Bad news: this is it.
The Ferrari California has struggled to earn respect from Ferrari aficionados, exotic-car collectors, weekend racers, gas-station attendants, and small children ever since its debut. A “California 30” edition that boosted the power to 490hp and cut sixty-some pounds didn’t exactly boost its credibility to 360 Challenge Stradale levels, either. We’re told that the California consistently sports the shortest waitlist in Ferrariland, which is not a recommendation to any but the most desperate lottery winner.
To at least partially rectify this state of affairs, next year’s California will sport a twin-turbo 3.8L V8 producing 552 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. A twin-clutch seven-speeder is the only transmission option, and the complex folding roof remains standard equipment.
Alternately, you could buy a used Z06 and keep your self-respect.
Guess my tastes aren’t so nuanced; I like the CA. But then again, such cars don’t frequent my neighborhood.
Alternately, you could buy a used Z06 and keep your self-respect.
Well Jack you could buy a heck of a lot of other cars. Boss 302s, used Viper coupes, Corvette Grand Sports, heck even a GT-R is gonna be cheaper than the California.
You could even buy a Lingenfelter Escalade if you truly want to show off your wealth and bad taste.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/lingenfelter-427-twin-turbo-escalade-ext-specialty-file
I assume the Z06 comment was an inside reference to his last Z06 post.
Hopefully they can keep the turbo virus from spreading to the actual Ferraris. A turbo 458 would be a real tragedy. I’d rather they go hybrid than turbo.
Yet on the other hand the 288 GTO and F40 were freaking awesome.
Two out of my three favorite Ferraris, the last being the Testarossa. The 288 GTO though is my absolute favorite.
I second that, the 288 GTO is my boyhood dream-Ferrari, and it will be my excessive, gratuitous consumption should I ever have the resources for such a fun and useless toy.
Turbo cars from the 80s were a different breed. They had a lot of character and were built to make horsepower; not game fuel economy, emissions and noise tests. I love the GTO and F40 too, but don’t fool yourself into thinking these new turbo motors will be in the same vein. Could this be the first Ferrari with a “sound symposer”? I shudder at the thought.
“They had a lot of character and were built to make horsepower; not game fuel economy, emissions and noise tests.”
And yet today’s engines somehow do a FAR superior job of making horsepower, both at the low end and the high end.
I’m not sure why people consider a lack of refinement to be synonymous with “character.”
Refinement is for trophy wives. The CEO wants to feel that uncivilized rumble in the seat of his pants.
No he doesn’t a Ferrari is refined compared to say a stripped out Subaru rally car. And we know which one the CEO wants to drive. There is barely anything off the shelf with uncivilized rumble, maybe a Boss 302 after you open the side pipes on the track key.
Ferrari don’t build anything raw like an F40.
I think they have said that the 458 replacement will be turbocharged.
Ferrari has said that it has no plans to build an electric car, or even a gasoline-electric hybrid. But I do like Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated engines and their lovely exhaust notes. Ditto for Aston Martin. It won’t be long, though, before both brands have fully-turbocharged lineups…
Isn’t LaFerrari a gas-electric hybrid?
Yes. They have other ones in the works too. I’d prefer a hybrid setup to a turbo setup.
Indeed. And I didn’t even know that LaFerrari was a hybrid. Maybe my news is a couple of years out of date :P
Ferrari never excited me.
I prefer Lamborghinis.
I’ve always found Lamborghini’s designs to be garish and over-the-top, and they kind of turn me off. I think Ferrari’s cars are more tasteful and refined. But they both make great products, and I’m glad they both exist…
Kyree you may be the first person ever to refer to a Ferrari as tasteful and refined. I see any Ferrari and think enormous douche
To each his own, I suppose. I think a lot of expensive cars draw ire not due to their own construction or shortcomings, but because of the types of people that drive them. This kind of car might be exquisitely built and truly lives up to its brand heritage, but that’s all undermined when the “douche”—as you put it—seems to be the car’s primary customer. Take, for example, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur. It may not be entirely hand-built and it may be full of Volkswagen parts, but it’s an exquisite vehicle. It’s hard to see that, though, when every wannabe-rap-star buys one, sends it to West Coast Customs for over-the-top customization package, and then proceeds to terrorize the streets in it. And honestly, I think these are the kinds of people who can’t appreciate the Continental’s qualities and would still buy the car if it were literally a Golf with a Bentley badge on it.
Exquisite build quality has NEVER EVER been part of the Ferrari brand ethos. As they used to say in the ’60s – “Mr Ferrari he a sell you an engine for $10,000 and he a throw the rest of the car in for free”. They have pretty much always been really fast utter crap. They used to be pretty though, depending on who did the body. Battista Farina is spinning in his grave these days like a F1 engine.
I agree with you on Bentleys though. I have had the opportunity to ride in a very restrained Flying Spur and it was LOVELY.
The Aventador and the Huracan are far superior design wise than the 458 and F12…..
Especially the Huracan; that is simply a delicious design kept relatively simple. The 458 always looks cheap and plasticky, in my opinion, in person.
Why am I not the least bit surprised that BTS prefers Lamborghinis.
Personally, I prefer Alfa Romeos. I’d take an early boat tail Alfa Spider over any of this Look-AT-ME supercar BS.
Well the California was meant to compete with the SLK and as far I know it’s the last one you can get with a clutch. Regardless, I’d much rather have a 458.
I read that only 2 out of 8000 were ordered with manuals, so they dropped the option.
“The Ferrari California has struggled to earn respect from Ferrari aficionados”
And yet, it is a damn good car. I have never warmed up to the external looks of it, and I wish the top was fixed, but after spending more then a few number of miles behind the wheel and riding in one, I sure like the car. I have always been partial to Front engine/front mid-engine cars. I have never tracked one or pushed it into the ninetieth percentile, but it is quite capable with ease, at some seriously elevated speeds.
Would I buy one… Never, too much depreciating cash to have sitting around. But when the 612 Scaglietti’s start selling under six figures, I have promised myself one for a few months anyway, then back on the block.
Turbos are here to stay, and their significant return to a wide range of automobiles, is quite welcomed by me… And you better get used to it if you want ‘new’, elevated, vehicle performance.
You always talk about expensive cars you could buy but wouldn’t. Damn good car, wouldn’t buy it.
612 is great, wouldn’t buy one til they’re under 100k. But when they’re under 100k, you’ll say “Oh I love the 612 but it’s too old now, but I really love the Phantom. Guess I’ll wait til it’s under 20k to get one.”
My friend texted me a picture of this several days ago. It’s a nice looking ride. Plus, the DSG in Volkswagens is popular with the “Oh, I love driving” crowd; that’s a dual-clutch like this. Regardless of the hate, I think this’ll sell some (not a lot, since exotics never sell a lot unless you live in Beverly Hills).
Actually, they are more common in wealthy parts of South Florida, such as South Beach and Coral Gables. I’ve lived in Southern California, and I now live in South Florida, and I see a lot more Ferraris now than I did then.
I’m going to guess that much lower housing prices here help people buy exotic cars, although this is unfortunately changing with Miami getting more expensive by the day.
In the mean time, what’s so awful about this car? Quite honestly, it looks better than any car I’ll ever buy :).
D
The problem with the California is that it’s a grand-tourer and not a bona-fide supercar, and that offends some snobs, even though they couldn’t afford one if they *did* like it….
It’s a Ferrari. Who would complain?
Oh you’d be surprised. It’s typically people that could never afford a Ferrari in the first place, because the ones who *can* afford a Ferrari but don’t like the California will simply—and quietly—upgrade to a 458 Italia or something…
And while we’re at it, I don’t understand why everyone hates on the FF so much. Maybe that body-style isn’t someone’s idea of a Ferrari, but still. Enthusiasts drool all the time over shooting-brake and wagon designs. Finally Ferrari gives us a beautifully-sculpted one, with a fire-breathing V12 and AWD (in all but sixth gear), and everyone’s primary goal is to troll the FF and its existence. What gives?
I love the FF… but I tend towards quirky, unloved cars.
My wife and I gazed at a black FF through the Ferrari Seattle showroom window for about 5 minutes yesterday. Next to the white 458, it was definitely a study in contrast.
“I bet no one likes those,” she said.
“Yup.”
“And I’ll bet you do.”
“Yup… how’d you guess?”
“It’s an AWD 2-door station wagon. That’s totally your thing.”
That’s love.
She’s a keeper…haha
The problem with the California is that you could have gotten a Maserati Gran Turismo for much, much less, but would have gotten the same parts in a better looking body.
With the California, I was mostly put off by the fact that it used the MyGig infotainment system that was in just about every Chrysler Group vehicle, and still remains in some of them (minivans, Avenger, 300). It appears that they’ve fixed that with this facelift.
100% accurate. Drive through all the homes east of US1 in South Miami and you’ll see all manner of Ferrari Californias, Bentley Continentals, etc. Much moreso than you would in, say, NY or Chicago (in my experience).
Yeah, but yous can’t get no good PIZZA in Florida!
When I said Beverly Hills, I just meant parts of the country that most people will never be able to live in. My grandma lived in south Florida before she died; I was young, and didn’t pay attention to the vehicles in my area.
I always figured the south Florida exotic market was mostly smoke and mirrors. No one actually seems to own one, they all either belong to rental agencies or are leased, returned to the dealer right before that first major service.
They are owned for the most part. They are kept down there by people on the East Coast who drive them when they do down on vacation. If you can buy a $5 million Greenwich, CT home or NYC apartment and a couple million dollar Miami home, buying a Bentley, Rolls or Ferrari is not exactly a big deal. It is like $3,000 a month payment which is nothing when you are in that league.
Retired pro golfer Bob Toski referred to south Florida as the road rage capital of the world, with younger people in powerful cars stuck behind elderly retirees in panthers doing 20 mph under the speed limit. True?
“Actually, they are more common in wealthy parts of South Florida, such as South Beach and Coral Gables. I’ve lived in Southern California, and I now live in South Florida, and I see a lot more Ferraris now than I did then.”
I live in West LA, and I’ll see three or four Ferraris when I’m out and about on a given day. Almost all of them are 458’s or 430/360’s, sprinkled with a random California or 599. Only seen one F12 that I remember. If you roll the PCH through Malibu on a sunny weekend day, thick with poseur-piloted exotics that place is.
Atum wrote “Plus, the DSG in Volkswagens is popular with the ‘Oh, I love driving’ crowd…”
If this is implying a sort of car guy lite or poseurishness, I heartily approve.
You can’t use comparative words like “sell some not a lot” and then “sell a lot in Beverly Hills.”
Must look at the overall picture. Companies generally don’t care -where- in the US they sell, just the -overall- number sold.
I couldn’t help but read the title in Professor Farnsworth’s voice. (and add the obligatory “everyone” after news)
1000x better looking than the previous California, and Ferrari’s previous turbos tend to mean I trust them with this one. It’s like a miniature 599 GTB with an even more powerful engine.
This Ferrari California doesn’t seem so bad for what it is, an “entry level” Ferrari. Not every Ferrari owner needs a Le Mans conquering 458 or a 700HP V12 engine.
This.
There was no good news. As far as I am concerned Ferraris should be naturally aspirated. The California should be taken out back and shot. This abomination should never have been made.
So the 288 GTO and F40 aren’t real Ferraris and should be taken out and shot?
You need to learn how to read. I made two separate points. I first stated that I preferred that Ferraris be naturally aspirated. I made a second point that the California is an abomination and should be taken out back and shot.
You’re dealing with one of TTAC’s worse trolls, dal. Careful.
+1
This thing would be the tit$ with a Trifecta tune.
42MPG highway! They’ll sell MILLIONS.
But could it outrun an AWD Encore?
No, only an Encore can outrun an Encore.
Inception is not possible.
And a Tribeca grille.
I’ve always thought the Cali was a blatant Maserati rebadge.
it is a maserati rebadge
apparently it was supposed to be a maserati but it ended up costing so much to make they had to badge it a ferrari
i hate saying this but the new turbo model actually looks ok
Beautiful, beautiful Italian design. Pity it is called California (which comes with a crappy reputation). But then again no wonder the author would eventually compare it with the vulgar looks of the Corvette, that’s certainly Ferrari’s bad marketing to blame for.
Looks 9/10
Turbo? Oh please…
I beg to differ on the California reputation. I think it still might be the best looking convertible ever built:
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/05/20/087462.2-lg.jpg
And the 250 V12 is one of the greatest sounding motors in world history.
The only problem is the car between the new California and the original.
So when does the $30K fake Ferrari come out in order to badge whore the brand?
They don’t whore that way. Their reputation is based upon high prices and they know it.
They will be happy to sell you an overpriced hat and jacket, though.
Your description may also have fit Mercedes Benz a few years back.
They don’t yet make a CUV or some Camry knocker, but yesterday I did stumble across a Ferrari bike for kids, stinks the wheels didn’t have the 458 or Enzos wheel pattern.
Ferrari also makes forklift trucks. Of course, it might be a different company, but Ferrari nonetheless.
It’s a very common name in Italy.
There was the Fiat Dino back in the day. Some Ferrari owners claim anything with less than a V12 is cheap badge whoring of the brand. I first ran into that attitude as a kid when I went to my first Ferrari convention. Some of the Daytona guys were quick to point out that the 246 V6 cars were Dinos and not real Ferraris. I remember at least one of the 246 owners had slapped a Ferrari badge on his Dino. They had fits when they put a Ferrari badge on the 308. As for me, the 246 is probably my favorite Ferrari – and I’d love to have a matching Fiat Dino.
Appears to be in line with the weight loss regimen the car’s been subjected to since ’12. Should provide an even lighter, better balanced result with increased power as a bonus.
Also, between this and the FF, the grin that characterized the previous gen Mazda3 doesn’t seem as absurd anymore.
The one thing I can’t stand about Ferrari Californias are the fake exhaust tips. Might as well throw a No Fear sticker and some KC lights on it to go with the fake exhaust, because that’s the bush league where such style gimmicks reside. Not on a Ferrari!
So there goes the last manual transmission Ferrari. The brandmeans less in its absence. Noisy cars for old men isn’t the brand identity I idolized as a youth.