Ferrari gives the California an extensive facelift both cosmetically and performance wise. The revised sports car is renamed as the California T now, owing to the newly developed 8-cylinder turbocharged engine. The California T is based on a revised chassis which holds the engine in the mid-front position. Over the outgoing California, the California T gains improved drive dynamics with improved steering response, suspension system with the latest Magnaride dampers coupled with body motion accelerometers to provide for a comfortable ride.
With design inputs from Pininfarina, this Ferrari gets a redesigned front grille and air vents, muscular fenders which flows aerodynamically towards the back and ends at the new triple-fence rear diffuser. Shifting focus to what a Ferrari is truly known for, the new powerplant is a 3.9-litre, eight-cylinder V, turbocharged engine which outputs maximum power of 552 BHP at 7500 RPM and 755 Nm of maximum torque. This turbocharged engine delivers improved performance despite having lesser displacement as compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated, 4.3-litre V8 which topped power at 483 BHP.
The new V8 engine ensures almost zero turbo lag and a Variable Boost Management system makes sure to suit the torque curve to the gear engaged. The typical Ferrari roar from the engine is not compromised, claims the Italian company. The impressive combination of power and torque credits the California T with a top speed of 316 km/hr and a 0-100 km/hr run in just 3.6-seconds. A downsized version of the same V8 engine (3799cc, 523 BHP) is also featured on the Maserati Quattroporte and the Ghibli.
On the inside, the Ferrari California T gets a new 6.5-inch infotainment display and a new instrument panel. The overall design speaks of a new personality yet retaining the characteristics of the California series. The Ferrari California, when launched in 2008 was the first Ferrari to feature a retractable hardtop roof, which in the new model folds into the boot in 14 seconds. The California T awaits its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show in next month.
