It's not hard to imagine that relatively attainable supercars like the Nissan GT-R and Audi R8 could be chewing into the sales of relatively unattainable supercars made by manufacturers like Ferrari. With the average market price of horsepower on a downward trend, those who traditionally sell it at a premium are being forced to act.
Possibly in response, Ferrari announced their latest model this past spring. Called the California, it's a V8-powered front-engine model that intends to offer shoppers a user-friendly and versatile performance experience while satisfying even the most demanding drivers.
Available exclusively with the automaker's first-ever power-folding metal convertible roof, California will flank the 612 Scaglietti in Ferrari's GT segment. Typical Ferrari styling elements are all at play--including seductive sculpting, daring angles and a wide, planted stance.
The entire package is constructed extensively of aluminum and glued to the road by one of several available wheel styles in either 19- or 20-inch diameters. Venting is extensively applied to the fenders, hood, rocker panels and bumpers--and brake calipers can be painted in one of several colors at the customer's request. California's quad taillamps call the Enzo and F430 models to mind, and designers have even specified vertically-oriented dual outlet exhausts, à la Lexus IS F.
A Ferrari first, power comes from a front 'mid-mounted' 4.3-litre V8 that develops 460 peak horsepower. These all come online at a lofty 7,500 revs, at which point the next gear is engaged in mere milliseconds by a paddle-shifted seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The transmission draws on Ferrari's Formula One racing expertise and is mounted in the rear of the vehicle.
Drivers can expect 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) to come up in around 4 seconds, accompanied by the brand's trademark shrieking exhaust note. A specially optimized F1-Trac traction control system helps drivers to safely make the most of the California's power while keeping them out of the foliage, and the entire package rides a Delphi-sourced magnetically-adjustable suspension.
Fade-resistant ceramic composite Brembo brakes are fitted at each corner to back the potent engine up with enormous stopping power.
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| Typical Ferrari styling elements are all at play- including seductive sculpting, daring angles and a wide, planted stance. |
Possibly in response, Ferrari announced their latest model this past spring. Called the California, it's a V8-powered front-engine model that intends to offer shoppers a user-friendly and versatile performance experience while satisfying even the most demanding drivers.
Available exclusively with the automaker's first-ever power-folding metal convertible roof, California will flank the 612 Scaglietti in Ferrari's GT segment. Typical Ferrari styling elements are all at play--including seductive sculpting, daring angles and a wide, planted stance.
The entire package is constructed extensively of aluminum and glued to the road by one of several available wheel styles in either 19- or 20-inch diameters. Venting is extensively applied to the fenders, hood, rocker panels and bumpers--and brake calipers can be painted in one of several colors at the customer's request. California's quad taillamps call the Enzo and F430 models to mind, and designers have even specified vertically-oriented dual outlet exhausts, à la Lexus IS F.
A Ferrari first, power comes from a front 'mid-mounted' 4.3-litre V8 that develops 460 peak horsepower. These all come online at a lofty 7,500 revs, at which point the next gear is engaged in mere milliseconds by a paddle-shifted seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The transmission draws on Ferrari's Formula One racing expertise and is mounted in the rear of the vehicle.
Drivers can expect 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) to come up in around 4 seconds, accompanied by the brand's trademark shrieking exhaust note. A specially optimized F1-Trac traction control system helps drivers to safely make the most of the California's power while keeping them out of the foliage, and the entire package rides a Delphi-sourced magnetically-adjustable suspension.
Fade-resistant ceramic composite Brembo brakes are fitted at each corner to back the potent engine up with enormous stopping power.
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| The California is available exclusively with the automaker's first-ever power-folding metal convertible roof. |