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Loudpedal
May 14, 2008, 11:27 AM
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

Story by Ferrari SPA

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/2009_Ferrari_California2.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/2009_Ferrari_California3.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/2009_Ferrari_California1.jpg

What do you guys think???

I like it, not sure if Im so mad on the exhausts.... looks like the Lexus ISF

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/martinsalkow/isf.jpg

bennyboy
May 14, 2008, 11:35 AM
Well, I think it's brilliant. It's basically stunning from all angles, really. The front really shows off the brand new headlights, which I like, and the stance of the car. The profile view is probably the best, it shows off the high shoulders and the sleek back end of the car and the rear is really good looking aswell. The taillights do look great aswell, and the exhausts, a first for a Ferrari, do look great.

Overall it's pretty sexy and the 4.3 litre V8 sounds great aswell, and the 0-60 time is great too.

I want one!

svspeedy
May 14, 2008, 1:19 PM
I'm not sure about the headlights only, everything other is gorgeous. Love this car.

"...and a "flat" crankshaft" - what does this mean???

bossesjoe
May 14, 2008, 1:22 PM
"...and a "flat" crankshaft" - what does this mean???Perhaps it's like a 305 Chevy crankshaft, it has a totally flat edge on one side.

I don't know what advantage to that would be.

Ravenous
May 14, 2008, 1:31 PM
From wikistickipedia

While production V8 engines use four crank throws spaced 90 degrees apart, racing engines often use a "flat" crankshaft with throws spaced 180 degrees apart, accounting for the higher pitched, smoother sound of IRL IndyCar Series engines compared to NASCAR Nextel Cup engines, for example.

teXas
May 14, 2008, 2:56 PM
What do you guys think???
I think this is a repost.

bossesjoe
May 14, 2008, 2:59 PM
I think this is a repost.Wow, didn't even notice that.