From Dutch Mandel, of Autoweek. The new Ferrari California droptop. Hey, Wizzo, could this be the Grid Game prize?
Ferrari has released the first official photos of its all-new "baby" eight-cylinder GT it is calling California.
Ferraristas and sports car enthusiasts have waited months for this news as the automaker has made it a point to staunchly deny the car's existence, despite repeated leaks from within the hallowed halls of the Prancing Horse's Maranello, Italy, headquarters.
Based on its specifications, the California will not disappoint. The car comes only as a convertible with a folding hardtop stretched over a chassis and bodywork hand-formed of aluminum. It is powered by an all-new 4.3-liter, direct-injected V8 mounted in the mid-front position--a first for Ferrari. The engine boasts a flat crank--oh, how that powerplant should sing!
Factory estimates are that the car will sprint from a standstill to 62 mph in less than 4 seconds. It will be mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that the company says helps with fuel economy and to reduce carbon emissions.
A multi-link rear suspension has been developed for the car. The California also gets the firm's F1-Trac traction control system. Brakes come from Brembo.
As Tifosi around the world will say, the California name is not new for Ferrari. Some of the most collectible copies in Ferrari's stable have worn that moniker, so for this GT to take on the mantle bodes well for the long term, and puts a great deal of pressure on this car's haunches.
Ferrari says the car is aimed at owners who want what a Ferrari can give them with greater versatility. Though it will make its world debut at the Paris motor show in October, don't be surprised to see further releases about it to build up the pre-introduction order bank.
This article was last updated on: 05/13/08, 09:05 et
Credit: Autoweek Daily Drive eNewsletter
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