Ferrari California

[flyingfridge]

Someone lifted the lid a fraction early....

Just days after Ferrari launched the teaser site for its new GT, the first full images and details of the Ferrari California have been revealed. Even though the countdown timer on the teaser site still indicates there's a week to go before the next info reveal, the countdown itself is little more than a formality.

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!

Pic of classic 250GT California for reference:

Gorgeous! Except for silly IS-F stacked tailpipes.....

[sh@un]

"The 250GT California: It is his life, it is his passion..."

'...it is his fault he didn't lock the garage door '

Not a bad looking bit of gear. A few try-hard details, but that's just like all Ferraris these days. Expect a waiting list that stretches past 2012 though...

[lingeringsoul]

I still think the F430 is the most gorgeous Ferrari ever. This one is..................cute

[R338OY]

Cheers for posting.

I think it looks like a pair of dogs balls with David Hasslehoff's coked-up smile pinned to it with blu-tack.

It's a mess of different styling: Gran Turismo grille, MR-S style eyes and nose, Korean designed scoop (but acknowledging it's derived from the 250GT) and ridiculous motes carved into the doors. It holds together well from the rear-quarter image, it has more geometrical harmony than the front.

Too bad the front and rear appear to have been designed by two different crackheads. They lack symmetry, and i'll wager that's because the engine is too bloody big. That's a good thing, so i can forgive the aesthetic orgy before me and marvel at the fact drug addicts now make Ferrari's.

I thought they only made Lambo's.

[bloodzkull]

hmm motor and gearbox details sound intresting. as far as styling goes can anyone say aston martin?

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

should have left it alone

[Ten Four]

It looks like a elaborated MR-S joined together with a Peugot gaping mouth, the rear has that lexus SC430 rear end and its just... ugly.. sorry ferrari try again, F430 was much better

Edited May 13, 2008 by R34Maniac

[jenkies]

looks like aston martic corssed with ass crossed with ferrari's dregs.....

[dan_the_man]

I like it.

[dezz]

I like it.

ditto.

The F430 is one of my favorites, but this just has a nice look about it...not so racey looking, but nice.

[bombtrack]

Not a big fan, but I wouldn't say no, if they were handing them out

[Eug]

hmm motor and gearbox details sound intresting. as far as styling goes can anyone say aston martin?

agreed

the first pic looks like it's smiling at me

[DRD-00F]

Don't like the wheels, don't like the grill... other then that, I was at first hesitant about the body styling looking too much like that of a shelby cobra and other such cars, but the lines work for me

[flyingfridge]

i should point out that it sounds like this: http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/

[NYTSKY]

Looks like a Corvette.

Ferrari California catering for the fat Ameriacan market.

[bombtrack]

agreed

the first pic looks like it's smiling at me

Haha. Scrolled back up after reading this and it really is giving it one of these

[R34NRG]

sorta looks liek a mr2 from the front lol

[Modena]

360 modena = best looking ferrari.

[Marco-R34GTT]

I don't mind it... Don't like the arse, or the grill/nose, not a fan of the side rear quarter panel... Too sweeping.. Could look a little tougher...

I agree, the 430 is quite possibly the hottest/horniest/gorgeous Ferrari's ever...

I agree the 360 was nice, just lacked an intrinsic aggression and stance about it...

Can't wait for the new 460 though!!!

Edited May 14, 2008 by Marco-R34GTT

[typevu]

The side profile is real hot.... other than that it looks more suited for me missus. The front looks something merged between an MR-S and an Aston Martin of some sort and the rear muffler ruined the rear I reckon. Whats the retail on one of those?