Wednesday 12th February 2014

Ferrari California T revealed

Revised California adds more power, a whole lot more torque and a welcome dash of style

---

There aren't many, but the turbocharged V8 Ferraris that exist are fairly special. F40, for example, and the 288 GTO. Today there is confirmation of one more with the new California T.

Curvaceous probably describes it best here

As predicted from the Project 149M teaser, Ferrari's Geneva show car will be an updated version of its 'base' model with a new forced induction V8. We speculated the engine would be shared with the Maserati Quattroporte but Ferrari maintains it is 'an entirely new power unit'. Albeit slightly related. Swept capacity is 3,855cc (compared to the Quattroporte's 3,798cc) and peak power is 560hp at 7,500rpm, both up on the Maserati. That rpm figure is encouragingly high for a production turbo, and is only 250rpm lower than where the current Cali makes its 490hp maximum.

Torque is increased too. And not just slightly either, but by a massive 49 per cent. So whereas the 4.3-litre California had to mosey along with 372lb ft, the California T will be pulling out every proverbial tree stump with 557lb ft. That's 41lb ft more than a W12 Bentley Continental GTC, in a much lighter (1,625kg dry) car. It doesn't quite match the absurd 589lb ft of an SL63, but it's a heck of a gain. Again (hopefully) reflecting the engine's revvy nature, the torque peak is produced at 4,750rpm. Ferrari states a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds and a 196mph top speed. For the entry-level car!

Spot the Turbo Performance Engineer...

Moreover, efficiency is improved as well. Fuel consumption is 'around' 15 per cent better at 26.9mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 250g/km. Not exactly parsimonious, but pretty damn good given the performance.

Being a Ferrari, noise is of course particularly important to the turbocharged California T. To achieve a 'typically intense, exhilarating Ferrari sound', the California gets a specially manufactured flat-plane crank (the biggest change over the Maserati engine that uses a cross-plane crank), exhaust manifold and turbo housing. Ferrari says the powerful and engaging sound is the first time this has been achieved with a turbo engine.

And lag? By using a pair of very low inertia twin-scroll turbines, Ferrari claims ultra-sharp responses to the throttle and 'virtually zero turbo lag'. We'll see. Variable Boost Management has also been introduced to create a torque curve that mimics a naturally aspirated engine.

Rejoice, the piggy nose has gone!

Just in case that isn't enough turbo geekery, the interior features a 'Turbo Performance Engineer' (or TPE if you don't want to admit its full title) between the two central air vents. Touch-sensitive, it features a few information screens on 'making the most of the new engine's performance.' As is the Ferrari way now, the wipers and lights have been moved to the steering wheel, plus there's a new 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen.

But there are more significant changes outside, arguably where they were required. In Ferrari's words the shape of the flanks 'is inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa' and the rear includes a 'triple-fence' diffuser. Despite using fundamentally the same proportions, the effect is a much more cohesive and attractive California than before. Those rear lights do look a little lost in the massive rear haunches though.

'Blu California' the second launch colour

The California has always been perceived as the slightly soft Ferrari since its 2008 launch, but Ferrari now seems intent on changing that opinion with the T. A new steering box promises a sharper turn-in (apparently becoming another Ferrari trademark) and 'improved response'. The suspension has been overhauled too with new springs and faster-reacting Magnaride dampers. CCM3 carbon ceramics are also standard.

It's a comprehensive facelift for the California then, one that will surely increase its appeal to a wider range of customers. In fact, the one detail missing from Ferrari's pre-Geneva release is UK pricing and availability. With the outgoing Cali at £152,154, a gain commensurate with the increased power and spec seems likely.

 

[Ex Boy Racer]

Dammit. I'm not meant to like this, am i?

[em177]

Would love to lope across Europe in one of those, a black on with tan leather please. Gorgeous,

[80's Classic]

So much better looking. Shame it's too big for my garage......

[Garlick]

Never liked the California, do now.

Simple as that really.

[LovesSweetExile]

Well its gone from looking like a skate shoe to a running shoe.

[Beefmeister]

Garlick said:

Never liked the California, do now.

Simple as that really.

This.

Methinks this may become the pick of the range....

[GroundEffect]

That is lovely.

Would own.

[IAJO]

I would love one of these and the new look is a step in the right direction although I am not a huge admirer of those wheels.

Come on Lotto!

[Charge99]

Looks much much better! Plus I think the turbo-charging is a positive on the Cali.

[TroubledSoul]

Now that's a seriously sexy car IMHO.

I am a fan boy though....

[anonymous-user]

That is one of if not the best Ferrari in a long while! It may not be the fastest, most expensive or most advanced but it just seams to really work

[Amirhussain]

Front end looks much better now,

[kambites]

I wonder what it'll do to the second-hand prices of the old model.

[Dave Hedgehog]

oh gawd, its got the bloody horrible smiley face that all the other fugly Ferrari's have

and to think they used to make the most beautiful cars in the world ...

[IanO]

That is gorgeous and has sorted out all the awkward bits about the original, especially the Lexus stacked exhausts

[hornetrider]

Phwoar. That is all.

[Quickmoose]

Fat arse still present and correct, but as a midlife face lift goes, that is a really successful one...

[Amirhussain]

IanO said:

especially the Lexus stacked exhausts

Hadn't noticed that! I agree though.

[myhandle]

It now looks like a baby, drophead, 599. This is indeed progress. The change in direction of the slats on the front wings, the vents in the bonnet replacing the scoop, and the new exhausts have made quite the difference IE improvement.

[JDMDrifter]

The 1st gen was a real ugly duckling, this is a vast improvement