When this bold red vehicle with the stylish lines washed up on the Beach, my first thought was rossa – Ferrari. However, it did not look like a Ferrari I was familiar with. The reason is simple; this is the new Ferrari California, a 4,300 cc V8 automobile set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 1.
The California has a mid front positioned engine, which is a Ferrari first. Goodies include direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft design that cranks out 460 hp at 7,500 rpm. This lets the stylish vehicle achieve 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 4.0 seconds. Equipped with a fun 7 speed dual clutch transmission, the Ferrari California claims to reduce fuel consumption and keep emissions down to c.310 g/km CO2. (Like that is a reason why anyone would ever buy a red Ferrari).
The California comes as a two seater convertible hard top. featuring an aluminum chassis and bodywork. While hidden under a beautiful skin, the drive train is nice to look at as well, with new multilink rear suspension system, F1-Trac traction control system, and carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.
While a break from traditional Ferraris in some ways, the California has the brawn, beauty, and sophistication to its rightful place as a Ferrari sportscar, hopefully for some time to come.
Aloha from the Beach,
