Ferrari California
Revealed in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari
California is named after the 250-GT (which was called the California). It is a
new fourth model range offered by Ferrari; a Grand tourer.
The California has a chassis made from aluminum. The car is
amazingly versatile and has great driving comfort due to new technologies of
making aluminum. The car’s rigidity has been increased meaning that this Spyder
can perform like a GT car! The California has a double wishbone front
suspension and a multilink rear suspension. In practice this translates into
efficient absorption of bumps and reduction of vibration and noise. The SCM
Magneto rheological Suspension Control System is available on request. This
system uses magnets to actively control changes in suspension and small
variations in ride height to absorb bumps on uneven surfaces even better.
The California’s aerodynamics are some of the best
aerodynamics ever seen on Ferraris. Its drag coefficient is 0.32 which made it
the most aerodynamic Ferrari ever, till the F12Berlinetta was introduced. Unusually
the spoiler is incorporated onto the front bumper. All the features on this
Ferrari mean that it has 10% less drag on it then other Ferraris.
The California’s engine is made completely of aluminum and
is first V8 in history of Ferrari’s road cars to be mounted in a mid-front
configuration. With max power output at 460 hp/338 kW at 7,750 rpm and a total
displacement of 4,300 cc, the California can move at a fast 310kmph and has a
0-100kmph timing of just under 4 seconds. Its max torque is 485 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
but 75% of this is achievable at 2,250 rpm. The California has a dual clutch 7
speed gearbox with the steering wheel has F1 style paddles mounted to it. The new
dual clutch gear system allows for pre selection of the next gear, the
resulting gear shifts are near zero seconds and have no torque interruption. In
manual the California becomes very sporty while in the automatic it guarantees
driving pleasure and comfort.
The result of Ferrari’s long collaboration with Pininfarina
can be seen in the design of the California. Its sleek aerodynamic styling, the
pulled back cabin, the compact tail and alternating convex and concave curves truly
make its exterior one of kind. At the front the grille and the slender air
intake, located at the center of the bonnet, show that the California took its
cues from the prestigious 250 GT California. At the tail end the LED lamps are
at the edge of the boot and the boot is extended to the boot which increases
overall space. Total boot capacity with top up is 340 liters while it is 240 liters
with top down. The interior is made from leather. The seats are made of a
magnesium-frame that is electrically adjusted. At the center of the dash is an
aluminum trimmed center console. The centre console features Satellite Navigation,
USB connection, Bluetooth, hard disc, voice commands and can even connect with
your IPOD. The overall car is designed for minimum noise and vibration in the
cabin with the top up or down. The convertible top is made of metal instead of
the usual leather tops.
The California’s V8 is made according to Lev2 and EURO5
standards and that is why the Ferrari California consumes just 13.1 liters/100
km and has a carbon emissions rating of 305.6 g\km.
Technical Specifications
- 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) @ 7750 rpm
- Maximum torque: 485 Nm (49 kgm) @ 5000 rpm
- Dimensions and Weight
- 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 l (with roof retracted)
- 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
- Tyres
- Front: 245/40 ZR19"
- Rear: 285/40 ZR19"
- Front (optional): 245/35 ZR20"
- Rear (optional): 285/35 ZR20""
- Brakes (Carbon Ceramics)
- Front: 390 x 34 mm
- Rear: 360 x 32 mm
- Electronic Control System
- CST with F1-TRAC Stability and Traction Control System
- TPTMS Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System
- 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
