FERRARI CALIFORNIA (FOTOS)
Publicado: 13 May 2008 11:52
Nuevo modelo de Ferrari :twisted:
Welcome to the Ferrari California. Cue the Eagles song, because the cover has finally come off of the Prancing Horse's newest offering, and it's what you'd expect it to be -- another powerful, expensive, and ultra-exclusive offering from Maranello.
No, the California isn't a less expensive Ferrari in the tradition of the Dino -- the automaker has bristled at those comparisons for months now, shouting to all within earshot that their newest model would not be "cheap." Indeed, the California, a front-engine machine with an aluminum folding hardtop, is expected to be priced higher than the F430 Spider, which retails at around $210,000.
But the California's mission is slightly different than other Ferraris; the all-new model is aimed more at a buyer who may not have considered Ferrari before, one who wants both high performance and high-end luxury.
To that end, the California features small rear seats and luggage space that echoes the Grand Touring philosophy of the 612 Scaglietti. It's got the latest in navigation, communications, and entertainment options. And the folding top has been optimized so as to not muss up those $500 haircuts.
No, Ferrari didn't forget about performance. Power for the California comes in the form of a 4.3L V-8, which is based on the mill from the F430, but with direct injection technology. Horsepower is rated by Ferrari at 460 @ 7500 rpm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission -- not the automaker's F1 gearbox. According to estimates, 0-62 comes on in under four seconds, and when you need to stop, carbon ceramic Brembos will slow the California down but quick.
Other interesting developments on the California include a multilink rear suspension instead of a double-wishbone setup, and in addition to the aluminum roof, most of the body is also crafted in the metal, using the same construction techniques as the F430 and 599 GTB.
The California's exterior style, penned by Pininfarina, of course, is instantly recognizable as a Ferrari. But it's also distinctive next to Maranello's other offerings. The car appears more rounded off and flowing than recent Ferraris. The most noticeable feature up front is the air intake designed into the hood, a heritage cue no doubt sourced from the classic Ferrari 250GT California. A prominent character crease starts at triple-gill side vents (even Ferrari's jumped on board) and over the door handle, flattening out over the rear wheels. Stacked exhaust outlets dominate the left and right side of the rear of the car, and the trunk lid features a prominent spoiler lip.
Ferrari promises more California details throughout the summer leading up to the car's world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. Stay tuned to motortrend.com as the cover slowly comes off the new car.
Welcome to the Ferrari California. Cue the Eagles song, because the cover has finally come off of the Prancing Horse's newest offering, and it's what you'd expect it to be -- another powerful, expensive, and ultra-exclusive offering from Maranello.
No, the California isn't a less expensive Ferrari in the tradition of the Dino -- the automaker has bristled at those comparisons for months now, shouting to all within earshot that their newest model would not be "cheap." Indeed, the California, a front-engine machine with an aluminum folding hardtop, is expected to be priced higher than the F430 Spider, which retails at around $210,000.
But the California's mission is slightly different than other Ferraris; the all-new model is aimed more at a buyer who may not have considered Ferrari before, one who wants both high performance and high-end luxury.
To that end, the California features small rear seats and luggage space that echoes the Grand Touring philosophy of the 612 Scaglietti. It's got the latest in navigation, communications, and entertainment options. And the folding top has been optimized so as to not muss up those $500 haircuts.
No, Ferrari didn't forget about performance. Power for the California comes in the form of a 4.3L V-8, which is based on the mill from the F430, but with direct injection technology. Horsepower is rated by Ferrari at 460 @ 7500 rpm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission -- not the automaker's F1 gearbox. According to estimates, 0-62 comes on in under four seconds, and when you need to stop, carbon ceramic Brembos will slow the California down but quick.
Other interesting developments on the California include a multilink rear suspension instead of a double-wishbone setup, and in addition to the aluminum roof, most of the body is also crafted in the metal, using the same construction techniques as the F430 and 599 GTB.
The California's exterior style, penned by Pininfarina, of course, is instantly recognizable as a Ferrari. But it's also distinctive next to Maranello's other offerings. The car appears more rounded off and flowing than recent Ferraris. The most noticeable feature up front is the air intake designed into the hood, a heritage cue no doubt sourced from the classic Ferrari 250GT California. A prominent character crease starts at triple-gill side vents (even Ferrari's jumped on board) and over the door handle, flattening out over the rear wheels. Stacked exhaust outlets dominate the left and right side of the rear of the car, and the trunk lid features a prominent spoiler lip.
Ferrari promises more California details throughout the summer leading up to the car's world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. Stay tuned to motortrend.com as the cover slowly comes off the new car.
