RE: Ferrari California T Handling Speciale pack
Friday 22nd January 2016
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 knowBut 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.
Ferrari California T Handling Speciale pack
Sharper, louder, meaner California T confirmed for Geneva
That diffuser is Grigio Ferro Met. Just so you know
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?
Discussion
It's true though. Another overweight flabby folding-hardtop hairdresser's car with very little in the way of 'driving dynamics'. If you want a convertible Ferrari to pose in, buy a 275GTS. If you want an Italian V8 GT drophead, buy a Maserati GranTurismo. If you really want a modern Ferrari GT, buy a secondhand 599 and accept that the roof won't come off. The California was the answer to the question no-one asked, and as a result falls between all stools. It isn't even remotely pretty.
In the eye of the beholder I guess.
I think it's a very pretty car, relatively practical, Could get the kids in the back. I haven't driven the turbo but the older NA models were a much nicer drive than a DB9 or Maserati GranCabrio (the only benchmarks I have driven that I think compare). And I'm not running the other two down, just that the California was better.
I think it's a very pretty car, relatively practical, Could get the kids in the back. I haven't driven the turbo but the older NA models were a much nicer drive than a DB9 or Maserati GranCabrio (the only benchmarks I have driven that I think compare). And I'm not running the other two down, just that the California was better.
RoverP6B said:
It's true though. Another overweight flabby folding-hardtop hairdresser's car with very little in the way of 'driving dynamics'. If you want a convertible Ferrari to pose in, buy a 275GTS. If you want an Italian V8 GT drophead, buy a Maserati GranTurismo. If you really want a modern Ferrari GT, buy a secondhand 599 and accept that the roof won't come off. The California was the answer to the question no-one asked, and as a result falls between all stools. It isn't even remotely pretty.
I agree that the engine lacks charisma compared to the 4.3, but to criticise it for fulfilling it's remit (even if no-one asked for it) seems pretty pointless. It does seem to occupy a strange place between being dynamically capable (not quite), and not quite offering enough to be considered a luxury performance car though.Enjoyed Chris Harris's review on it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt4nVJFYzfM
Admittedly I was sceptical enough of this too. Surely those who want this car are looking for more refinement than is usually associated with a Ferrari. So why make it sharper, harder, louder. Have they not got the 458 or now the 488 spiders for that?
Then I thought about it for two seconds. There must obviously be a market for it, Ferrari would not be so stupid as to release an Unsellable car. So yep, it's here, it's better, it's quicker. Hurray for that :-)
Then I thought about it for two seconds. There must obviously be a market for it, Ferrari would not be so stupid as to release an Unsellable car. So yep, it's here, it's better, it's quicker. Hurray for that :-)
RoverP6B said:
It's true though. Another overweight flabby folding-hardtop hairdresser's car with very little in the way of 'driving dynamics'. If you want a convertible Ferrari to pose in, buy a 275GTS. If you want an Italian V8 GT drophead, buy a Maserati GranTurismo. If you really want a modern Ferrari GT, buy a secondhand 599 and accept that the roof won't come off. The California was the answer to the question no-one asked, and as a result falls between all stools. It isn't even remotely pretty.
Dude, it's obviously not the car for you. Would Sir like to try a different model ? What a silly silly post. 
It is hard not to take Harris' review with a pinch of salt.
I mean if your daily was a Ferrari FF then of course you would find the California-T slow.
If you spend all day driving a 650S then ofcourse it is going to seem a bit crap in comparison.
But most people who buy a Cali will either have owned a worse car or an equivalent car...and not spend all day in hypercars. So the average person will think it is brilliant.
Same is said for the original...
I mean if your daily was a Ferrari FF then of course you would find the California-T slow.
If you spend all day driving a 650S then ofcourse it is going to seem a bit crap in comparison.
But most people who buy a Cali will either have owned a worse car or an equivalent car...and not spend all day in hypercars. So the average person will think it is brilliant.
Same is said for the original...
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.
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.Guys, please tone it down.
No need to be degrade anyone, not nice at all.
Each and everyone is entitled to their opinion, as you are entitled to judge their opinion based on your own...
Glad to see Ferrari addressing the harder edged owner of these cars.
Would defo get one of these for the other half, but she's worst than me she wants the Speciales/GTO's/etc.!
Would like to hear what they've done to the exhaust, as it is a bit too tame as standard.
No need to be degrade anyone, not nice at all.
Each and everyone is entitled to their opinion, as you are entitled to judge their opinion based on your own...
Glad to see Ferrari addressing the harder edged owner of these cars.
Would defo get one of these for the other half, but she's worst than me she wants the Speciales/GTO's/etc.!
Would like to hear what they've done to the exhaust, as it is a bit too tame as standard.
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