The new version, with a weight saving of 30 kg and a power increase of 30 CV, will debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The California was introduced in 2008 and aimed to bring Ferrari ownership to a much wider audience, especially targeting women drivers, combining the option of both closed-roof coupé and open-topped wind-in-the-hair motoring with four seats and a practical boot.

Ferrari at the time signalled its new pitch by referring to it being able to carry a set of 'golf clubs', descriptive language unused by Maranello. The California has become Ferrari's mainstream sports car model, but it has rarely evoked the sense of passion that its other models have, and its sales on certain key European markets have tailed off.

Polishing its credentials will give the sports car a timely fillip. The California’s GDI V8 now delivers 490 CV with maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping. The torque curve has also been modified and is higher across the engine’s rev range.

Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of the Ferrari California’s chassis, have led to an overall reduction of 30 kg in the car’s weight without impinging on its structural rigidity and performance.

These enhancements have improved the California’s performance, reducing its 0-100 km/h acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. This aims to heighten its sporty feel without detracting from the mission and character of a car that combines performance and versatility due to its retractable hard top and 2+2 seating. To further meet the needs of clients desiring a more dynamic, yet not overly extreme, driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car more responsive to driver inputs.

The Handling Speciale package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled by a faster ECU (-50% response time) running patented Ferrari software. The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control combined with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in with smaller steering wheel angles thanks to a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

Visually there are no styling changes, however the improved technical features are being matched by a more extensive choice of colours developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, including two-tone finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic colour schemes which increase the personalisation possibilities. In addition, the revised California benefits from Ferrari's free seven-year standard maintenance programme. The availability of the lighter and more powerful vehicle, along with the optional Handling Speciale package, will vary according to each market with first deliveries scheduled for Europe.