2009 Ferrari California
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 21:13 
Ferrari has taken a gamble! Yes, the 2009 Ferrari California is named after cars that have turned into legends and although we find the California pretty, the gamble is about its functionality. No one in the car industry understands if the California is a two or four seater, if it was built solely for the purpose of sport and leisure or functionality. It’s a convertible yet it has a retractable hardtop and not a traditional hood! Wouldn’t a traditional hood be helpful to save weight? It’s marketed like a hardcore sports car but you can fit a golf clubs inside of it? There is no hiding that the California has some grunt under its bonnet. Powered by a 4.3 liter V8 giving 453hp, the California will get to 100km/h in less then 4 seconds. But the question begs to be asked, has Ferrari started copying its German neighbors by creating a car like the Mercedes-Benz SL-65 or the Porsche 911. We love the California here at CarPlatform but we hope Ferrari hasn’t gone cold.
| Specifications: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 4.3 liter V8 |
0-100km/h (62mph): | under 4 seconds |
| ASPIRATION: | Normal |
TOP SPEED: | 315km/h (limited) (193mph) |
| HP: |
460hp |
WEIGHT/HP: | - |
| HP/LITER: |
107.0 hp/liter | 0-200km/h (124mph) |
- |
| TORQUE: | - | 1 KILOMETER: | - |
| WEIGHT: | - | PRICE: | 250,000 usd |
Ferrari Press Release
New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.