I was lucky enough to just drive a California.

I just got back from a Ferrari California dealer meeting in Las Vegas where I had the opportunity to drive the California. Being that I'm in Colorado we don't get the early exposure to these cars the way the dealers in California, Florida, etc enjoy so this was my first time seeing the car in person! I have always loved the way this car looks in photos (especially the Azzuro California press pix) but in person I was surprised at how compact the dimensions are, the rear end isn't as large and controversial as I was lead to believe, either.

Upon starting the car it emits a nice bark, very similar to a Maserati Gran Turismo S (sorry for the comparison!) but then it immediately settles down into a mellow tone, similar to a 550/575M...it's surprisingly quiet but then again with the people Ferrari are hoping to attract to this car it is probably a good thing. The drive took us about 15-20 miles into Lake Mead Natl Park, each car had two drivers with a swap at the turn around point but somehow I managed to hop into the only car without a co-pilot

By now everybody has seen how the top operates but something new that I learned is the reasoning behind the rear parking sensors being standard; since the rear compartment has to lift out of the way to make room for the folding top it is important that there are no obstructions behind and if there are the parking sensors will detect this and not allow the top to operate. Ferrari now has a world-class leading trannsmission with the new DCT gearbox, shift changes are nearly seamless and mostly perceptible by the change in engine tone. I was able to cruise at 80mph in seventh gear at just 2,800rpm...I did this just out of curiosity, I don't think I would ever drive this car in seventh personally but it's there and it does its job well.

The ride quality was great and the structural integrity was very stiff...the roads out there in the park were smooth so just to see if there was any cowl shake I drove on the raised center line a few times and the winshield header and mirrors stayed very smooth with very little vibrations noticed. Steering feed back was good but I thought the steering was a little light off center, it may have been the tires but since it was my first time in the car I don't know for sure. In comparison any AMG product rides harsh and doesn't have quite the control or driver involvement yet at the same time the California is a very relaxed car to drive daily. Don't compare this car to an F430.

I think Ferrari did an outstanding job in creating the California, they have built a car that I think people will want to use everyday and feel comfortable doing so...of course I'm a bit biased!

 

Thanks for that gret review! And thanks for helping de-bunk the large rear perception. It really is not that outrageous in person.

A few questions: Do you know if your Cali had the magnaride suspension or the standard suspension? I guess it had 19"s, but would be interested to see if it had the 20"

Thanks again and congrats on getting one of the 1st rides in the US.

 

Nothing about the engine.....so it doesn't impress you...As the engine is one of the most important part of a car, especially that from a Ferrai.....

 

My dealer was at this event also. He said all 4 cars there were identically optioned with magnaride and 19" std wheels. I think they were red/tan examples and they had the steering wheel with the LEDs, which my salesperson seemed to like and thought was helpful for keeping your eyes on the road at a brisk pace. I didn't order it as I don't really want a CF wheel in this car.

 

Very interesting. As you might have guessed by my recent posts, I am thinking of taking the plunge and placing an order. I was just thinking about the LED wheel today. You make a good point re: the CF. I tend to think the interior is better suited by a non-carbon look.

 

Quite the contrary...I had been typing for a while and got side tracked by client a few times so when I got back to my computer I figured I had typed enough But to answer your question...the engine spins egerly to 8k rpm and is very smooth while doing so and with 75% of peak torque available at just 2,250rpm it's a very flexible engine as well! The engine compartment is also very attractive, lol!

 

thanks!

 

Would you mind posting the option price list? How much is the carbon steering wheel with LEDs? There is also the carbon fiber drivers area which has the steering wheel and intrument panel. How much is that?

 

Malibu guy just can't be stopped! You go for it!

BTW: I saw the carbon wheel at Penske and I liked it. I'm not too sure how valuable the red lights are with this kind of gearbox though. Wish I could drive one. I think the gearbox will be awesome and we already know the engine will be first rate.

Also, BTW Malibu, what kind of seats did you order? These crossed hatched seats are really growing on me.

 

I have to confess my interest in the carbon fiber steering wheel is all about style. I think you are right about the LEDs not being so important. But I was toying with the idea of having a half black (carbon) and half sabbia (matching leather) steering wheel! Since my dashtop is black I thought this might look pretty cool.

I've ordered Daytona style, single color (sabbia) seats.

The quilted look is also nice.

The standard seat isn't bad either.

 

I like this
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Nice!

Tell me how do you save the image from the configurator

 

Currently not all the carbon fiber interior packages are available. I believe only the driving zone including the steering wheel is available.

Curiously enough on the spec sheet.......there are three carbon packages. Each with their own respective costs.

Carbon Fiber Trim for Driving Zone CIDZ
LEDs on the Steering Wheel LEDS
Carbon Fiber Driving Zone and LEDs CIDL

The way I read it is that you can get a carbon fiber steering wheel that "does not" include the LEDs. Will confirm with my dealer cause this might be the way to go if someone doesn't want the LEDs but still wants the c/f steering wheel and paddles.

 

I just got to drive one at FOW. The car is absolutley oustanding. Right amount of sport car and GT car. Exhaust has the right amount of growl! Car looks better in person than in the pictures. Handles very nicely...very short turning radius. Paddle shifter is very quick and precise. I think that those of you who have ordered one will not be disapointed.

Pictures do not do the car justice. Back end is actualy very nice and the front end is really sweet! Intertior is very comfortable. If I were to order one I would skip the back seat as the leg room is the issue.

This is the car you can truly drive every day and enjoy!

The Bobert

 

Hello,

I was at Ferrari dealer Continental AutoSports today and went for a ride in the new California. I was pleasntly suprised by it's styling. It looks much better in person. Nice interior and overall a good show from pinninfarina. Who hasn't exactly knocked one out of the ballpark recently.


IMHO

Joe

 

Bobert; I'm happy to hear you echoing my sentiments...Ferrari is definately on the right track with this car.

jjamlez; did you get a chance to drive or just sit shotgun?

 

- Just rode shotgun. But was happy to do that.


Joe