Summer can’t come soon enough.
The Ferrari California 2+ hard-top convertible was the perfect car for those looking for Ferrari performance in the form of a Grand Tourer. Then new models such as the F12Berlinetta, FF, and LaFerrari came into the picture and the California seemed to be pushed into the forgotten realm. Now, it’s back and it is screaming for attention with its new turbocharged V-8 engine, classic figure, sleek design, and new ‘California T’ name.
Ferrari guarantees that dropping the 14-second hard-top and hitting the throttle has never been more intense and satisfying thanks to the all-new V-8 engine. The 3.9-liter engine has been turbocharged and turbo-lag has disappeared thanks to low-inertia twin-scroll turbines. The result is a sharp throttle response and a torque curve that builds throughout the rev range with Variable Boost Management. In all, a total of 522 purebred Maranello stallions stampede at 7,500 RPM along with 557 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 RPM – a 49-percent increase. This enables the Ferrari California T to reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 196 mph top speed.
Great attention was paid to the exhaust system of the Ferrari California T by the Maranello engineers. The goal was to create the intense and thrilling exhaust note known to Ferrari sports cars. To do so, they designed a new flat-pane crankshaft and three-piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing to create a powerful sound that builds in intensity as the engine speed increases.
The transfer of technology from racing is evident as the new turbocharger regulations in Formula 1 help to cut down on carbon emissions and fuel economy in the Ferrari California T. The new 3.9-liter V-8 may have more power but fuel economy is down by 15-percent, while emissions have been cut by 250 g/km over the combined cycle.
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Dynamics, as with all Ferrari models, are a hallmark of the new California T. Engineers created a new steering box and suspension setup that offers better steering response and feel. The latest technology is injected into the convertible with new springs and latest-gen Magnaride dampers that respond 50-percent faster work with body motion accelerometers to improve overall handling. Even the latest in F1-Trac traction control is used for better acceleration out of corners or that parking space at the mall. Technology is integrated throughout the California T all the way down to the brakes with the latest CCM3 carbon-ceramic brakes utilizing ESP 8.0 premium to control the ABS system for a whopping 62-0 mph stopping distance of 34 meters.
Although the Ferrari California T has the latest and greatest technology, Ferrari designers wanted to keep the classic shape of the front-engined Ferraris while giving the car its own personality. Designers collaborated with Pininfarina to keep the outgoing model’s dimensions while creating a sleek, muscular shape that exudes confidence and speed. The two flanks of the California T were inspired by the classic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa’s pontoon-fender design to create an aerodynamic form. The rear of the convertible boasts a new triple-fence diffuser that helps keep the rear axle planted at high speeds.
A comfortable, ergonomic atmosphere with beautiful Italian craftsmanship greets driver and passengers inside the California T. Frau semi-aniline leather covers much of the cockpit surfaces in a two-tone style. Facing the driver is a steering wheel littered with buttons and switches while a Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) system sits on the dashboard between the two air vents and allows the driver even more control of the engine and vehicle performance. Sitting in the center of the dashboard is a 6.5-inch, high-res touchscreen display with a more intuitive infotainment system.
The new turbocharged Ferrari California T will make its debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show in March. The car will be launched in Rosso California and Blu California colors.
Ferrari California T Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.9 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 552 / 560 CV at 7,500 RPM
Maximum Torque: 556.78 lb-ft. / 755 Nm at 4,750 RPM
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 195.35 mph / 316 km/h
Ferrari California T Gallery
Source: Ferrari
Is the new Ferrari California T the ultimate Grand Tourer?
