Touted to be the best looking and performing Ferrari California yet, the car came to the Geneva Motor Show with its latest upgrade. Dubbed the California T, this was its first appearance for the public and needless to say, it got its fair share of attention as well.
When one talks of a Ferrari, apart from the big names associated with it, one is invariably drawn to the power figures. Under its hood breathes a 3.9-litre, turbocharged V8 with 560bhp and 755Nm of torque, which is an extra 70bhp and 49 per cent increase in torque over its previous engine. This also gets the prancing horse back into the turbocharged business and this is its first turbo model on offer. Previously the F40 had a turbocharger to boast of.
Well, most would not want to read beyond this but let’s keep the engine aside and look at the other upgrades it gets, such as a top that closes in 14 seconds, a new steering box, improved magnetic dampers and an upgraded traction control system. Plus, Ferrari has gone back and dug up some old design files, as the reshaped nose of the car seems to look quite like the Ferraris of the 1960s. Pininfarina, along with the Ferrari Style Center can be credited with this design.
It accelerates from 0-10kmph in 3.6 seconds alone and cruises at speeds in excess of 314kmph with its top down. But this Ferrari is not all about muscle it is also 15 per cent more energy efficient than its predecessor, not that its owners minded anyway.
Other highlights include front seats that slide further forward to help easy movement of rear passengers, CarPlay Apple (an iPhone integration system which offers users a safer way to use an iPhone in the car with voice commands) and an entirely new steering box which is said to be more precise.
Three new configuration options will be available when the California T debuts, including Ski, Golf, and Country.
Also seen at the show were the F12berlinetta, which is the company's most powerful mid-front mounted V12, along with a 458 Spider and two Ferrari FFs.
In India, we get the Ferrari California hard top convertible and we may get the California T, here eventually. Ferrari enthusiasts will find much to be happy about with this car.
