to be honest when the California first came out I was just OK with it. thought it looked great from some angles and so-so other angles. lately (not sure how much is getting older and 8 yo daughter) I have started to appreciate the California more and more. I love the looks of the 599 and the California isn't too far off. It also doesn't have the BIG car look of the 612. all cars hard top spiders? were there any manuals? what are the different special editions and production counts? thanks, newb
Rob, Funny, I just went through the same thought process and I ended up buying a 2014 Cali. I was the last person to buy a Cali, but with three kids under 12 years old. It makes sense. I have my race car for the weekends and the Cali to cruise around town. It's a great car and I don't regret it. The car is surprisingly fast.
I've liked the Cali since first laying eyes on it. Almost brought one home a couple years ago. Intend to try again next year if all goes well. Hope the dealer doesn't talk me out of it this time.
avoid 2009/2010. get a cruise control equipped one. If possible a 30. Black on Black. what an honor to have you in this infested by me section.
Marmist, you should advise Rob about getting a MSA prior to any purchase. Why dont you share your feelings on colors
My favorite is actually the Cali 30. Cali T isn't as fun a drive in my opinion. Too disconnected. I don't find the T any more visually appealing either. They're both attractive.
I have never driven a 30 but i have had my T for about 10 days now and have put about 800 miles on her. She is Tite, true on the road, and an absolute thrill to drive. Visually, is very subjective, however the T, is a GREAT road car, fast, nimble, and beautiful. My car has magnaride and has never left the sport position. The car can track on a time, and at the same time be a polished road car. IMHO
If you are looking to buy an existing I would recommend the 2013 or 14 cali30 with the HS (handling package) it provides a little more sports feel with slightly tighter suspension and quicker steering. I had a 2011 which is prior to either of these packages (i.e. non 30 and non HS) and it was great but the 2013 30HS ,I had was noticeable better. I have not driven the T however so no comment on that.. I sold mine but it really was a great car... may end up with another.....
The T was a great drive was a little too good and a little too quick. It's zippy like a modern porsche but with tons more personality of course. It's a great car and I had fun driving it. But the 30 you can dig into a little deeper, feels a little more seat of the pants exhilarating.
IIRC the 30 signified that it was 30 kilos lighter & 30 more hp than previous Cali models. Also, I recall a web page that decoded the VIN (can't lay my hands on it right now) & from that you could tell whether it was a Cali 30 or not...T
I met you at the Crescent Classic in 2013. I had a F1 430 Spider but took my 2013 California and the 430 this year. I did not what to expect from the Cali but it was every bit as enjoyable on the Arkansas roads. Handling was quick and responsive and there was plenty of power. You would probably really enjoy the Jeykle and Hyde disposition of the 2013 or 2014 California. The 30 designation in the 2013 and 2014 models indicate a decrease of about 50-60# in weight of the car and an increase of torque and horsepower of about 30. Also magnaride suspension was in almost all 30's. Image Unavailable, Please Login
rob: the body style of the cali 30 is identical to the prior (initial) version of the vehicle. i too, just bought a '14 cali. i think the exhaust note of the '14 is superior to the new turbo. and the price was substantially less than the '15.
Rob...I have a 2011 Cali and we really enjoy the car. Ours is a factory bi-color car with black a-pillars/top and Grigio Silverstone body. In fact we drove it to the FCA Christmas Party last weekend. If you would like to drive it sometime just let me know and we can meet up.
The Cali was not produced with bullet proof glass, evasion oil slick deployment devices or curb feelers. You will need to move from S'Lake to C'ville if you buy one. ) Happy Holidays
They did make the silver fender grills standard in the Cali30 as a discriminator but seems a lot of buyers elected to have them painted the color of the body.
The '15 model (called the "T") has a different front bonnet/hood, it has side aero features and a different back end. It is also a Turbo. The other models were the original style and the "30" modifications have been described. I think the '15 is a significantly different car. I think it takes it to another level. I drove the old Cali and loved it. Can't wait to try the new one.
all 2013 and 2014 californias in the US are the 30s which has already been described the first body change is the 2015T ... the HS package was available with the 2013 and 14 and is normally designated by the silver gills and grill (although they could be painted body color)