More Ferrari California details and photos
May 30, 2008 by Karl Peskett
The first photos of the new Ferrari California with its roof up have been released. And to our eyes at least, it’s a looker.
Elements of Maserati’s GranTurismo can be seen in the picture above, yet the new Fezza remains true to the Prancing Horse badge. The colour, if you’re interested, is called Azzurro California.
Also revealed, is the fact that this is the first time that a seven-speed dual clutch has been used in a Ferrari. According to Maranello, “The system utilised on the Ferrari California cuts the gear shifting time effectively to zero and enhances to the utmost the car’s performance in terms of comfort and driveability.” And yes, it has a Launch Control function.
Ferrari also says the California delivers “significant downforce values”, quoted as 70kg at 200km/h.
The retractable hard top closes in 14 seconds, making it one of the faster metal folding roofs around. Losing around 100-litres of capacity when the roof is down, the boot space with the hard top up, is 360-litres.
Also revealed are the proportions of the car, with a length of 4560mm, a width of 1900mm and a wheelbase of 2700mm.
Fuel consumption is listed at 13.2 l/100 km with CO2 emission levels of around 310 g/km.
“I am very satisfied indeed with the work that the women and men of Ferrari have done,” said Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari. “The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted with the performance, comfort and driving pleasure it delivered. The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation. Its gearbox, suspensions and chassis are the most advanced possible.”
Print it: 
First time I heard…
FFS what a name ‘California’ should be called ‘Californacation’ because thats where this cars headed…
These are more flattering images than the first set released, can see more of the detail in the body.
front end looks a little aston martin
The only problem for me is that I think the coupe looks lovely but I wouldnt want the convertible. And wait a minute – YOU CANT BUY THEM SEPARATLY! And also with the folding hard top – french electronics may be on the up but Italian ones arnt quite there yet. A new Ferrari can still break down! And also its got tastes of toyota MR2 and Peugeot 407 Coupe in the front. Ill have to see one first and Im sure that when I do – Ill want one so badly itll hurt.
Its obviously not for people who don’t want the convertible.
Its price is competitive with the F430, try and think of it as a small 599 or something along those lines. The entry level ferrari that isn’t the track weapon.
I’m not sure about that styling line that starts at the vents behind the front wheel, works well as it sweeps up the door but then does that funny tuck-in behind the passenger compartment. It’s almost as if it’s there to make room for the stupid folding metal hardtop.
Is there a fixed-head coupe version of this otherwise gorgeous piece of work? If not, I’m not interested.
could you afford one any way?
i think its beautiful, esp with the roof up and in that colour, but thats my opinion
Ferris Beullers Day off – say no more…. ace