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Review (2/2)

The Ferrari California: A Hugely Versatile, Innovation-Packed Convertible

Source: Ferrari | Published: Tue Aug 10, 2010

(continued from the previous page)

Low Drag Coefficient

The 2011 Ferrari California's aerodynamics were, of course, developed in tandem with its styling. This allowed Ferrari to keep the Cx (drag coefficient) right down with respect to the downforce required for optimal vehicle dynamics. In the coupé configuration, the California has a Cx value of 0.32. A desire to achieve perfect balance between vertical load and drag influenced the shape of the rear diffuser and the spoiler incorporated into the front bumper. Drag has been cut to 10% lower than on the other Ferrari models which not only makes the California a more aerodynamically efficient car but also reduces fuel consumption. Last but not least, the air intake on the bonnet ensures highly efficient cooling of the engine compartment.

The New 8-Cylinder Engine

This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminum, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks.

The engine has a total displacement of 4,300 cc and a maximum power output of 460 hp kW at 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of 107 hp/liter, its maximum torque is 358 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph and delivers a blistering 193 mph top speed.

The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards. Thanks in part to these solutions, the Ferrari California consumes just 13.1 liters/100 km (ECE combined) and has carbon emissions of 305.6 gkm (ECE combined).

The California's engine sound was also carefully developed as this is one of the great Ferrari signatures and really does contribute to enhancing driving pleasure. Particular attention was lavished on sound perception in the cabin both with the top up and down to ensure that trademark thrill without compromising on occupant acoustic comfort.

Gearbox and Transmission

The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort. With the dual clutch, one clutch is used for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered ones, and allows the pre-selection of the next gear required. The gears are changed by overlapping the opening and closing stage of both clutches, resulting in gearshifting times that are close to zero and with no "torque interrupt". The result is not only enhanced performance but truly thrilling driving pleasure. The traditional transaxle layout (engine to the front and gearbox to the rear) also contributes to the California's perfect weight distribution (47% front - 53% rear) and to reducing vibration to the bodyshell. In manual mode, the new gearbox guarantees great sporty driving pleasure while extra comfort is assured in automatic.

Chassis is Made from Aluminum

The Ferrari California's chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminum. Thanks to the use of different aluminum technologies (extrusions and shell casts), the car's exceptional versatility, onboard comfort and driveability has not added to chassis weight or to the dimensions of the structural sections - something that simply would not be the case had traditional steel architecture and technologies been used. Furthermore, static rigidity (torsional and flexional) has been improved with respect to average figures for a Spider to ensure exceptional handling in any kind of road conditions and to guarantee GT-standard comfort both with the top up and down.

The Ferrari California retains the traditional double wishbone suspension to the front while a new multilink system has been specially developed for the rear. The multilink system improves longitudinal flexibility of the suspension, keeping transverse rigidity values high. What this means in practice is that the car beautifully absorbs any unevenness, and noise and vibration are efficiently damped for exceptional ride comfort well on a par with the car's nimble handling. The SCM Magnetorheological Suspension Control System, debuted on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, is also available on request.

Retractable Hard Top

Of course the Ferrari California's signature feature has to be its retractable hard top (RHT). It is made from aluminum panels and has a cast aluminum weight-bearing structure which has reduced its overall weight and the moving masses involved. The entire opening/closing cycle is completed in just 14 seconds and thanks to the original stowage system, the California's boot space remains extremely generous regardless of whether it is up or down.

The GT Manettino

The manettino has now become one of the classic features of Ferrari's entire range as has its position on the steering wheel which is clearly derived from their Formula 1 experience. The manettino integrates the gearbox, stability and traction control systems (CST and F1-Trac) and the SCM suspension system.

The settings are as follows:

  • COMFORT: maximum safety in all conditions, particularly ideal for low grip situations (wet or slippery road surface). Best everyday driving setting.
  • SPORT: maximum performance and stability in perfect grip situations. Recommended for sporty, high performance driving.
  • CST-OFF: this setting gives the driver complete freedom and control of the car. There is no electronic intervention whatsoever apart from ABS.

The Ferrari California also sports the F1-Trac traction control system which can very accurately read grip, assuring the very best can be made of the car's potential at any time.

Interior and Standard Equipment

Particular attention has been lavished on the design and in-car comfort standard of the California's cabin. The new Ferrari is available in a choice of two configurations:

1. Two-seater plus rear bench equipped to take two roller suitcases or two golf bags.

2. 2+ configuration that sees the rear bench sporting two seats, Isofix attachment points, and two seat belts.

In both version, the rear backrest folds down to allow the stowage of longer items such as golf bags or skis. The boot capacity is also impressively generous: 340 liters with the top up and 240 with the top down.

A new electrically adjustable, magnesium-framed seat was also designed for the California. Another new feature is the instrument panel with analogue instruments (tachometer and rev counter) and four-screen TFT Multidisplay. The Ferrari California also boasts a new infotainment system with 6.5" touchscreen, Sat Nav, USB connection, Bluetooth, hard disc, voice commands and IPOD connector.

Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Program

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Program allows all Ferrari clients to personalize their car to suit their own tastes and requirements. There are four main areas covered by the Program: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel. The Ferrari California comes with diamond-finish 19" 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels as standard. However, a further set of diamond-finish 20" forged 5-spoke alloy wheel that are 11 kg lighter than those offered as standard can also be ordered. The aforementioned diamond-finish gives the wheels an extra-high polish look.

The California is available in a choice of 16 different pastel and metallic colors. However clients also have the option of ordering the new Azzurro California shade created especially for the car's launch.

In addition to the usual range of 12 leather colors available to choose from for the interior trim too, Ferrari added two new colors: Cioccolato and Iroko. A new racing seat with all-carbon-fiber frame and electrically adjustable backrest is also now available.

In addition to the already impressive list of features offered as standard with the new California, owners can also choose to have a rear parking camera fitted or order the luggage set designed specifically to make the very most of the rear bench space, an option available in addition to the traditional three-piece leather set colored to match the interior trim, of course.

Samples of the various materials and virtual configuration tools will also be available to clients at every Ferrari showroom to help them make their choices. They may also request out-of-range colors and content to ensure their Ferrari California is unique.

Ferrari California: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications

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