Ferrari California
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Ferrari California
New Ferrari California Exposed
"Just days after Ferrari launched the teaser site for its new GT, the first full images and details of the Ferrari California have been revealed. Even though the countdown timer on the teaser site still indicates there's a week to go before the next info reveal, the countdown itself is little more than a formality.
Like other modern Ferraris, this one is fabricated from aluminum to keep mass under control. The 460 hp 4.3L V8 is the first from Maranello to use direct injection while following the racing tradition of using a flat-plane crankshaft. This car of firsts also debuts the production application of a dual clutch gearbox from Ferrari. The 7-speed unit is mounted in a rear transaxle configuration and should provide smoother shifting and even better performance than the existing hydraulically-actuated units that Ferrari currently uses. Acceleration to 60 mph should come in under 4.0 seconds.
The California is also Ferrari's first retractable hardtop convertible. From the shape of the hood scoop and headlights to the sweep of the rear fenders and vents behind the front wheels this car obviously draws on the heritage of the original 1960s 250 GT California. At the same time, it's blended with modern Ferrari design elements drawn from the current F430 and 599. We're looking forward to seeing much more of this car over the months leading up to the Paris Motor Show! Thanks to Mobius and Ovidiu for the tip!"
You can read the press release for more details, but damn. 460hp, 7-speed DSG, retractable hardtop, carbon ceramic discs standard I would never label this a "baby" Ferrari.
"Just days after Ferrari launched the teaser site for its new GT, the first full images and details of the Ferrari California have been revealed. Even though the countdown timer on the teaser site still indicates there's a week to go before the next info reveal, the countdown itself is little more than a formality.
Like other modern Ferraris, this one is fabricated from aluminum to keep mass under control. The 460 hp 4.3L V8 is the first from Maranello to use direct injection while following the racing tradition of using a flat-plane crankshaft. This car of firsts also debuts the production application of a dual clutch gearbox from Ferrari. The 7-speed unit is mounted in a rear transaxle configuration and should provide smoother shifting and even better performance than the existing hydraulically-actuated units that Ferrari currently uses. Acceleration to 60 mph should come in under 4.0 seconds.
The California is also Ferrari's first retractable hardtop convertible. From the shape of the hood scoop and headlights to the sweep of the rear fenders and vents behind the front wheels this car obviously draws on the heritage of the original 1960s 250 GT California. At the same time, it's blended with modern Ferrari design elements drawn from the current F430 and 599. We're looking forward to seeing much more of this car over the months leading up to the Paris Motor Show! Thanks to Mobius and Ovidiu for the tip!"
You can read the press release for more details, but damn. 460hp, 7-speed DSG, retractable hardtop, carbon ceramic discs standard I would never label this a "baby" Ferrari.
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Other pics from the link:
I love the look of this thing. It is styles a little more classicly than the most recent offerings (430, 599), but it still comes across as new. They took the 430 and 599 taillights and make something interesting, although I would prefer just a simple dual exhaust instead of the IS-F setup.
The side view really shows off the amazing character line although from the A-pillar forward it looks a LOT like a Corvette. I know people draw those comparisons all the time, but that is pretty obvious.
It will be interesting to see some real world pictures of this car because usually Ferrari promo pics are terrible and do nothing for the car whatsoever. I remember seeing promo pics for the 430 and 599 and thought them bland and flat, only to eat my words when I saw real world pics or the cars in the flesh.
As for the price, it isnt really sounding like a real baby Ferrari. Unless they were really able to reduce cost by sharing components with Maserati, I would imagine this thing might cost somewhere in the $150-175k range.
I love the look of this thing. It is styles a little more classicly than the most recent offerings (430, 599), but it still comes across as new. They took the 430 and 599 taillights and make something interesting, although I would prefer just a simple dual exhaust instead of the IS-F setup.
The side view really shows off the amazing character line although from the A-pillar forward it looks a LOT like a Corvette. I know people draw those comparisons all the time, but that is pretty obvious.
It will be interesting to see some real world pictures of this car because usually Ferrari promo pics are terrible and do nothing for the car whatsoever. I remember seeing promo pics for the 430 and 599 and thought them bland and flat, only to eat my words when I saw real world pics or the cars in the flesh.
As for the price, it isnt really sounding like a real baby Ferrari. Unless they were really able to reduce cost by sharing components with Maserati, I would imagine this thing might cost somewhere in the $150-175k range.
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Originally Posted by Traveldude,May 13 2008, 05:38 AM
I love the look of this thing. It is styles a little more classicly than the most recent offerings (430, 599), but it still comes across as new. They took the 430 and 599 taillights and make something interesting, although I would prefer just a simple dual exhaust instead of the IS-F setup.
The side view really shows off the amazing character line although from the A-pillar forward it looks a LOT like a Corvette. I know people draw those comparisons all the time, but that is pretty obvious.
It will be interesting to see some real world pictures of this car because usually Ferrari promo pics are terrible and do nothing for the car whatsoever. I remember seeing promo pics for the 430 and 599 and thought them bland and flat, only to eat my words when I saw real world pics or the cars in the flesh.
As for the price, it isnt really sounding like a real baby Ferrari. Unless they were really able to reduce cost by sharing components with Maserati, I would imagine this thing might cost somewhere in the $150-175k range.
The side view really shows off the amazing character line although from the A-pillar forward it looks a LOT like a Corvette. I know people draw those comparisons all the time, but that is pretty obvious.
It will be interesting to see some real world pictures of this car because usually Ferrari promo pics are terrible and do nothing for the car whatsoever. I remember seeing promo pics for the 430 and 599 and thought them bland and flat, only to eat my words when I saw real world pics or the cars in the flesh.
As for the price, it isnt really sounding like a real baby Ferrari. Unless they were really able to reduce cost by sharing components with Maserati, I would imagine this thing might cost somewhere in the $150-175k range.
Very well put.
Dan
