Launched at the October 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari California represented a radical
design that incorporated a number of concepts showcased for the first time in a production
model. While many dismissed the California as a "soft" Ferrari, it was the first front-mounted
V8 in a Ferrari, the first Ferrari with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the first Ferrari
hard-top convertible featuring a folding metal roof and the first Ferrari to feature multi-link
rear suspension and a direct fuel injection engine.
The second-generation Ferrari California T arrived on February 12, 2014 , the “T”
representative of the twin-turbocharged engine delivering 553 hp and 557 lb-ft of torque,
coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with revised gear ratios. Alongside an
upgraded powertrain, the California T also had a revised chassis and body features, new
sheet metal, new interior design and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The California T delivers true sports car dynamics, thanks to a songful exhaust system, a
new steering box and suspension setup, new springs and updated Magnaride dampers,
which respond 50 per cent faster than on the original California. It also features the F1-Trac
traction control system and CCM3 carbon-ceramic brakes. The car can accelerate from 0-62
mph in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph.
The bodywork was designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina,
featuring 250 Testarossa-style flanks and a new triple-fence diffuser. The car also has a new
front fascia that was influenced by the F12, and a revised rear section which replaced the
two sets of two vertically stacked exhaust pipes with four horizontally aligned pipes.
Inside, the ergonomic cabin boasts semi-aniline leather trim, a multifunction steering wheel,
the touchscreen operated Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) system, and a high-resolution
6.5” infotainment screen featuring both touch-screen and conventional controls.