2015 California T || Test Drive Event | pix and videos

Event in Australia?

 

Haha! I see what you did.

Maybe China.

 

Looking good!

 

what do you think about sound?

 

Drove one today, as the owner of a 2013 Cali I suggest they are both fantastic cars. '15 felt tighter steering, a tad faster although both are 'fast enough'. Brief ride and little to no turbo lag. Exhaust is muted as compared to '13 so consider that, very good exhaust sound but just a little more 'tame'. When taken to redline the '13 pops gear to gear, similar to the sound of a gunshot. Couldn't get '15 to make that sound. In the end, still considering placing an order on '15 and swap out my '13 with 2800 miles.

 

Conclusions :
- 13 would make a sound like a fire gunshot. 15 would also make a sound of a gunshot, but airsoft gun.
- Exhaust is muted compared to 13. The 13 California is already not that loud, then being muted = 911 Turbo.
- Little to no turbo lag = There is a turbo lag.
- Swap 13 with 15 because 13 has high demand and resale value is good. One thing good about turbo charged Ferrari is that it will make the previous NA models' value become higher.

 

Agree that the "gunshot" will be missed...I missed it when I got my 458! But I think the somewhat quieter exhaust is going to be well appreciated in daily driving. Opinion of one, but I like that it doesn't call quite so much attention to itself in everyday use...the lower tone (albeit an accident of the turbos) feels like a better fit (to me) in a GT car. I say place that order and you'll be all set for next spring!

 

Great choice. Now you gotta visit the Ferrari boutique and get yourself a decent pair of shades, driving shoes and a nice Ferrari cap! Enjoy the ride.

 

The CaliT does not do backfires at all.

Backfires create a lot of carbon exhaust (incomplete combustion) so you can understand it would totally undo the carbon emissions of the CaliT. While no one really cares in N. America, it's a big deal in Europe and elsewhere. I think this is the reason why my FNA co-driver confirmed the turbo cannot (and will not) do backfires (bangs, whuffs and pops) when I could not get my test car to make those noises.

The CaliT is really designed for people new to Ferrari or someone who already has a weekend FCar and needs a more civilized FCar that can also be fast and comfortable with luggage room when you actually want to spend hours or days going from A to B to C…etc.

The resale value thing is not important unless you always have to own a new car or need to protect your equity. IMO, if you prefer to drive cars you like and have room for a second car it makes more sense to keep enjoying the Cali30 and add an F12, 458 or FF in 2-3 years.

 

I know I will miss my Maserati GT sport, which sounds more amazing than Ferrari. However that if that is the only trade off, I am more than ok

 

Despite everything we say about the "pop" being gone due to emissions and turbo, my 2015 S63 (a turbo) does make a pop (more like a dull/muffled boom) at shift...even more so than my 2011 version of same car. It ain't nearly as much fun as a the old Cali "pop", but it's a more dramatic noise than a Cali T, while being more powerful and fuel efficient too....though the shifts take much longer on a speedshift MCT than on the Ferrari DCT (maybe that helps explain it). I'm thinking there had to be a way to engineer some kind of pop, but who knows...in any event, didn't stop me from signing up.

 

You bring up some interesting and useful points for comparison but there's also another angle to the efficiency/noise-making equation - engine capacity.

Ferrari appears to be purposely keeping the engine capacity below 4L in order to avoid the dreaded govt tax levied against vehicles with larger engines. The CaliT's engine is 3.8L vs. the C63 engine which is a whopping 5.46L - making a huge difference in the amount of exhaust volume to play with for sound effects. I imagine the AMG's turbos are also bigger.

BTW, there is also some credence to the rumour about the 458 replacement having a 3.9L engine, which might as earlier suggested, make it a "398T".

 

True...much more volume/size.

 

My guess would be a 458T

 

Drove one on Friday. My thoughts are much better than previous Cali as a past owner. Exhaust sound not as good, however much better handling and performance. I think this car bridges the gap between the old Cali and a 458. I would say good work Ferrari. Just my opinion

 

As a past owner, had you still been driving the California today, would you upgrade to the T?

 

The Cali is great looking.

 

yes

 

Simply one of the best-looking Cali yet. Thanks for posting the photos.