new 2012 model

My Cali will be the new and updated model for 2012. Some of you have asked about the price increases. I was just told by my London dealer that the cost increase will be 2% on the basic price. If you want the new Handling Special package, that will cost you £5000 ($8000+).

Below is a description of all the new features:

From January 2012, the Ferrari California will offer new high performance features designed to further enhance its sportiness whilst retaining the high standards of in-car comfort typical of the model.

Specifically, the 4.3 Litre GDI V8’s power output has been increased from 460 CV to 490 CV at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque from 485Nm to 505Nm at 5,000 rpm.

This boosted performance thanks to a new optimised microcast exhaust manifolds, and new engine software specifically developed for RON 98 petrol. The California’s torque curve has also been modified and is now higher at all RPM.

The experience on aluminium manufacturing and increasingly sophisticated building technologies, like the use of multiple aluminium alloys, allowed to reduce the overall weight of the car by 30kg.

These interventions enhance the overall sporty feeling of the car, improve its dynamic behaviour, and more specifically, make for better pick-up from low to high revs.

The car will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.85 seconds.

In addition to these contents the car will be equipped with an upgraded version of the on board infotainment system. New main characteristics are as follow:

- 40 Gb Hard Disk Drive (was 30Gb)
- 3D Freeway function: Detail views of junctions on maps
- IPhone 4 & Samsung Galaxy compatible Bluetooth
- Touchscreen number dialling
- Audio Streaming via Bluetooth: can access music lists via Bluetooth
- Music played directly through USB (without having to save on HDD first)
- Integration of commands for new generation iPod / iphone
- AAC file Playing (Apple Audio Format)

To reflect the changes to the California, there will be a slight increase to the basic price of the car. At this stage we do not know what the price increase will be but as I hope you can appreciate the above mentioned changes will increase the ownership experience and desirability of the California even more.

In addition to the above, Ferrari have also announced today that from March 2012 deliveries, a new Handling Speciale package is being introduced for clients who like a sportier, more challenging driving experience without compromising comfort on board.

The HS Package encompasses technical modifications to the running gear and set-up of the car which guarantee sportier handling, specifically:

- reduced body roll which improved dynamic behaviour
- less steering wheel activity and improved responsiveness to driver inputs;
- superior handling yet the car is as easy to control as ever
- a high compact feel without any excessive impingement on driving comfort

Evolved Magnetorhelogical Suspension System

This is an evolution of the damping system available on the Ferrari California and debuted on the 599 GTB. With respect to the previous generation, the ECU, control software and dampers have all been evolved, improving the car’s dynamic behaviour because of the superior responsiveness of the various components.

New Springs

New Springs are 15% stiffer

New Steering Box

A new steering box with a steering ratio that’s been reduced by 10%. This makes for more direct steering with less steering wheel activity over mixed routes.

The Handling Speciale Package will enhance both sportiness and driving pleasure, particularly on more exhilarating routes with plenty of bends, twists and tight turns.

Aesthetic Features

For customers wishing to aesthetically differentiate their cars, while still maintaining the classic elegance typical of the California, a new grille featuring silver Nurburgring slats which also feature on the air intake on the bonnet and the side outlets will be introduced on request.

This package as mentioned earlier will be available for March 2012 deliveries and will be a cost option. Again at this early stage we have not been informed of the cost.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate in contacting me.