum speed of 280km/h (175mph).

Vantage Roadster is available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin’s new Sportshift automated manual transmission – an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Jaguar XKR

Unveiled at the 2006 paris Motor Show, the Jaguar XKR takes the Jaguar experience to new heights. The new XK is designed, engineered and developed at the company’s Whitley Product Development Centre in Coventry. There, some of the most advanced facilities in the car industry - including computer-aided design, advanced engineering, vehicle component development, safety test centres and engine testing - are used to create world-class cars such as the X-TYPE, S-TYPE, XJ and of course XK.

The supercharged 4.2-liter V8 under the XKR’s hood features twin air intakes and continuously variable valve timing-mated to what Jag claims is a “class-leading” six-speed automatic paddle-shift transmission-and cranks out 120 more horses than the normally aspirated version driving the standard XK, with an added 113 lb-ft of torque on tap. Jaguar claims it’s enough power to help propel the XKR coupe from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds, just slightly longer (5.0 seconds) for the convertible.

Like the normally aspirated XK model, the new XKR makes intelligent use of practical, modern technology such as its industry-leading aluminium monocoque body structure. In addition, an uprated 420bhp (SAE) supercharged V8 engine and class-leading calibration of its state-of-the-art, six-speed automatic transmission bring it a level of accessible, real-world performance that makes the XKR the most impressive, everyday, sporting GT in its class.