The “Ferrari California” was launched in 2008 as a grand Touring sports car and with it brought several firsts for Ferrari: the first front engine Ferrari with a V8; the first with a metal folding hardtop roof and the first to feature a 7speed dual clutch transmission. The “California” is the entry level Ferrari, with its less aggressive styling and slightly cheaper price tag this car has attracted many first time Ferrari buyers. One should not be fooled into thinking this is not a proper Ferrari, the V8 engines produces 483 horsepower and when applied through the 7sp dual clutch power delivery is extremely rapid.
The first “Ferrari California” came into my life thanks to a commercial for an automated parking system. We managed to get a hold of a black 2010 “Ferrari California”. I was over the moon with excitement. I remember being given the key, a red jewel that I had never held before, then putting it into the ignition. Hitting the start button and hearing a Ferrari engine roar for the first time on my command was intoxicating, a heady draft from which I have never recovered. I spent 14 hours with my first “Ferrari California”, during which time I got to know it rather well. My moment of freedom came when I had to go get gas which necessitated a 15 minute drive on my own. At the gas station I got attention for having a Ferrari and for having a camera strapped on the back of the car. On the way back I pulled up beside a Rolls Royce whose occupants asked me if I was filming myself. I said yes to which they replied that it was “rather vain of me”, which was droll coming from a couple in a $400,000 Rolls Royce.
My second “Ferrari California” experience was a much different one. I was thoroughly familiar with a Ferrari cockpit and thus free to use the car as a daily traveler and enjoy the experience. It never gets old starting a Ferrari, the “California” has a warm growl which is not overwhelming. In light of my recent Ferrari FF experience I was delighted to have regular indicator stalks rather than the indicators on the steering wheel as in the 458 and the FF. Getting into the “California” you have a great view fore and aft as the cabin is an open design. Pull back the right handle paddle and the Ferrari shifts into first gear and away you go. A little extra throttle travel and the V8 produces rapid acceleration and a deeply satisfying Ferrari roar. One thing missing on the manettino dial is a wet option selection, and in the rain I did miss this feature. On a wet road with 483 horsepower the “California” will spin its tires. I found this out as I made a right hand turn to head up a hill. I discovered quickly I was not going uphill but rather the back end was moving from side to side. Fun though it was, it might not be ideal as a daily experience, so I recommend a cautious throttle application in rainy conditions.
The outstanding feature of the “California” is the folding hard top roof. Hold down the roof button and 20 odd seconds later you are in a convertible. Wind noise in the cockpit is not too bad, providing you are within the speeds limits. With the roof up or down the “California” has great visibility, a feature that many sports car lack. My drive had begun in the rain, followed by brief burst of sunshine which made it possible to open the roof and then it finally it began to rain again. The folding hard top allows you to adapt to changing conditions at the press of a button, an engineering marvel.
The usability of the “California” is a delight. It is easy to get in and out of especially for your 85 year old mother, as opposed to the body contortions required to get into a Lamborghini Aventador. The “California” is another Ferrari in the mold of the Ferrari FF that is subtle. People hear the roar, see the smooth graceful lines and realize it’s a Ferrari. If you want to be noticed in your car all the time then this is not the car for you. However as a first time Ferrari buyer it introduces you to the marque without overwhelming you.
The Ferrari California will always be a special car for me, but would I buy one? Not at the moment. I have been spoiled by driving the Ferrari 458 and lately the Ferrari FF. Now I may change my mind with the next generation California T, which introduces a Turbo and slightly more aggressive styling. So that’s the next goal. Drive a “California” T and see where the future of the Ferrari California is going.
Article Written By: Jason Grunsell
Photography: Courtesy of Jason Grunsell of First Rides
The first “Ferrari California” came into my life thanks to a commercial for an automated parking system. We managed to get a hold of a black 2010 “Ferrari California”. I was over the moon with excitement. I remember being given the key, a red jewel that I had never held before, then putting it into the ignition. Hitting the start button and hearing a Ferrari engine roar for the first time on my command was intoxicating, a heady draft from which I have never recovered. I spent 14 hours with my first “Ferrari California”, during which time I got to know it rather well. My moment of freedom came when I had to go get gas which necessitated a 15 minute drive on my own. At the gas station I got attention for having a Ferrari and for having a camera strapped on the back of the car. On the way back I pulled up beside a Rolls Royce whose occupants asked me if I was filming myself. I said yes to which they replied that it was “rather vain of me”, which was droll coming from a couple in a $400,000 Rolls Royce.
My second “Ferrari California” experience was a much different one. I was thoroughly familiar with a Ferrari cockpit and thus free to use the car as a daily traveler and enjoy the experience. It never gets old starting a Ferrari, the “California” has a warm growl which is not overwhelming. In light of my recent Ferrari FF experience I was delighted to have regular indicator stalks rather than the indicators on the steering wheel as in the 458 and the FF. Getting into the “California” you have a great view fore and aft as the cabin is an open design. Pull back the right handle paddle and the Ferrari shifts into first gear and away you go. A little extra throttle travel and the V8 produces rapid acceleration and a deeply satisfying Ferrari roar. One thing missing on the manettino dial is a wet option selection, and in the rain I did miss this feature. On a wet road with 483 horsepower the “California” will spin its tires. I found this out as I made a right hand turn to head up a hill. I discovered quickly I was not going uphill but rather the back end was moving from side to side. Fun though it was, it might not be ideal as a daily experience, so I recommend a cautious throttle application in rainy conditions.
The outstanding feature of the “California” is the folding hard top roof. Hold down the roof button and 20 odd seconds later you are in a convertible. Wind noise in the cockpit is not too bad, providing you are within the speeds limits. With the roof up or down the “California” has great visibility, a feature that many sports car lack. My drive had begun in the rain, followed by brief burst of sunshine which made it possible to open the roof and then it finally it began to rain again. The folding hard top allows you to adapt to changing conditions at the press of a button, an engineering marvel.
The usability of the “California” is a delight. It is easy to get in and out of especially for your 85 year old mother, as opposed to the body contortions required to get into a Lamborghini Aventador. The “California” is another Ferrari in the mold of the Ferrari FF that is subtle. People hear the roar, see the smooth graceful lines and realize it’s a Ferrari. If you want to be noticed in your car all the time then this is not the car for you. However as a first time Ferrari buyer it introduces you to the marque without overwhelming you.
The Ferrari California will always be a special car for me, but would I buy one? Not at the moment. I have been spoiled by driving the Ferrari 458 and lately the Ferrari FF. Now I may change my mind with the next generation California T, which introduces a Turbo and slightly more aggressive styling. So that’s the next goal. Drive a “California” T and see where the future of the Ferrari California is going.
Article Written By: Jason Grunsell
Photography: Courtesy of Jason Grunsell of First Rides
