The Ferrari California is a grand tourer produced by Ferrari from 2008 to 2017. It was designed as a more practical and user-friendly alternative to the 360 Modena and F430. The car features a retractable hardtop, also known as a spider or targa top, which allows for open-air driving while maintaining the sleek look of a coupe.
Design and Features
The California's design is characterized by its long hood, short rear deck, and sloping front end. It has a 2-seat interior with leather upholstery and a range of trim options available. The car's dimensions are 182.7 inches (4.64 meters) in length, 74.6 inches (1.89 meters) in width, and 47.8 inches (1.21 meters) in height.
Engine and Performance
The Ferrari California is powered by a front-mounted 4.3-liter V8 engine producing 460 horsepower (343 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 372 lb-ft (503 Nm) of torque at 5,000 rpm. It features a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual control.
Performance Figures
- Top speed: 194 mph (313 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds
- Rear axle ratio: 2.80
Drivetrain and Suspension
The California has a front-mid-mounted engine, with the gearbox located ahead of the rear axle. It features an independent double transverse wishbone suspension at both ends with a multi-link design for improved cambering and steering precision.
Colors and Interior Options
Ferrari offered the California in several colors, including Nero (black), Rosso (red), Grigio (gray), Bianco Italia (white), Azzurro (blue), and other custom options. The interior was available with a range of leather and alcantara upholstery combinations.
Production and Price
The Ferrari California went into production in 2008, with prices starting at around $187,000 for the standard model and up to $230,000 for the higher-end trims.