Californication

More than a year after making its internet debut the Ferrari California has landed on Australian shores. A bit of a shame, then, that there’s only easy access to left hand drive images.

When images of the California were first revealed I called the car ‘beautiful’. On reflection I think went a bit early. Some aspects of the car are quite striking, the bold bonnet with the old skool squared off scoop is one example. The simple side profile another. But the swooping rear lines over the door are fussy and too complex. Likewise the whole rear end, which is disappointingly incoherent.

None of this will bother the Australian customers who will be taking delivery of their new wheels later this month, of course. For their $472,000 the new owners will be getting their hands on Ferrari’s first mid-front mounted engine road car. That sounds a bit complicated, but the explanation goes the engine is front mounted, but behind the front axle—hence, mid-front mounted.

The engine in question is an all aluminium 4.3 litre V8 sending 338kW and 485Nm through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Ferrari reckon the California can sprint to 100km/h in under four seconds and reach a rather rapid 310km/h.

The other unique feature for a Ferrari is its retractable hard top. More aluminium has been employed to save weight and you’ll need to allow 14 seconds to tuck the roof away out of sight.

As with other modern Ferraris these days there is a whole world of electronic trickery under the skin and rather than try and fit all the highlights here you can read the official press release, along with a few extra images after the jump.

FERRARI CALIFORNIA ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

The Ferrari California, the most anticipated new car to be launched in 2009, has arrived in Australia with deliveries to the first owners starting this month (June 2009).

The California takes the legendary super car maker into a whole new area of the market, providing it with its first ever front mid-engined V8-powered grand touring car, broadening the appeal of Ferrari and opening the marque to a new generation of customers.

“The Ferrari California does not extend the Ferrari range up or down the market,” explains Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari in Australia and New Zealand. “Rather, it broadens the appeal of Ferrari within its existing price sector. Thus Ferrari now has two aggressive sports cars, the 599 GTB Fiorano and the F430, complimented respectively by two grand touring cars, the 612 Scaglietti and, now, the Ferrari California.”

However, despite its role as a grand touring compliment to the F430, the new California is still, in every respect, a true Ferrari.

“Cutting edge technology in every area enables the California to not only fulfil its role as grand touring car, but also, when the need calls, to offer all the performance of a true car from the house of the Prancing Horse,” says Kevin Wall. “The new V8 engine not only provides true super car performance, at full throttle it makes the expected Ferrari noise that guarantees to make hair on your neck stand on end. The gearbox is easy to use, but when called upon can change gears in a time that would have out a Formula One car to shame just a few years ago. The chassis is refined and comfortable, yet at the same the California can be hustled around a tight race track as quickly as any other V8 Ferrari. But what most obvious example of the twin characters of the California is its roof, on one hand it’s a traditional hard top coupe or, at the press of a button, it’s a full open top car. In essence, a Ferrari that does everything!”

The Ferrari California is the first ever front mounted V8 Ferrari, though, to be strictly accurate as the engine and drivetrain sit entirely between the axle lines, it is as much a mid-engined car as the F430. The mid-front mounted V8 engine, although built to the classic 90 degree V8, is all new and features direct fuel injection, cutting emissions. Also new for Ferrari is the dual clutch gearbox that effectively reduces gear change times to zero, the folding metal roof and the multilink suspension that blends traditional Ferrari handling and adhesion to the road with a new level of ride quality and comfort.

But, regardless of the comfort and luxury, the California is still a Ferrari and a 0-100 kmh time of less than four seconds and a top speed in excess of 310 kmh where the law permits, means that the California remains a true super car.

The Ferrari California has a recommended price before statutory and delivery charges of $472,000 and deliveries started in June 2009.

Styling
The California’s sleek aerodynamic styling is, like the rest of the current Ferrari models, the result of our longstanding collaboration with Pininfarina and offers a host of signature Ferrari styling cues. Viewed from the side, the aerodynamic sweep of the bonnet beautifully contrasts with the compact tail volume and the pulled-back cabin. The front continues some of the themes hinted at on the flanks, harmoniously alternating concave and convex volumes.

Seen head-on, the car clearly takes it much of its inspiration from the prestigious Prancing Horse car from which it takes its name: the grille and slender air intake at the centre of the bonnet most notably harking back to the 250 GT California. At the rear, the sides and the muscular tail section are both familiar too. As at the front, the single round LED taillights are inset directly along the edge of the boot. The California’s vertically stacked twin tailpipes are an original flourish as is the boot which sweeps right down to the bumpers to improve functionality.

Of course, the interior also reflects the same level of design sophistication, exuding a sense of refined luxury, comfort and bespoke quality. Situated between the front seats, the new aluminium-trimmed centre console is another distinctive touch that goes beyond the merely aesthetic, beautifully combining functionality and design.

Aerodynamics
The Ferrari California’s aerodynamics were, of course, developed in tandem with its styling. This allowed Ferrari to keep the Cx (drag coefficient) right down with respect to the downforce required for optimal vehicle dynamics. In the coupé configuration, the California has a Cx value of 0.32. A desire to achieve perfect balance between vertical load and drag influenced the shape of the rear diffuser and the spoiler incorporated into the front bumper.

Drag has been cut to 10% lower than on the other Ferrari models which not only makes the California a more aerodynamically efficient car but also reduces fuel consumption. Last but not least, the air intake on the bonnet ensures highly efficient cooling of the engine compartment.

The new 8-cylinder engine
This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminium, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks.

The engine has a total displacement of 4,300 cc and a maximum power output of 460 hp/338 kW at 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of 107 hp/litre, its maximum torque is 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and delivers a blistering 310 km/h top speed.

The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards. Thanks in part to these solutions, the Ferrari California consumes just 13.1 litres/100 km (ECE combined) and has carbon emissions of 305.6 g\km (ECE combined).

The California’s engine sound was also carefully developed as this is one of the great Ferrari signatures and really does contribute to enhancing driving pleasure. Particular attention was lavished on sound perception in the cabin both with the top up and down to ensure that trademark thrill without compromising on occupant acoustic comfort.

Gearbox and transmission
The Ferrari California sports a new dual clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse) with the now traditional steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles. This is an innovative system that guarantees a superb combination of performance and ride comfort. With the dual clutch, one clutch is used for even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered ones, and allows the pre-selection of the next gear required. The gears are changed by overlapping the opening and closing stage of both clutches, resulting in gearshifting times that are close to zero and with no “torque interrupt”.

The result is not only enhanced performance but truly thrilling driving pleasure. The traditional transaxle layout (engine to the front and gearbox to the rear) also contributes to the California’s perfect weight distribution (47% front – 53% rear) and to reducing vibration to the bodyshell. In manual mode, the new gearbox guarantees great sporty driving pleasure while extra comfort is assured in automatic.

Chassis and suspension
The Ferrari California’s chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminium. Thanks to the use of different aluminium technologies (extrusions and shell casts), the car’s exceptional versatility, onboard comfort and driveability has not added to chassis weight or to the dimensions of the structural sections – something that simply would not be the case had traditional steel architecture and technologies been used. Furthermore, static rigidity (torsional and flexional) has been improved with respect to average figures for a Spider to ensure exceptional handling in any kind of road conditions and to guarantee GT-standard comfort both with the top up and down.

The Ferrari California retains the traditional double wishbone suspension to the front while a new multilink system has been specially developed for the rear. The multilink system improves longitudinal flexibility of the suspension, keeping transverse rigidity values high. What this means in practice is that the car beautifully absorbs any unevenness, and noise and vibration are efficiently damped for exceptional ride comfort well on a par with the car’s nimble handling. The SCM Magnetorheological Suspension Control System, debuted on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, is also available on request.

Retractable Hard Top
Of course the Ferrari California’s signature feature has to be its retractable hard top (RHT). It is made from aluminium panels and has a cast aluminium weight-bearing structure which has reduced its overall weight and the moving masses involved. The entire opening/closing cycle is completed in just 14 seconds and thanks to the original stowage system, the California’s boot space remains extremely generous regardless of whether it is up or down.

The GT Manettino and F1-Trac
The manettino has now become one of the classic features of our entire range as has its position on the steering wheel which is clearly derived from our Formula 1 experience. The manettino integrates the gearbox, stability and traction control systems (CST and F1-Trac) and the SCM suspension system.

The settings are as follows:
COMFORT: maximum safety in all conditions, particularly ideal for low grip situations (wet or slippery road surface). Best everyday driving setting.
SPORT: maximum performance and stability in perfect grip situations. Recommended for sporty, high performance driving.
CST-OFF: this setting gives the driver complete freedom and control of the car. There is no electronic intervention whatsoever apart from ABS.

The Ferrari California also sports the F1-Trac traction control system which can very accurately read grip, assuring the very best can be made of the car’s potential at any time.

The F1-Trac system guarantees:

• Maximum grip coming out of corners
• Stability in all driving conditions
• Superb driveability and handling in extreme situations
• Consistent performance
• Exceptional ride comfort.

In fact, the F1-Trac offers a 20% improvement in acceleration coming out of corners with respect to a traditional traction and control systems.

Safety equipment
The Ferrari California boasts an automatic roll-bar to ensure that its occupants are protected should the car overturn. The system is installed behind the backrests of the rear seats and is hidden by the trim of the same. Ejection time is under 190ms. The onboard safety equipment is completed by front retractable airbags (driver and passenger sides), side retractable air bags in door panels, bi-xenon headlights and LED rear lights. New generation adaptive headlights, known as AFS (Advanced Frontlighting System), are also available on request, and offer improved visibility on the road. The headlamp beam angles are automatically adjusted in line with steering, angle, speed and lateral acceleration, offering a wider area of illumination when cornering.

Interior and standard equipment
Particular attention has been lavished on the design and in-car comfort standard of the California’s cabin. The new Ferrari is available in a choice of two configurations:

1. Two-seater plus rear bench equipped to take two roller suitcases or two golf bags.
2. 2+ configuration that sees the rear bench sporting two seats, Isofix attachment points, and two seat belts.

In both version, the rear backrest folds down to allow the stowage of longer items such as golf bags or skis. The boot capacity is also impressively generous: 340 litres with the top up and 240 with the top down.

A new electrically adjustable, magnesium-framed seat was also designed for the California. Another new feature is the instrument panel with analogue instruments (tachometer and rev counter) and four-screen TFT Multidisplay. The Ferrari California also boasts a new infotainment system with 6.5” touchscreen, Sat Nav, USB connection, Bluetooth, hard disc, voice commands and IPOD connector.

Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme
The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme allows all Ferrari clients to personalise their car to suit their own tastes and requirements. There are four main areas covered by the Programme: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel. The Ferrari California comes with diamond-finish 19″ 5-spoke aluminium alloy wheels as standard.

However, a further set of diamond-finish 20″ forged 5-spoke alloy wheel that are 11 kg lighter than those offered as standard can also be ordered. The aforementioned diamond-finish gives the wheels an extra-high polish look.

The California is available in a choice of 16 different pastel and metallic colours. However clients also have the option of ordering the new Azzurro California shade created especially for the car’s launch.

In addition to the usual range of 12 leather colours available to choose from for the interior trim too, we’ve just added two new colours: Cioccolato and Iroko. A new racing seat with all-carbon-fibre frame and electrically adjustable backrest is also now available.

In addition to the already impressive list of features offered as standard with the new California, owners can also choose to have a rear parking camera fitted or order the luggage set designed specifically to make the very most of the rear bench space, an option available in addition to the traditional three-piece leather set coloured to match the interior trim, of course.

Samples of the various materials and virtual configuration tools will also be available to clients at every Ferrari showroom to help them make their choices too. They may also request out of- range colours and content to really ensure their Ferrari California is absolutely unique.

FERRARI CALIFORNIA BRIEFING NOTES

History

• Founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari as Scuderia Ferrari, the racing team
• Became Ferrari SpA in 1947 to build road cars and support the motorsport team
• Enzo retained control of the racing team until he died in 1988 aged 90.
• The famous Ferrari logo was used by Count Baracca, an Italian WW1 flying ace and Enzo adopted it, refining the logo, giving the it background colour of Modena, yellow.

The original Californias
The Ferrari 250 was the most successful early Ferrari road cars, 1953 to 1964, producing a host of classic cars including the 1962 250 GTO and the first two Californias:

• 1957 250 GT California Spider LWB: Designed for export to the USA, this was Scagliettis interpretation of n open top GT. 45 were made and last year one sold for US$4.9 million in the USA.
• 1960 250 GT Spider California SWB. 55 were built. One owned by James Coburn sold for $11 million earlier this year, while another one, which was driven by Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz in Charlie’s Angels, also went to auction last year.

Based on the 340 America and related to the 400 SuperAmerica, the 1966 365 California had the larger engine and total production was just 14 cars, including two right hand drive cars.The new California

• Ferrari has not had four production models in its range since 1993, when the Mondiale ceased production.
• The new California compliments the existing range, providing a high performance granturimso car to match the full blooded sports car that is the F430, in the same way the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is complimented by the 612 Scaglietti.
• In same way the 612 has the same performance as the 430, but presents it in a different manner, the California has all the performance of the 430, but presents it in a true granturismo manner.
• The Ferrari California has a list of firsts for Ferrari:

– First front – or be strictly accurate mid-front – mounted V8 engine.
–  First Ferrari dual clutch transmission
– First with a folding metal roof
– First with multilink rear suspension
– First with direct petrol injection

• Styling and design

– Designed by Pininfarina
– Grille centre bonnet air intake hark back to the 250 GT California
– 10 per cent more aerodynamic than any other Ferrari

• The new engine.

– All new engine, but retains typical Ferrari architecture, 90 degree V8
– 338 kW at 7750 rpm
– 485 Nm of torque, 75 per cent of which is available at just 2250 rpm
– Less than 4 seconds to 100 kmh and on to 310 kmh top speed.
– Direct fuel injection, variable timing on exhaust and inlet
– Complies with the toughest emissions standards Lev2 and Euro5, in the world.

• The new gearbox

– Dual clutch, seven speeds.
– One clutch does even numbered gears, one odd numbered gears.
– Gears are changed by overlapping the clutches, resulting effectively to zero time gear changes with no interruption of the torque between engine and wheels.
– Faster changes in manual mode, smoother operation in auto mode.

•   The chassis

– New multilink suspension that boosts ride quality without affecting performance driving

• The roof

– Opens and shuts in 14 seconds
– Made from aluminium, like the whole body, to minimize weight and without making the car top heavy, as with steel folding roofs.

• Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization

– Wide range of bespoke personalization features specifically for the California:

– 20 inch diamond finish alloys that are 11 kg light than the standard wheel.
–  16 different pastel and metallic colours, including the Azzurro California colour created for the cars launch – as per the display car.
– 12 leather colours, including to new ones Ciccolato and Iroko
– Carbon fibre racing seat.
– Fitted luggage

FERRARI CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Length 4563 mm
Width 1902 mm
Height 1308 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm
Front track 1630 mm
Rear track 1605 mm
Dry weight 1630 kg
Kerb weight 1735 kg
Weight distribution 47% Front – 53% Rear
Fuel tank capacity 78 l
Boot capacity 340 l
240 (with roof retracted)

TYRES
Front 245/40 ZR19″
Rear 285/40 ZR19″
Front (optional) 245/35 ZR20″
Rear (optional) 285/35 ZR20″”

CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
Front 390 x 34 mm
Rear 360 x 32 mm

ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
CST with F1-TRAC Stability and Traction Control System
TPTMS Tyre Pressure and Temperature
Monitoring System

ENGINE
90° V8 Direct Injection
Bore and stroke 94 x 77.37 cc
Overall displacement 4297 cc
Compression ratio 12.2:1
Maximum power output 338 kW (460 CV) at 7750 rpm
Maximum torque 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5000 rpm

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed 310 km/h
0-100 km/h under 4.0 sec
0-400 m 12.2 sec
0-1.000 m 22.1 sec

GEARBOX
F1, dual-clutch, 7-speed plus reverse
Manual 6-speed + REV

SUSPENSION
Front: Double wishbone
Rear: Multilink

FUEL CONSUMPTION
ECE Combined* 13.1 l/100 km

CO2 EMISSIONS
ECE Combined* 305.6 g/km

*Europe version