Friday 22nd January 2016

Ferrari California T Handling Speciale pack

Sharper, louder, meaner California T confirmed for Geneva

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Though much improved with the turbocharged facelift, the California is not the Ferrari many would think of as soon as the F-word is mentioned. Attention naturally heads towards the more attention grabbing models, cars like the 488 GTB and F12, rather than the subdued and refined Cali T.

That diffuser is Grigio Ferro Met. Just so you know

But with the addition of a new 'Handling Speciale' package, Ferrari is promising an "even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes" for the California. To that end the magnetorhelogical dampers are revised, the springs are stiffer (16 per cent at the front, 19 per cent at the rear) and there's new exhaust for a bit more V8 turbo drama.

These are linked to recalibrated modes for the mannettino switch, with the effects most pronounced in Sport mode. On top of sharper gearchanges there's a new threshold for the F1 Trac stability control allowing "even better acceleration, particularly when exiting corners and on more bumpy road surfaces."

Marking out the Handling Speciale California T, aside from the "fuller, richer" noise of that exhaust, are a few visual tweaks too. There's a new front grille in matte grey with a matching rear diffuser, plus matte black exhaust pipes and an HS plaque inside.

The California T HS will make its debut at the Geneva motor show in March, with prices to follow. You didn't think Ferrari would simply allow a new 911 Turbo Cabriolet without preparing a response, did you?

[sidesauce]

I really like this Ferrari, maybe many will see it as the well-heeled hairdressers choice but I think they've developed it into something really special.

[sidesauce]

RoverP6B said:

It's true that I can't really think of a production car made since 2010 which I'd want. Limited edition stuff like 997 GT3RSs, Bentley Mulsannes, Aston Martin Lagonda Tarafs etc aside, I just can't bring myself to feel anything for any of them. The California doesn't appeal to me in the slightest - I'd much rather have a last-of-the-line Jag XKR.

Cramped. Not the last word in reliability. Flabby. And, very ironically, two XKR convertibles are driven by ACTUAL hairdressers near where I live.