New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed
GT
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - 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.
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