italiaspeed.com

Just a week after its world debut in Europe, the all-new Ferrari California will be unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show on 9 October 2008, making Sydney only the second place in the world that newest Ferrari has been seen in public.

The Ferrari California joins the Ferrari’s eight-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige supercar Grand Tourer segment, complimenting the Ferrari F430 and 599 GTB sporting supercars in the range.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in terms of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by an all-new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 bhp at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 kmh in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2).

Comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down. The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever.

The launch of the California marks the re-birth of a classic Ferrari name used on the most sort-after Ferrari models of all time, as witnessed by the sale at auction earlier this year of a 1961 Ferrari California for $5.4 million, an all time record for a Ferrari.

“We are delighted and honoured that Australia has been chosen as the second place in the world for public display of the new Ferrari California,” says Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari at EAI, the Australian and New Zealand importer. “The decision to allow us to display this unique new car is a recognition of the growth of Ferrari sales in Australia and the quality of customer service offered in Australia. Visitors to the Australian International Motor Show will, therefore, see the Ferrari California before the general public in California, Ferrari’s largest market. Following the launch of the new Ferrari California at the Australian International Motor Show, deliveries will start in mid 2009, when prices and local specifications will be announced.