RE: Ferrari California Handling Speciale
Discussion
KenC said:
Whiters said:
But still, just do the power increase and chassis mods (which I agree will make a difference) and don't bother with such a token weight reduction.
On an Elise special, it's not a terrible figure (Club Racer was not far of 30kg lighter). Even Bentley managed to get over 100kg out of the Continental with the Supersport.
30KG at this weight slaps far more of marketing than any genuine desire to influence the car's behaviour. One options list tick and a large breakfast will have their dieting work undone.
I'm sure Ferrari could also get 100kg out of the California if it was to produce an additional model though I doubt you will see a California CS/Scuderia because that is not the type of car the it is. Bentley still produced the heavier car alongside the SS. At least all Californias will share the benefits of weight loss, however small they may be. If you want a lighter Ferrari buy a 458/ Scuderia or CS.On an Elise special, it's not a terrible figure (Club Racer was not far of 30kg lighter). Even Bentley managed to get over 100kg out of the Continental with the Supersport.
30KG at this weight slaps far more of marketing than any genuine desire to influence the car's behaviour. One options list tick and a large breakfast will have their dieting work undone.
f328nvl said:
The California is so good it is just boring, which rather defeats the object of a Ferrari. Maybe this tweak will make it more exciting, but I'm not holding my breath.
Out of interest, have you driven one o do you assume it is boring to drive? I really did not like the California at launch. I hated the looks and felt that it would drive like a non AMG Merc SL or a 6 series.I was lucky enough to be invited to Millbrook to drive one it opened my eyes to how wrong I was about the drive. I never took it much above 160 mph though
.A couple of weeks ago I drove one on the road for around 30 miles and I found it very . Perhaps it was all down to expectations but I thought it was a better drive than the 458 I drove immediately after it!
After using F1 for years I still find the DCT a bit too tame for its own good but the exhaust popped and farted well when changing gears.
So while I still have reservations on some aspects of its looks, as I do with the 458, I would buy one, particularly with these improvements.
Harry Flashman said:
I really don't like these. They look like a cross between a grinning-faced Peugeot and a Lexus SC. Not exactly hideous, but hardly a looker.
Agree. A little naff in my opinion, admitttedly its very fast but thats not all we want a Ferrari to be. The rear is just awful.Regrards,
Mr. CC.
I'm lucky enough to own a California, which I drive pretty much every day.
It took a short time to really appreciate the California's lines and it's soundtrack was muted compared to the Maserati MC Shift I owned before, until the revs get up.
However, I have come to love the California. The engine and the gearbox are amazing. The road handling is superb and when the roof is down and you are in Sports mode there is no better place to be.
After reading the article on the latest California upgrades, I don't really believe that the average driver would really feel the benefit.
It took a short time to really appreciate the California's lines and it's soundtrack was muted compared to the Maserati MC Shift I owned before, until the revs get up.
However, I have come to love the California. The engine and the gearbox are amazing. The road handling is superb and when the roof is down and you are in Sports mode there is no better place to be.
After reading the article on the latest California upgrades, I don't really believe that the average driver would really feel the benefit.
Edited by GlowRed on Thursday 16th February 17:30
GlowRed said:
I'm luck enough to own a California, which I drive pretty much every day.
It took a short time to really appreciate the California's lines and it's soundtrack was muted compared to the Maserati MC Shift I owned before, until the revs get up.
However, I have come to love the California. The engine and the gearbox are amazing. The road handling is superb and when the roof is down and you are in Sports mode there is no better place to be.
After reading the article on the latest California upgrades, I don't really believe that the average driver would really feel the benefit.
Nice work chap and we are all very jealous. I didn't mean my previous post It took a short time to really appreciate the California's lines and it's soundtrack was muted compared to the Maserati MC Shift I owned before, until the revs get up.
However, I have come to love the California. The engine and the gearbox are amazing. The road handling is superb and when the roof is down and you are in Sports mode there is no better place to be.
After reading the article on the latest California upgrades, I don't really believe that the average driver would really feel the benefit.
!
a 'handling special' should consist of changes that noticeably affect handling in a positive way
changes in suspension, weight distribution, tires, steering, etc. and it also has some of that, but to me, that should be the focus.
I suppose somewhere down the line a minor change in weight may (or may not) be included in the list, but a minor increase in power probably shouldn't be. I'd say the general rule is that an increase in power warrants improvements in the handling capabilities of the car to get back to where you were.
changes in suspension, weight distribution, tires, steering, etc. and it also has some of that, but to me, that should be the focus.
I suppose somewhere down the line a minor change in weight may (or may not) be included in the list, but a minor increase in power probably shouldn't be. I'd say the general rule is that an increase in power warrants improvements in the handling capabilities of the car to get back to where you were.
Edited by mikEsprit on Thursday 16th February 17:43
when the new AMG SL comes out next year i bet it'll look like a better purchase to some of the potential California market. only saying this because i sort of thought the california was aimed at people outside the previous ferrari-buying demographic plus the folding hardtop, some similar numbers etc. i remember this article... http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2009-ferra...
these tweaks won't be enough to match it to the new SL presumably but by then the California will be a bit long in the tooth anyway will it not?
have i just made a totally irrelevant comparison?
edit - i see one quite regularly and love how it looks in the metal, i do really want one.
these tweaks won't be enough to match it to the new SL presumably but by then the California will be a bit long in the tooth anyway will it not?
have i just made a totally irrelevant comparison?
edit - i see one quite regularly and love how it looks in the metal, i do really want one.
ks. Didn't they make the exhaust thingumywhatsit and tune the ECU properly in the first place? Utter rot. Go away Ferrari and stop wasting people's time with daft marketing department specials. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff