Ferrari California
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Ferrari California
Another gem from Ferrari. I don't usually like drop-tops but this one looks really good. I wonder what it looks like with the top up.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/n...ornia-exposed/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/n...ornia-exposed/
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!
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!
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the name is a throwback to the original california, as are alot of its looks. it probably looks weird because its actually a small car from ferrari. for the past few years ferrari has made exotic boats, and not small nimble sports cars like they use to.
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hmm why is this new engine making less hp than the F430 4.3L V8?
newho I like the MR F430 better, but this is still hella sexy. I'd take it over your average 100k-200k sports cars like aston martain v8 vantage, porche 911 turbo etc.
I like!
newho I like the MR F430 better, but this is still hella sexy. I'd take it over your average 100k-200k sports cars like aston martain v8 vantage, porche 911 turbo etc.
I like!
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Beautiful car. Would love to have one, of course, but I just don't understand why Ferrari does not make lighter weight cars. Don't know the weight of this one, but it looks so heavy. The 8-cylinder 612 Scaglietti weighs in over 4,000 lbs.
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^ I haven't seen any weight figures released but w/ the mostly aluminum structure and performance figures given, I doubt it is as heavy as the 612.
The top:
Both the chassis and bodywork are aluminum, and power is derived from a new 4.3L V8 unit with direct injection and a ‘flat’ crankshaft design. The new mill generates 460hp at 7,500rpm and allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.
Last edited by JRichter; May 30, 2008 at 02:16 PM.