Ferrari California breaks cover

By Paul Gover

Herald Sun

29 May 2008

The all new Ferrari California. Photo Gallery

The car world is buzzing this week over the all-new Ferrari California.

The first retractable hard-top in Ferrari history was unveiled yesterday with new photos of the California model – in the Azzuro colour its legendary namesake wore at the 1962 New York motor show.

The California - a name used in the past for a drop-top Ferrari in the 1950s - is a two-plus convertible that will sit alongside the 430 coupe in the company's range.

The folding roof is not the only first-timer on the car. The California will also have its rear wheels driven by the Italian marque’s first seven-speed dual clutch, which Ferrari says cuts shifting time “effectively to zero”. The company says the front-mounted 4.3-litre V8 engine will have a fuel consumption figure of 13.2L/100km with CO2 emission levels of around 310 g/km.

A new launch control button enahnces high performance starts by ensuring correct torque delivery and preventing tyre spin during acceleration. The car is 4560 mm in length, 1900 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2700 mm.

Its first public appearance will be at the Paris motor show in September, but a queue has already formed for the car in Australia with more than a dozen fans putting down deposits to be the first with the latest from the prancing horse.

Click here for more motor show news.

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 9 comments

Page 1 of 1

Elephino that nice way to say that to my friend Coolio. He now doesn't make coments anymore. He told me about you. So how about trying me for change.

Newly Mosslock Posted at 30 June 2009 9:24pm

Coolio - unlike some people around on the web, I have nothing against people learning. If I did, then I would have called you silly names for not knowing

elephino Posted at 02 June 2008 5:02pm

looks like an alfa 8c and lexus lf-A.

Bill Lewison Posted at 31 May 2008 8:51pm

Look Elephino - I'm learning O.K. I just studied the car from another Web. I was suprised it 4 seater. By telling the seat beats in the back. I do love this Ferrari

Coolio Hunt Posted at 30 May 2008 6:18pm

Coolio - 'America', 'Superamerica', 'California'. All have been used by Ferrari before.

elephino Posted at 30 May 2008 2:01pm

Beautiful. Not normally a Ferrari fan, but this is gorgeous. The similarities to the original 250GT California are obvious. I always loved the original, from the first time I saw my favourite movie of all time - Ferris Buellers Day Off - only to see it destroyed towards the end. I doubt that the new version will ever match the price of the one Chris Evans just bought ($11.4m)!! http://carsguide.news.com.au/site/motoring-news/story/record_sale_for_coburn_ferrari/

Mark Posted at 23 May 2008 3:48pm

hm doesnt really do it for me. ferraris are meant to be big and elaborate but this seems dumbed down. it looks alright but looks to be a mix of cars to me. the head lights and front guards looks abit corvette to me and from that picture there the rear end looks abit porsche carrera. i bet it has a thumping V8 of some kind and some tricky driveline bits (E diff maybe?) anyway thats my 2 cents eiter accept it or dont and if u dont, dont bother with getting angry cause im entitled to my opinion cheers

Ashleigh Willson Posted at 17 May 2008 6:11pm

Best styled Ferrari to date! One that doesn't look hideously F1. This is an everyday sports car. I think I will be adding this to my list of wants...

Gen Y Car Enthusiast of Sydney Posted at 16 May 2008 2:43pm

The fast car looks cool & Excellent. It could suit for the Movie version of Magnum PI. Replacing his 80's model Ferrari which is rumoured to be made soon. Most suprising with a American State name. Thomas Magnum played by Tom Sellect drove I think the model 308.

Coolio Hunt Posted at 15 May 2008 8:03pm

Read all 9 comments

Add your comment on this story

Comments Form

Enter your comments:

We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your full name. We also require a working email address - not for publication, but for verification. The location field is optional.

Additional Information