California T - what are we thinking?
Discussion
Mikey, I have had Vantage roadsters and the current California. Loved the Aston at the time, actually preferred it to the larger DBS, though Aston fans will shoot me for saying so. Current California was a huge step forward and having seen the new California T in the flesh think it very good looking, resolving some of the lumpy elements of the old shape.
Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
Mikey, I have had Vantage roadsters and the current California. Loved the Aston at the time, actually preferred it to the larger DBS, though Aston fans will shoot me for saying so. Current California was a huge step forward and having seen the new California T in the flesh think it very good looking, resolving some of the lumpy elements of the old shape.
Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
JONAHHELE said:
Mikey, I have had Vantage roadsters and the current California. Loved the Aston at the time, actually preferred it to the larger DBS, though Aston fans will shoot me for saying so. Current California was a huge step forward and having seen the new California T in the flesh think it very good looking, resolving some of the lumpy elements of the old shape.
Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
Interesting and all true!Performance and torque figures are almost super car territory, as fast as the V12s for sure.
Hard top folding roof,will make it truly all year useable.
value ? Well not much more than a V12s roadster actually and with 7 years free servicing.
Love Euro hoons like you. Upshot I have ordered one and look forward to it arriving in the next couple of months.
This car is going to do well I think. Personally, I struggle to think about putting 150 -160 k into a new Aston, when a generation of AMG underpinned cars are not far off. Each to their own though. Both are lovely brands to own.
I too don't like the VH1 platform cars, too long and cumbersome for my liking.
I've come very very close to a V12V roadster in either form, but with the history of issues with my two I'm reluctant to do it a third time.
The AMG thing also puts me off.
There are lhd static demos in the dealers now so worth a look. Been told they are coming out close to 200k once specced up which given the base is 155k seems toppy. Maybe early cars have to have lots of bits on them
Looks wise it's an improvement for sure but didnt make me want one that much
Looks wise it's an improvement for sure but didnt make me want one that much
There are lhd static demos in the dealers now so worth a look. Been told they are coming out close to 200k once specced up which given the base is 155k seems toppy. Maybe early cars have to have lots of bits on them
Looks wise it's an improvement for sure but didnt make me want one that much
Looks wise it's an improvement for sure but didnt make me want one that much
A decent spec could run to 180 if sensible which at 20k more than a V12s looks better value to m, but then I am biased.
458 might be a good call, very different car, more an out and out performance car. If buying used, don't until after Christmas would be my suggestion, but then we all have different priorities.
458 might be a good call, very different car, more an out and out performance car. If buying used, don't until after Christmas would be my suggestion, but then we all have different priorities.
A decent spec could run to 180 if sensible which at 20k more than a V12s looks better value to m, but then I am biased.
458 might be a good call, very different car, more an out and out performance car. If buying used, don't until after Christmas would be my suggestion, but then we all have different priorities.
458 might be a good call, very different car, more an out and out performance car. If buying used, don't until after Christmas would be my suggestion, but then we all have different priorities.
mikey k said:
Interesting might have to have a drive over!
I'm not a fan of the 458, rather have a FAST GT rather than something like a 458
Sure as hell wont be another Aston
Hi MikeI'm not a fan of the 458, rather have a FAST GT rather than something like a 458
Sure as hell wont be another Aston
Edited by mikey k on Sunday 17th August 14:39
I can't comment on the Cali as I've never driven one, but the new T does look a lovely motor!
As for the 458 - it's exquisite! Call me next time your around my neck of the woods, and I'll take you out - will also introduce to my local friendly dealer!,
Graham.
I have been close to buying a California for about 2-3 years, but with the outgoing version I could never quite bring myself to pull the trigger - whilst I loved it's looks, curb side appeal and overall offering of being a practical 2+2 Ferrari convertible, I just could not buy a car which I knew was, in all honesty, worse than my other options. I found it always lacked the power / rawness of my SL AMG and didn't have good enough technology for a daily car vs the New M6 cab which I bought last year.
However I did go to the launch of the California T in Italy earlier this year and from that event alone (I am yet to drive one) I have a very strong feeling the issues have been fixed. I really believe this new engine setup will give the power required to bring the performance (notably in-gear performance) up to where it should be; the updates to interior seemed to make it an extremely nice cabin space for daily usage and the technology system is now certainly adequate - both in terms of performance and in-car entertainment; not to mention the refreshed exterior which looks incredible to my eyes.
I would probably like to buy one a year old for around £140k with mid-level spec, at that price you will be looking at pretty limited depreciation (especially in % terms) due to the huge brand value Ferrari's carry - just look at how solid old shape California residuals are. But if I can spec one without needing too many options I'd consider buying new, not sure which are the pricey options pushing new prices up so much over the (actually very reasonable IMO) base price, no doubt a number are 'must haves'.
On the topic of road trips to Europe, obviously with these sorts of cars, the choice usually has to be a balance between your wants and the car's suitability. I have no doubt in saying (*pending test drive) that this new California T would do a fantastic job of cruising Europe, are there comfier cars? Of course. But the California T will certainly do it all, so I suppose it depends if it's a car you'd really love to do it in as to whether that makes it the right choice.
However I did go to the launch of the California T in Italy earlier this year and from that event alone (I am yet to drive one) I have a very strong feeling the issues have been fixed. I really believe this new engine setup will give the power required to bring the performance (notably in-gear performance) up to where it should be; the updates to interior seemed to make it an extremely nice cabin space for daily usage and the technology system is now certainly adequate - both in terms of performance and in-car entertainment; not to mention the refreshed exterior which looks incredible to my eyes.
I would probably like to buy one a year old for around £140k with mid-level spec, at that price you will be looking at pretty limited depreciation (especially in % terms) due to the huge brand value Ferrari's carry - just look at how solid old shape California residuals are. But if I can spec one without needing too many options I'd consider buying new, not sure which are the pricey options pushing new prices up so much over the (actually very reasonable IMO) base price, no doubt a number are 'must haves'.
On the topic of road trips to Europe, obviously with these sorts of cars, the choice usually has to be a balance between your wants and the car's suitability. I have no doubt in saying (*pending test drive) that this new California T would do a fantastic job of cruising Europe, are there comfier cars? Of course. But the California T will certainly do it all, so I suppose it depends if it's a car you'd really love to do it in as to whether that makes it the right choice.
GrahamPM said:
Hi Mike
I can't comment on the Cali as I've never driven one, but the new T does look a lovely motor!
As for the 458 - it's exquisite! Call me next time your around my neck of the woods, and I'll take you out - will also introduce to my local friendly dealer!,
Graham.
Hi GrahamI can't comment on the Cali as I've never driven one, but the new T does look a lovely motor!
As for the 458 - it's exquisite! Call me next time your around my neck of the woods, and I'll take you out - will also introduce to my local friendly dealer!,
Graham.
That will end with an even bigger hole in the pocket!
But I'll take you up on the offer!
I drove the California T at the launch event they had at Millbrook.
It is a fantastic car! It is not an all out sports car like the 458, but if you something a little bit more comfy and practical, its perfect. It still sounds nice, looks lovely, and the cabin is just gorgeous - some of the most comfy seats I've ever come across. It is an extremely capable car, not razor sharp, but very nice and good analogue feel to it, despite having the latest tech and turbo engine.
It is a fantastic car! It is not an all out sports car like the 458, but if you something a little bit more comfy and practical, its perfect. It still sounds nice, looks lovely, and the cabin is just gorgeous - some of the most comfy seats I've ever come across. It is an extremely capable car, not razor sharp, but very nice and good analogue feel to it, despite having the latest tech and turbo engine.
I had a nice drive out in the sun this morning in Gray Paul demo, interesting drive so here are my impressions;
Looks
The revised styling is much much better IMHO, with the horiziontal chrome grill it all ties together well.
The new California Blue is nice and works well, having seen a 458 spider in a similar colour to California Red I'd take that! Roof is wizardry and works well, only down side is you have to stop to move it and hold the button through the whole motion. I can understand, that cover is like a sail!
Handling
Off we went in Sport mode. Thankfully the back roads were quiet
Loved the quick turn in and well balanced weight, the magnetic dampers helped smooth out the bumpy back roads, nice touch helping you to press on even on bad roads. Didn't feel as fast as it is, probably because it is quiet and civilised. No pops or bangs, it will make a great GT for eurohoons. An after market back box will sort the sound out for the back roads Brakes were impressive, a nice bit of modulation to begin with then a good sharp bit. I've often found other ceramics to be all or nothing.
Gearbox
I've used a few DCT style boxes now and this one is up there! Very fast almost "invisible" changes, impressive stuff. Auto works well and flies up to 7th as they all do. It is intelligent enough to let you manually intervene (for an overtake or quick blast) and then takes control back once you have settled down again I used to find this conflicted with my driving style on a DSG box, but that was soon sorted putting it in manual One thing I didn't like is running in Auto and tickling the throttle to change speed wouldn't drop it down and resulted in drone from the exhaust Again soon sorted by using Manual mode 
Engine
I quite like turbo'ed engines, it is impressive bit of kit!
Too quiet though, even with the roof down Apparently the sports exhaust is just a different trim )
Weird to hear turbo whistle in a Ferrari as well.
Interior
No way that is a 2+2, with my driving position there was no gap for even a gnats whisker
Good for luggage space though on a Euro tour and probably a necessity as the boot is compromised with the roof down (95% of our driving would be that way)
The dash and controls are "interesting" I get the controls on the wheel but the indicators need some more thought, they don't seem to have the 3 blinks function like my Aston and aren't as self cancelling either. I found myself accidentally leaving them on and not seeing the dash indicator as the wheel was in the way (my driving position again). Also try indicating with any amount of lock on Sat nav screen was hard to read, no way I could look at the road ahead and just glance down to read the road numbers. Why didn't they repeat it in the dash pod? Heater controls are way too small and poorly positioned. Too many buttons scattered around in weird positions (parking sensor mute by the rear view mirror but rear view camera view change behind the steering wheel. The "joy stick" for the VDA and info screen obscured to the right of the wheel). Fora car car with ~300 miles on it had a LOT of rattles and squeaks, this is a bug bear of mine. Generally a bit disappointed with the interior
Other Stuff
7 year service package AND factory warranty extendable to match = impressive (are you listening Aston )
Gray Paul were very professional and informative. They are going to have a dilema with these. They only have an allocation of ~2 cars per month per dealer and have Gray Paul already used up to April 2015! Seems weird Ferrari are limiting their "volume" entry level car like this, should keep residuals high though!
Will I buy one?
I'm still on the fence after today's drive
I think I need to spend more time in one and really push it
Looks like I needs to get on a Ferrari Millbrook day
Looks
The revised styling is much much better IMHO, with the horiziontal chrome grill it all ties together well.
The new California Blue is nice and works well, having seen a 458 spider in a similar colour to California Red I'd take that! Roof is wizardry and works well, only down side is you have to stop to move it and hold the button through the whole motion. I can understand, that cover is like a sail!
Handling
Off we went in Sport mode. Thankfully the back roads were quiet
Loved the quick turn in and well balanced weight, the magnetic dampers helped smooth out the bumpy back roads, nice touch helping you to press on even on bad roads. Didn't feel as fast as it is, probably because it is quiet and civilised. No pops or bangs, it will make a great GT for eurohoons. An after market back box will sort the sound out for the back roads
Brakes were impressive, a nice bit of modulation to begin with then a good sharp bit. I've often found other ceramics to be all or nothing.Gearbox
I've used a few DCT style boxes now and this one is up there! Very fast almost "invisible" changes, impressive stuff. Auto works well and flies up to 7th as they all do. It is intelligent enough to let you manually intervene (for an overtake or quick blast) and then takes control back once you have settled down again
I used to find this conflicted with my driving style on a DSG box, but that was soon sorted putting it in manual One thing I didn't like is running in Auto and tickling the throttle to change speed wouldn't drop it down and resulted in drone from the exhaust Again soon sorted by using Manual mode Engine
I quite like turbo'ed engines, it is impressive bit of kit!
Too quiet though, even with the roof down
Apparently the sports exhaust is just a different trim )Weird to hear turbo whistle in a Ferrari as well.
Interior
No way that is a 2+2, with my driving position there was no gap for even a gnats whisker
Good for luggage space though on a Euro tour and probably a necessity as the boot is compromised with the roof down (95% of our driving would be that way)
The dash and controls are "interesting" I get the controls on the wheel but the indicators need some more thought, they don't seem to have the 3 blinks function like my Aston and aren't as self cancelling either. I found myself accidentally leaving them on and not seeing the dash indicator as the wheel was in the way (my driving position again). Also try indicating with any amount of lock on
Sat nav screen was hard to read, no way I could look at the road ahead and just glance down to read the road numbers. Why didn't they repeat it in the dash pod? Heater controls are way too small and poorly positioned. Too many buttons scattered around in weird positions (parking sensor mute by the rear view mirror but rear view camera view change behind the steering wheel. The "joy stick" for the VDA and info screen obscured to the right of the wheel). Fora car car with ~300 miles on it had a LOT of rattles and squeaks, this is a bug bear of mine. Generally a bit disappointed with the interior Other Stuff
7 year service package AND factory warranty extendable to match = impressive (are you listening Aston
)Gray Paul were very professional and informative. They are going to have a dilema with these. They only have an allocation of ~2 cars per month per dealer and have Gray Paul already used up to April 2015! Seems weird Ferrari are limiting their "volume" entry level car like this, should keep residuals high though!
Will I buy one?
I'm still on the fence after today's drive
I think I need to spend more time in one and really push it
Looks like I needs to get on a Ferrari Millbrook day
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