Ferrari California
Despite its high tech underpinnings and advanced gearbox and design, the new Ferrari California is a traditional, front-engined grand tourer - the kind of car Ferrari makes best. It's metal folding roof is electrically powered, and stores neatly in the boot when open. With a 454bhp 4.3-litre V8 under the bonnet and a brand new seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the car is no slouch - yet it's still worth pointing out that this model majors on comfort and ease of driving... The frantic Ferrari theme is reserved for cars like the 458 and new 599. So popular is the Ferrari California that the order book is full for the first two years of production at least, Ferrari is confident it can score significant points against rivals such as Bentley and Aston Martin.
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- pros:
- Pace and handling with optional Handling Speciale pack
- Soundtrack
- Usability
- cons:
- Price
- Awkward rear proportions
- Gimmicky sat-nav and rear seats
The Ferrari California is a two-door cabriolet with an electric folding metal roof and beautifully trimmed interior. Representing a clear shift in priorities for Ferrari, the California is a very usable sports car and the maker's first ever front-engined V8 production car.
