Awfully quiet in the California Forum | FerrariChat
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Awfully quiet in the California Forum

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by jabba, Sep 22, 2010.

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  1. jabba

    jabba Karting

    Apr 22, 2006
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    HR
    #1 jabba, Sep 22, 2010
    I enjoy keeping up with the activities and opinions of owners and enthusiasts on Ferrari Chat. I am not a Ferrari owner, although I have driven one and have been a rabid enthusiast for nearly my entire life.

    While I spend more time on this forum reading posts than writing in them, I can't help but observe that amongst the model specific discussions the California section seems to have the least amount of activity.

    Where are the owners? Do you think that the people who are buying these cars are any less ecstatic about this car than the other Ferraris?

    I understand that Ferrari has sought to create the perfect daily-driver with the California. Despite the sometimes critical reviews of prominent magazines concerning this car, I get the impression that owners tend to feel that the cars works perfectly well in real-world conditions.

    Still, I would like to understand why, it seems, there is less activity in this area of Fchat than others.

    Do California owners have other Ferraris they are simply more excited about, and therefore spend more time in the Scuderia section (for example)? Is this car over-priced and you'd rather pick up a 550 for 1/3 the cost? Does the fact that you can get a 3 year old 599GTB for the list price of the Cali change the game?

    What gives fellas?
     
  2. Stefan_009

    Stefan_009 Formula Junior

    Aug 10, 2008
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    #2 Stefan_009, Sep 22, 2010
    they like the cars so much they're always out driving them
     
  3. RickLederman

    RickLederman F1 Rookie
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    #3 RickLederman, Sep 22, 2010
    There was a bunch of action here last year ... much from those that never saw a California and wanted to dig at it. Those people seem to have gone off to bother someone else.
    Mine now has 13,600 miles (since last December) and I enjoy it more than ever. Maybe the other owners are working hard (like me) in their businesses to get the bucks together to upgrade to the M version when and if it comes out?

    You truely are lucky if you have driven one even though you have not owned one! I never thought I would ever sit in one, let alone drive or own one. That is partially why I have let at least 30 people drive mine this year.
     
  4. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
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    #4 tazandjan, Sep 22, 2010
    Jabba- One reason is there are not too many problems with Californias, and that generates a lot of traffic on the other forums. Another is there is not all the discussion about upgrades you see on the other forums. Jennifer and Leo changed wheels, but you are not going to see a whole bunch of people trying to chip their ECU on a California. Further, there are ~30,000 360 and 430 variants, 10-15,000 456 and Maranello variants, etc, and nowhere near that many Californias.

    So...

    Taz
    Terry Phillips

    UK extraction? amongst
     
  5. RareAir23

    RareAir23 Formula Junior

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    #5 RareAir23, Sep 22, 2010
    I would agree there haven't been as many delivery posts, pics, etc. recently. Are orders still strong?
     
  6. jabba

    jabba Karting

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    #6 jabba, Sep 22, 2010
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2010
    Thank you all for the fresh insight.

    I respect that the California is a great car and a game changer in that it has been the car to employ the first of many technological improvements for Ferrari, which have been seen in the 458 and will continue to proliferate across the model range.

    Taz, you have shown a perspective that I failed to consider in my post. As the engineering of these automobiles continues to get better, there may not be desire for owners to try and improve on the factory's efforts. In thinking of the 458, for example, I can't readily think of a way to improve the car in the way that owners of older cars may find appealing or necessary. Ferrari leaves little room for improvement these days.

    Keeping the sales figures in mind, the servicing schedules for the more modern cars, and the fact that the people likely to afford such machinery might be working hard instead of posting on Fchat all the time is also something to consider.

    Taz or Mr. Lederman, out of curiosity, how have you enjoyed the California compared to its rivals or other Ferraris? Did you try out the 599, 612, or 575 prior to the Cali or was it a case of love at first sight?
     
  7. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
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    #7 jenniferq, Sep 22, 2010
    Well, my car is pretty perfect and I try not to comment unless I have something useful to add. Plus, there are so many other forums to keep up with that it's a case of the squeaky wheel sometimes: Texas calls, Silver calls, Rossa is pretty quiet lately...

    Then there's life and yes, driving the car as much as possible!
     
  8. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 26, 2005
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    #8 Bullfighter, Sep 22, 2010
    It's probably because the California is more of a "normal" car, like the Mercedes SL. Very good at what it does, but not something you would modify, service yourself, track, invest in, or do the concours thing -- all reasons to post to a discussion board.

    When they're out of warranty, I'd expect an uptick here.
     
  9. RickLederman

    RickLederman F1 Rookie
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    #9 RickLederman, Sep 22, 2010
    I drove Porsche 928's, had three of them and they too were wonderful, only needing more horsepower.

    I have driven the 599 HGTE and it seemed a bit more comfortable. Low end grunt was wonderful, shifting was slower of course which I did not like after driving the California. I REALLY look forward to possibly a 599 replacement with a dual clutch transmission. THAT could be my second Ferrari! My next California may have more padded seats, more like the 599. I have a skinny butt that starts to hurt slightly after about three hours in the Cali.

    Unfortunately I have not driven any other Ferrari's (other than the 599 which I am VERY thankful for). Driving different Ferrari's would be fun but I would still return to the California. It is sacrilege to some, but it is simply a Ferrari that does everything right (ain't that terrible!). Kinda like having an MGB (or any Lucas ignition car) that actually runs in the rain!

    Rick
     
  10. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 TheMayor, Sep 22, 2010
    I agree with Bullfighter but I think it also shows that the car is reliable, even for a car in it's first year of production.

    I think a lot of us expected problems with the two major new bits of the car -- the top and the gearbox. From what I've seen, we don't see a lot of issues of either.
     
  11. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 tazandjan, Sep 22, 2010
    Jabba- Just to be honest, I have a 575M and that is all I can afford. Rick, Jennifer and others can afford new Ferraris, but I cannot. So I try to keep up with all the technical details so I know what Ferrari I may want in the future. The California is one of those cars that looks like it will stay reliable throughout its lifespan. It is a real Ferrari with a good dose of realism to go along with its outstanding looks and performance. Would be happy to own one in the future when they dip in price to where I can afford one.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  12. RickLederman

    RickLederman F1 Rookie
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    #12 RickLederman, Sep 22, 2010
    Taz,

    Until late last year I was working toward a 575M ... knew every one that was for sale for about a year ... then things changed and a 430 spider became my target until I saw the California ... and drove the dealer's demo car.

    It must be nice to have 12 cylinders!

    Rick
     
  13. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

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    #13 jenniferq, Sep 22, 2010
    +1

    12 cyls sounds so good!
     
  14. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 tazandjan, Sep 22, 2010
    Rick, Jennifer- Mine sounds especially good with the HGTC exhaust, and my 396 mm ceramic brakes just showed up yesterday. I really love my 575M.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  15. Balsamina

    Balsamina Formula Junior

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    #15 Balsamina, Sep 22, 2010
    +1. My guess is that the target demographic for the California is not as interested in modding or tracking, whereas the enthusiasts who post more often are tinkering with theirs to get more "show and go."
     
  16. Balsamina

    Balsamina Formula Junior

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    #16 Balsamina, Sep 22, 2010
    +2. I think I fit squarely within the Califronia target demographic, as I'm attracted to the 12 cylinder heritage but have pre-conceptions making me leery of the complexity/maintenance that's required. So in my mind the California is a great introduction to the marque.
     
  17. Balsamina

    Balsamina Formula Junior

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    #17 Balsamina, Sep 22, 2010
    Sorry for yet another post in this thread, but one more thing: I find it incredibly helpful to read the views of folks such as Taz who have experience with prior models and are learned about the entire lineup, as I do aspire to someday own a 2-seater 12 cylinder F car! (Or maybe a 458 spider??!!)
     
  18. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
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    #18 forgeahead, Sep 22, 2010
    I have not been driving the Cali as much since I got my Panamera. I still love it. The Pan is just so comfortable and I'm still in the honeymoon phase. I would like to track my Cali but I am just too much of a p***y. Unlike jennifer, I am happy to comment whether it is useful or not. I simply like to give my .02 (much to the chagrin of my wife)! The seat for me too is a bit constrictive in the bottom side bolsters. It gets a bit uncomfortable at about 2 hours. There could be more padding. I blame myself for this though as I need to shed a bit! Taz, how many Calis do you suppose there are in the USA? Everytime I wonder if I would like something else (458?), I really don't think that another could provide me what the Cali is.
    A big factor is those rear seats. It is fun taking my girls for a ride top down.
     
  19. jabba

    jabba Karting

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    #19 jabba, Sep 22, 2010
    I have enjoyed the feedback everyone has provided in consideration of the original post.

    California is just one of those polarizing cars that seems to ask very little concessions of the driver in enjoying every approach to Ferrari motoring.

    Unlike in the past where one may have had to choose between dedicating themselves exclusively to berlinetta or spider, manual or F1, a GT's touring suspension or track-toy harshness, the California seems to have an answer to all questions.

    I admit that when this car first came appeared I was very skeptical of Ferrari's ability to essentially create a car that would combine all of the elements of its competition into one. However, after seeing a Rosso Mugello over Cuoio Daytonas at the local dealership, I began to be drawn to the look of the car.

    While I am not in a position of ownership, it is great to understand what influences real enthusiasts in their California purchase and enjoyment.

    By the way. The Corsa 575, particularly with HGTE and the modular rims, is killer!!!! I knew a local owner who had a 575SA and the car was drop dead gorgeous. 575 is definitely a a keeper.
     
  20. jabba

    jabba Karting

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    #20 jabba, Sep 22, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  21. gadgetman

    gadgetman Formula Junior

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    #21 gadgetman, Sep 22, 2010
    Simply put.....

    and exactly correct.

    (though.....I did see a white, yes white, 458 at the dealer last weekend, with a combo cuoio/tan interior......really interesting...really gorgeous.....and it got me thinking.. then i slapped myself around a bit and reminded myself i traded a 430 for the Cali, and it was a great decision)
     
  22. open roads

    open roads F1 Rookie

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    #22 open roads, Sep 22, 2010
    If so, that was at least as fast as the car.
     
  23. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #23 tazandjan, Sep 22, 2010
    Ray- Not sure how many Californias have hit the States or been produced in general. Will have to do some sniffing around. Somebody knows.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  24. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
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    Sep 20, 2009
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    #24 Hawkeye, Sep 22, 2010
    70% of California buyers are NEW Ferrari customers. A big part of that 70% may not totally be clued into FerrariChat just yet.
     
  25. rp456

    rp456 Karting

    Apr 26, 2007
    110
    #25 rp456, Sep 22, 2010
    There really isn't much to say in the California forum. The car is much better than what most thought it would be. It's like having several Fcars in one. It can seat 4. It's a convertible when you want it. It's as fast as a 430. The gearbox is smooth and fast. The main thing like one of the post said, is the car is super reliable. I enjoy my California much more than my 12 cylinder 6 speed Fcar. My other Fcar has seen less drive time since I got the California. I've driven a 360CS, 355, and a 430 on more than several occasions, and I must admit that I like my California the most.
     
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