So, to all those ordering Cali's...

Admittedly, my authority on the matter of Ferrari's is limited. I do not own one nor claim to. That being said, I consider myself an avid Ferrari enthusiast who enjoys the rich heritage and racing pedigree of the finest automobile manufacturer on the planet. And to put it lightly, I am EXTREMELY disappointed by the very notion of this car. It is supposed to hearken back to the days of the 250GT California, a legendary vehicle unto itself (Mr. Bueller helped a little). The emotions stirred by the original car came from the knowledge that it was the beautiful topless sister of the GTOs, and represented a direct link to the racing heritage of the marque. Moreover, it had a very limited production run, further increasing its specialness.

The new California has NONE of these aspects.

-It is not related to a racing model.
-It will not be a limited production model.
-It looks like it was designed by committee.

Do not flame me for sharing my opinion, as I am now going to make my true feelings known:

This is the dawn of a new era: where Ferrari makes cars for the wives and girlfriends of Ferrari-owning men (or for the lovely and very admirable Ferraristas who seek a more feminine vehicle). How long do you think it will be before your wife/gf asks to drive this thing? How long until you realize she looks better driving it than you do?

At least she won't ask you to drive your real Ferrari anymore.

 

+1.

I feel that the new California would be an "F-Car made for women". I guess that is alright with me though, because it would create another market for Ferrari to tap into. If you don't like the new California, then don't buy it. You can always use that $ for a F430 Scuderia...now THATS a head-turner! Think of it this way: She can drive the Calfornia, and you can drive any other Ferrari like
maybe a Testarossa, 348, 355, 360...etc.

 

I'm sure both of you Ferrari experts would turn down a California if it was offered to you! Especially Mr Seinfeld who would rather drive a 348. Sure!

 

I wouldn't go that far.


...it still has 460 hp...but it has no "Race" mode...

 

I am much looking forward to my California. Your points about racing and limited production are irrelevant. You don't like the design of the California, I do and I ordered an early production car. As to wives/girlfriends driving the car, you may have issues that I don't. My wife drove my 599 whenever she wanted to. Whether I buy a California or not will have no impact whatsoever on which of our cars she chooses to drive

 

Forgive me for my unintended chauvenism. I do not mean to say anything negatively about women, and respect the fact that you share so generously. Please do not be offended, it's just some late-night pondering...

 

I wouldnt turn down a California if it were offered to me..........because I would on-sell it for a premuim to go buy a 360CS and I would blow the change on angel dust and hookers.

 

+1

 

Actually I'm really pissed off about this "Macho" thingy when it comes to Ferrari Cars.

Couldnt you really understand that this new Ferrari it's targeted to a new segment of buyers?
It has never been shaped as the new car for trackdays/petrolheads.

Think of the Scaglietti or even the Fiorano or the Superamerica. Those car too were not designed for track. So i don't see all this peee wee about this California model.

 

+2

 

I was only in juniour high then, but i get the funny feeling this exact same discussion was held when the Dino/308 (GT4 or GTS/GTB) was released. It wasnt a V12 (sacrilege!!), it was markedly cheaper and it was produced in the 100s. Closest thing Ferrari has had to a large scale production car if you include all the varients. The company didnt fall apart and the car went on to be a classic we all love.
Whaday'allthink?...Is the above comparison fair?

Give the thing a chance...

just my 2 cents.

 

Well said

 

i dont get this, what is wrong with your wife or GF driving a ferrari?

 

I would.

I prefer the *original* FIAT Dino Spider, but then I'm neither blind nor incapable of shifting for myself so I don't fit the demographic from the start.

 

you just put your finger on all that has been bothering me about the new california...

 

I for one applaud Ferrari's vision. If they were only allowed to make 1 model, would the California get my vote. No. But to augment the marques lineup... it's perfect. I'll share with you my views of your points:

Welcome to about half of the Ferrari's built in the past 20 years. Ya think the SuperAmerica, the 612, the 599 etc. etc. are racing cars???? It is important to have a marque build various cars for various clients with different demands. Not many GT cars out there today that can do a 0-60 time in under 4 seconds AND provide a comfortable ride as a GT should. Again.. choice is good. If you want a F-car that is more "directly" linked to racing you have that choice too.

Point is what? The very small hand built production runs (thankfully) have long been abandoned. In our modern world this is not commercially viable or meets client expectation of quality (I could quote tommes of information on how hand craftmanship results in lower quality, lower productivity and eventually will run the company out of business (read the story of Porsche's manufacturering turnaround for example). Emerging markets are swallowing HUGE amounts of exotic goods. The numbers of cars actually hitting traditional markets will still make the car rare.

Your opinion..... Let's check your qualifications: So have you seen the car in person? Have you driven it? I've talked to 3 people now that have. They all report back the car is stunning in person.

I guess I don't have the insecurities that you do. I personally enjoy the flowing lines of a car rather than have hard edges (i.e. CTS). It may not be your cup of joe, which is fine. You seem to miss the whole point of the California... either through ignorance or insecurity. I for one applaud Ferrari's vision. Keep producing hard edge sportcars but also diversify the product line to ensure people (like me) that enjoy long country drives can enjoy in comfort. Also, I really want this marque to maintain it's financial health so Ferrari lasts long after I'm gone. The California will help ensure that goal.

 

I'm curious.

Would you not consider this a real Ferrari due to the fact that it's aiming for more various buyers then most previous models? I was sketchy upon seeing release photos on this car as well, but then I looked into it more and realized what the car is truly about.

The production of cars has changed over the years. I wouldn't expect to see very many extremely limited production Ferraris as seen in the company's early history, such as the California Spyder. The market has changed since and the company has a much higher load of buyers then it did back in the day. More demand means that Ferrari has more people who they are willing to supply, and that is why many modern Ferrari's are considered mass produced while many classics were very limited.

The modern day and age of these cars is much different. As technology continually advances, I'd imagine that many customers enjoy seeing this technology incorporated into their new Ferrari. It may not be modeled after a modern racing legend, or be a limited production car but that really isn’t the point. This is Ferrari's modern tribute to the great classic. Even beyond that the performance and addition of a dual clutch system makes the car even more spectacular in this modern time.

I think that Ferrari is building the right car for modern time just as they did back in the day. That could be something to think about.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I DO understand that Ferrari is aiming for a new segment, that is the whole point of my original post. While I don't disagree with their choice, I am simply opening discussion on the significance of this car.

You have a great point. I don't think the comparison is really the same, the Dino was marketed as a distinct type of Ferrari. I did not say this was the end of Ferrari, I am only pointing out that I am disappointed with various aspects of this car, and wished to see if others felt the same way. When I see it in real life, or drive it, perhaps my mind will change.

I understand that the 612 and the 599 were never linked to racing models. The 575 did have a competition and then an Evo racing version that was mildly successful. I AM disappointed by the fact they used the California name. The 575, 599, and the 612 never claimed to be something they are not, this car would like you to think it is the modern 250 we all know and love. The new car has its merits, but my argument is that it does not posses ANY of the qualities of the original car, and should not use the name. Ferrari will always have GT cars, it is a well established fact. But they currently have 2 GT cars, both incredibly beautiful and unique. This car is neither...looks like a Lexus.

And PLEASE DO NOT CALL ME IGNORANT. I do not have issues about women/wives/sharing. I am not insecure, but do not appreciate insults. I did not say it was wrong to share with your wife, I applaud the fact that so many owners share so openly. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED by the car and its insistence on abusing the California name.

To all those who have ordered the car: Congratulations! May you enjoy it in good health!

 

No kidding. I heard this car has a factory cupholder. Blasphemy!

 

Yep, new era. My Aunt's 'ol three-on-the-tree Satellite wagon - sans p/s, p/b with rubber mats for carpets - would make a Scuderia seem soft. Maybe Danica'll score a Cali?

 

I'm not a huge fan of the California either (even though my Dad has ordered one which will be his 25 or 26th Ferrari - I am loosing count, - so I guess he knows more then most what makes a real Ferrari). But your argument is flawed. On the basis that it is not related to a racing model more than half of the models sold would not be considered real Ferraris. The majority are not limited production models in fact some of thed limited production models outsell the production models (as many F40s as Daytonas for example), and looks are in the eye of the beholder.

As for looking for a so called feminine vehicle there are a few examples in Ferraris past such as the 330/365 GTS a softer touring car to compliment the berlinetta 275s As shown. anyone want to say this is not a real Ferrari?
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Going to be my daily driver. I don't really need a track car to get to work. Ought to look great in the garage next to the F430.

 

Think you need to get over a few things. Ferrari has used the California a couple of times in the past. It's not some holy artifact... it's a car for Pete's sake. The California name is used to market a general "feeling" the car should envoke. The old California's AND the new California was never a "race car", or a hard edged statement. It was about freedom, versatility, performance, style, innovation, etc.

I believe unveiling a new car that has a LOT of firsts for Ferrari (first front engine 8 cylinder, first front engined 2+2, first twin clutch, direct injection, etc. etc.) but yet has subtle styling cues of it's predecessors is brilliant.

Show me any car today and I can cherry pick some attributes that are made by another company. I can show a Lexus owner elements of a Hyundai, or a Rolls owner elements of VW. It's the entire package I judge.

My comments on your knowledge or "ignorance" purely stem from idiotic statements like:
- is this car "a real Ferrari" or "it is not related to a racing model" etc. etc. You make statements like your opinion is fact.

By the way... as I said before I've talked to 3 people who have seen the car in DETAIL. Two of the gentlemen have been in this game a LONG time with Ferrari. They conveyed to me this was the most impressive car they've seen in the flesh in a very long time. Comfort, performance, style.. with the best quality ever. Design parameters meet the same service intervals of the 911.

They also told me of the amazing speech (scolding) that Luca gave the dealers... but that is a topic for another day.

 

if only half the people pretending that they ordered really did, it must become a huge sucess.

 

This in the new Road & Track:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=10&article_id=6914

Which includes this line:


"And although the photos Ferrari released to the world's press don't do the car justice, Editor-in-Chief Thos L. Bryant — who recently got a sneak peek at the car at the Ferrari factory — says the California "looks absolutely stunning in person."