Sporty, elegant, versatile: that’s the Ferrari California. The new California T adds a radical innovation to that honourable tradition whilst still retaining the model’s highly renowned versatility.
The T in its moniker refers, of course, to the development of a new 8-cylinder turbo engine that combines reduced emissions and fuel consumption with exceptional performance underscored by blistering pick-up due to zero turbo lag and a torque curve that adapts to suit each gear change.
Equally, the retractable hard top or RHT transforms the California T from a chic coupé into a sleekly sophisticated spider in a mere 14 seconds. A refined semi-aniline leather-trimmed cabin also offers the modular spaces of the signature 2+ configuration and underscores the car’s extraordinary versatility.
The California’s V8 turbo engine is completely new and offers absolutely superb levels of performance, breath-taking pick-up and an exhilarating soundtrack. It also significantly improves on fuel consumption (-15%) and emissions (250 g/km of CO2) whilst delivering sublime driving pleasure, thanks to zero turbo lag and the radical re-engineering of the torque curve which increases constantly across the rev range and changes to suit the gear being used (Variable Boost Management).
Mounted very low in the chassis in a mid-front position, the 3855 cm3 turbo 8-cylinder delivers 560 CV at 7500 rpm, yielding a specific power output of 145 CV/l as well as maximum torque of 755 Nm. Amongst other things, these extraordinary figures allow the California T sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
The Scuderia Ferrari’s experience with the engineering of the F14 T’s power unit has also resulted in excellent combustion and mechanical efficiency as well as the development of compact, very low inertia twin-scroll turbines to ensure ultra-sharp throttle response.
The engine’s powerful performance also boosts the California T’s authentic sports car dynamics. The resulting reduced steering wheel activity, improved steering wheel responsiveness to driver input and more directly handling do not impinge in any way on its exceptional ride comfort, however. The latter comes courtesy, in fact, of a new steering box and a new mechanical set-up whereby springs and latest-generation Magnaride dampers combine with body motion accelerometers to significantly reduce roll and pitch.
The California T has an exciting new personality yet retains the dimensions of the previous California. Its sleek proportions were penned by the Ferrari Style Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, and are very much in line with the Ferrari front-engined ethos. The shape of the California T’s flanks is inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s famous pontoon-fender styling, with the front wing line stretching back towards the compact, muscular rear and bringing an aerodynamic sleekness and movement to the sides. An imposing front grille and the intakes for the turbo intercooler also communicate a sense of impressive power and width. Lastly, a lean bonnet underscores muscular fenders while the rear benefits from meticulous aerodynamic research resulting in a new triple-fence diffuser.
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