As good as they are, the Ferrari California->ke3183 and updated 2015 Ferrari California T that replaced it have never really been able to get past being perceived as the boulevard-cruising, entry-level (despite costing around $200,000) Ferraris->ke252 for people who really only want to be seen in a Ferrari. The reality is quite different, but nonetheless the next California will be a much more performance-oriented, hardcore sports car->ke506.

According to a new report from Automobile, a new California will arrive in 2017 with a more aggressive attitude. With a new emphasis on on-track performance, the new car will be lower to ground and powered by a new front-mid-mounted 2.9-liter V-6 with around 600 horsepower, which could also power a new 2018 Ferrari Dino. It will also usher in Ferrari’s next-generation design language, which is expected to be even more radical and flamboyant than the company’s current offerings.

Like the current California, it will also get a folding hardtop, but it will be lighter and take up less trunk space. A fixed-roof version could be offered too. It will be built on Ferrari’s new modular matrix aluminum space-frame architecture, which will accommodate both front- and mid-engine next-generation Ferraris.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

The next California will stay in the same price bracket it’s in now, but will be joined by the previously mentioned mid-engine Dino powered by the same V-6. It’s all part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne’s plan to expand Ferrari's production past 10,000 cars annually for the greater good of FCA’s profit margin and the imminent Ferrari IPO.

Ferrari’s previous president, the charismatic and highly effective Luca di Montezemolo, successfully limited production to about 7,000 cars a year to maintain exclusivity while simultaneously increasing profit. But Marchionne seized control of the company in 2014 and politely asked di Montezemolo to retire. Now, Marchionne and appointed Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa are steering the company in a new direction that includes a portfolio with more entry-level cars. We should start seeing the results of this new direction soon, starting with the 2017 California, so stay tuned.

2015 Ferrari California T

Read our full review here.