This is the new California: The California T.

Sorry 458 Speciale Spyder

 

Has anyone heard when the CaliT will start spec process and configured by the dealers ?

 

Already know a few guys who have been in Maranello and specced their cars. Estimated delivery September.

 

I am sorry, should have been more specific, does anyone know how long after Europe do we in the USA start the process. I was informed that Europe comes first and then the USA but was wondering how much longer?

 

I am guessing within a few weeks, but it varies from dealer to dealer.

 

I had a chance to see a pre-production model, and I will say the car looks great in person. Better than the photos indicate. Despite having about the same dimensions as the prior model, the T looks low and wide while the prior car looks more upright and narrow. The engine sits lower. The only disappointment is the media center. I don't like how the silver buttons on the outgoing car are hard to read in bright light, but whilst Ferrari fixed that, they did it with black rubberized buttons. We all know what will happen to those buttons over time. Also, they don't look as classy or expensive as the prior media center's silver ones. Some of the other switches and controls look low rate as well compared to the outgoing model.

On the plus side, the standard seats look like the former optional sport seats; much better than before and very comfortable. The standard 19" wheels look a lot better in person than the pictures, as the pics don't show the sculpture details of the spokes. But I'm sure most will go for the optional 20" wheels. I'm told the delta between comfort and sport setting on the MagneRide suspension is greater than before, so sport mode is more noticeable and helpful. You can also select shock damping mode separately from the sport mode, useful for hustling over poorly maintained roads. There is now an electric release button on the trunk, and an outside port for the battery maintainer so that you no longer have to open the trunk and run the cable out of it.

 

Thanks N4S for sharing your impressions and the pics! I'm eager to see the car in person and you've further whetted my appetite. Did FOSF already have their launch reception, or was this a sneak peek?

 

Thanks for the pics and commentary. Great stuff.

Best

 

Just a peek. Pics taken with iPhone.

 

Thanks for providing a preview of the new car. I will still have to see one live to get an accurate sense of its looks but you've noted some very desirable improvements in function. The external port for the battery tender in particular will certainly be welcomed.

 

Great pics Need4Spd...thanks for sharing.

I just got off the Ferrari Factor tour on Monday and I was fortunate enough to see a Ferrari Cali 30 right next to Ferrari California T both in white. I wish I could have taken pics but that is a no no on the factory tour. I was told the ones being manufactured now are pre production for dealers and customer orders will end of May/beginning of June. I can say...they are definitely making them tho as the production line had 458, 458 Spider (majority of the line), Cali 30 and California T. Of the 20 being manufactured a day, 1 or 2 were California T's.

I did notice the windshield does seem to slope more on the Cali T although they are the same greenhouse as pointed out by MisterMarnello. I think it is the sitting position of the new seats. I would say if you are over 6', you definitely want to sit in one before ordering. The T does look very sharp in the flesh...mean looking.

If you ever get a chance to do a factory tour, I highly recommend it. It is a religious experience.

 

The standard seats look great, i will have to now rethink the Daytona seats?

would love to see more images of the interior

 

Has anyone actually driven one or has there been any kind of professional test yet? I am very interested in how real drivers react to the TT set up.

 

Great pics need4spd. Love this;
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And still no one has heard a T? No video including the sound at the limit? We still don't know if it sounds like a stupid new F1 car, or a Hoover?

Rick

 

Is there somebody who has seen the California T in the new blue color in real life? From the pictures i dont know what to think of it yet. In some pictures it looks beautiful and energetic while in others it looks kind of weird...

 

Multiple videos on youtube, including the official launch video(s).

 

I saw the blue on at Geneva, if that counts. Looked splendid under the spotlights, very dynamic.

 

Ferrari is still working on the tuning and apparently won't let anyone hear until they have it right. People who have heard the pre-production cars say it sounds pretty good already.

 

Much wonderment.

 

I know Ferrari spends a huge bundle on getting the sound right, I'm simply concerned with the silly turbo dampening the sound and the excitement. But that's OK, if it sounds like a Porsche turbo then I can keep my 2012 Cali .

Rick

 

I saw this cruising around Maranello a couple of weeks ago (driver slowed down to allow me to take a shot). I'd say the color is not particularly striking.
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Seen close up in Geneva and London. Not for me, maybe look good in Miami but not really a UK colour IMHO, may sound odd but I think it cheapens the car.

 

Mm, dissapointing then.

Mm, is that the same blue? It looks darker...

 

Not at the limit, but sounds throaty...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9m5mJKP_Zs#t=65