First Pics: Ferrari California Unveiled !!

– Words: Anestis Mantzouranis

 

With some very clever prelude marketing designed to build anticipation and public interest, Ferrari is drip – feeding information about it’s new Ferrari model. Although the official name is still ambiguous (ie without official announcement besides internet branding), all indications are that it will be called the Ferrari California – although we believe it will also be known as the Ferrari GT or combination of both – as in Ferrari California GT

Due for debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008, Ferrari officials have up until now denied the existence of the model during discussions at any public forum or media venue. 

Yet it certainly exists … at least on a private showroom floor under, what one would imagine as very serious wraps and security.

We believe that Ferrari is aiming at retro enthusiasts of the classic Ferrari GT250 with this release. 

And the styling cues and design appear to be very much inspired and very much influenced by that very classic model. Right down to bonnet scoop, and side gills.

Ferrari discuss this quite cleverly online, although at this stage still in teaser format as they drip feed more information with each passing day and week, building more and more anticipation that we expect would culminate at the debut world launch in October, on a French polished podium!

Besides the styling cues which are so far public, the real anticipation will be in regards to the drive-train and the performance power figures. 

Until then, we bring you the world’s first review of the car that has all millionaire enthusiasts from Italy through to Californian movie stars, anticipating and preparing bank accounts for the inevitable draw-down on the line of credit !

Company Media Release – 02/06/08

The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari 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 Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. 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.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a ”flat” crankshaft. It generates 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). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published

Specs:

General specifications
Country of origin Italy
Numbers built N/A
Introduced 2008
Engine
Configuration 90º V 8
Location Mid, longitudinally mounted
Construction aluminum alloy block and head
Displacement 4.308 liter / 262.9 cu in
Bore / Stroke 92.0 mm (3.6 in) / 81.0 mm (3.2 in)
Compression 11.3:1
Valvetrain 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed Fuel injection
Aspiration Naturally Aspirated
Drive-train
Gearbox 7 speed Semi-automatic
Drive Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Length / Width / Height 4560 mm (179.5 in) / 1900 mm (74.8 in) / N/A
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) 2700 mm (106.3 in) / N/A / N/A
Performance figures
Power 460 bhp / 343 KW @ 7500 rpm
BHP/Liter 107 bhp / liter

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FreemanX - AUS

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