Just days after its Australian and world public debuts the Ferrari California is making a flying visit to Melbourne this week for the opening of Zagame Ferrari, one of the world’s largest Ferrari dealerships, as well as its newest.

Just days after its debut at the Australian International Motor Show and its world debut in Paris, the Ferrari California is making a flying visit to Melbourne this week (22 October 2008) for the opening of Zagame Ferrari, one of the world’s largest Ferrari dealerships, as well as its newest.

“Zagame Ferrari is a flagship Ferrari dealership in every sense of the term and it is only right that the latest model from Ferrari should be present at the official opening,” says Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari at EAI, the Australian and New Zealand Ferrari importer. “Not only is the dealership the largest Ferrari dealership in the southern hemisphere, it sets a new standard for customer service, technical facilities and it offers a unique Ferrari experience for all visitors.”

The Ferrari California is the first ever front mounted V8 Ferrari, though, to be strictly accurate as the engine and drivetrain sit entirely between the axle lines, it is as much a mid-engined car as the F430. The mid-front mounted V8 engine, although built to the classic 90 degree V8, is all new and features direct fuel injection, cutting emissions. Also new for Ferrari is the dual clutch gearbox that effectively reduces gear change times to zero, the folding metal roof and the multilink suspension that blends traditional Ferrari handling and adhesion to the road with a new level of ride quality and comfort.

But, regardless of the comfort and luxury, the California is still a Ferrari and a 0-100 kmh time of less than four seconds and a top speed in excess of 310 kmh where the law permits, means that the California remains a true super car. Deliveries of the Ferrari California will start in mid-2009, when local specifications and prices will be announced.