Ferrari California T revealed ahead of Geneva | Geneva - Car News Feb 2014

GENEVA
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14:15 Wednesday 06 May 2015

This is the new Ferrari California T, a thoroughly updated version of the California which will become the first road-going Ferrari since the F40 to be turbocharged.

Powered by an all-new, low-mounted 3.8-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine which develops 552bhp and 557lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the 483bhp produced by the old California's naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 and is enough to propel the car to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds and on to top speed of 196mph.

 

Ferrari California T

 

Of course, the main reason for fitting a turbocharged engine is for lower emissions and better fuel economy. And given that 2014 is the year in which Formula One returns to turbo power for the first time in 25 years, it's hardly surprising that Ferrari has turned to forced induction for its road cars.

Ferrari claims a 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption over the outgoing Cali, with the new car capable of 27mpg and emissions of 250g/km. A start-stop system is also fitted as standard to help the California achieve these figures.

 

Ferrari California T

 

The big challenge with turbochargers is, of course, lag. Ferrari is adamant, however, that lag in the California will be "virtually zero" thanks to a variable boost management system.

Another problem with forced induction is that turbochargers tend to stifle engine noise, but again, Ferrari claims it has the answer. The California comes with a flat-plane crankshaft and a three-piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing, which Ferrari claims helps the car to produce a "powerful, engaging sound."

Ferrari also claims that the California T will offer an improved driving experience thanks to a new steering box, new springs and new dampers which are said to respond 50 per cent faster than the ones fitted to the old car.

 

Ferrari California T

 

The California T also boasts the latest version of Ferrari's F1-Trac traction control system, along with carbon-ceramic brakes.

On the outside, Ferrari has clearly taken inspiration from the F12, with a deeper, wider grille and a deep cut down the car's flanks, stretching from the middle of the door to the front wheel arch. The looks, which are the work of the Ferrari Styling Centre, in collaboration with Pininfarina, are also said to evoke the pontoon-fender styling of the 250 Testa Rossa.

 

Ferrari California T

 

The California T will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, when order books open. Prices are set to be similar to the outgoing model, which is priced from £152,154.

The first right-hand drive cars will reach the UK in September.

 


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