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2009 Ferrari California

June 25, 2008

2009 Ferrari California

Ferrari released to us weeks ago their new 2009 California. The California is a direct representation of the original 250 GT California Spyder, one of my all time favorite cars. Hopefully you can see the design similarities I tried to show in my not so excellent photoshop. There are of course numerous differences that set the two apart, and naturally bring the new 2009 California into its own modern day classic.

The new car will use a mid mounted front-engine setup with a Direct Fuel Injection. The 4.3L V8 will produce a nice 430hp Both the mid-front-engine and DFI are Ferrari firsts.

An all new 7-speed dual clutch gearbox will substitute for the current 6-speed hydraulic unit. The new dual clutch tranny will bring better fuel economy and less emissions, according to Ferrari.

Ferrari expects the new California, with its impressive engine and technological gearbox, to hit 60 MPH in less than 4s. I believe that it will do it in about 3.8s, due in part to the transmission and the power but even more so with the F1-Trac traction control that has been advanced for this particular car.

Ferrari announced last year that for all 2008 and on Ferrari cars they would come standard with Carbon-Ceramic disc brakes. The new California is no different. There are no specs on the brakes, other than that they are Brembo’s at all four corners, which should make for some excellent stopping power.

Another first for Ferrari is the all new hardtop convertible. It was made to present a true GT style without compromising any performance, rigidity or style.

The new Ferrari California is without a doubt a beautiful Grand Touring Hardtop Convertible to take on the world. It is without a doubt, outside of the F430 Scuderia, my favorite Ferrari on the current lineup.

I know that some people may criticize the look of the over top of the other quad exhaust, but I think it actually makes the new California more of its own car from the rest of the lineup. It definitely looks more subtle and appropriate on this car than it does on the Lexus IS-F, and those are actually fake pipes, of which I’m sure the Ferrari’s are real.

By far my favorite part of the new Ferrari is the dials. Look at the 3D Starter screen on the left side. The Speedo and Tach looks amazing in the style that they were crafted in.

Check out the photos below to see what the new 2009 Ferrari California will look like. If you want, you can also check out the official California website to hear what the beast will sound like. I promise you that it is a beautiful sound that not many cars can make.

-Josh

“Happy Motoring!”