My first post and California story (long) | FerrariChat
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My first post and California story (long)

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by LouNJ, Sep 8, 2009.

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  1. LouNJ

    LouNJ Rookie

    Sep 7, 2009
    4
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    LouNJ
    #1 LouNJ, Sep 8, 2009
    I am new to Ferrari Chat and have really enjoyed reading the posts related to the California and the variety of opinions. As such, I would like to offer my own.

    My story: I picked up my 2010 California from Ferrari of Central Jersey on Saturday 9/5/09. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of my 2008 F430 Spyder. To me the 430 is the epitome of what a sports car should be and was everything I expected and then some. However, one of the occasional problems I had was choosing between my 11 year old son and my 7 year old son as to who would get to go hang out with dad in the Ferrari. In addition, my wife and I like to take weekend trips by car (with me driving...) and sometimes certain modern creature comforts can make a difference.

    So when I started thinking about a California it was those things that mattered most and not as a "fancy" car for my wife. She already has a Cayanne GTS and wants nothing to do with driving a $240,000 F-E-R-R-A-R-I. Which brings me to my first question; who the **** decided that this was a Ferrari built for women??? If Ferrari was looking to offer something that some people, including women, might find easier to drive than a 430 then kudos to them! They're a for-profit company that just found another way to increase their revenue. As a result, I now have a car that I can throw my two boys in and go have a blast with the top down and a paltry 460 horses at my disposal. In addition, my 4 hour plus weekend trips will also now be a pleasure. And guess what, all in a F-E-R-R-A-R-I!

    My guess is that most California owners could care less what other people think. We bought the car for the same passionate reasons some people choose to bash it. But for those of you that are waiting for yours to come in, I promise, you are going to be so thrilled!!!

    Very Important: For those traditionalists (and I assume current or former Ferrari owners) that struggle with the concept of this car I do get where you are coming from. The Cali is very different from my 430. I knew that going into this deal but two things did somewhat surprise me. First off the Cali's exhaust notes are superb but not as loud as the 430. I have only put 100 miles on the car and need to really stand on it but so far I am missing the 430's music. The second thing is more bizzare but certainly not a problem. The navigation unit is the exact same unit I have in my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. (The bashers should love that one...) It is an outstanding nav unit and superior to most I have had in the past.

    My view is this: the California represents a new way to experince Ferrari and unfortunately for some, may mark a turning point as it relates to the blend of technology, tradition, passion, and economics. In the end, I am thrilled and my boys are thrilled. My wife (who is a woman) could care less. Honestly, if I was only allowed to own one Ferrari this would probably be it but thankfully that is not the case and I am already plotting on a second one...

    So there you have it, a man who likes to drive hard, has dreamed about Ferrari since he was a little boy, is a Formula 1 junkie that goes to races, and happens to have two sons who share in that tifosi passion, for some crazy reason just traded a 08 F430 for a 2010 California. The Cali is not for every Ferrari owner just like the 430 isn't either. I will respect the bashers right to their opinions but also defend this car's right to exist and that it is all FERRARI!

    Thanks for reading my rant and whether you like the car, hate it, or really don't care, your passion deserves respect and I really do look forward to being a part of this amazing forum.

    My Best Regards.
     
  2. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    Nov 5, 2003
    11,560
    san diego/charlotte
    #2 ferraripete, Sep 8, 2009
    you and your children will remember these days forever!

    cheers,

    pcb
     
  3. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
    Full Name:
    Joe
    #3 JoeZaff, Sep 8, 2009
    Welcome to the board! Great post! Your rational mimics mine in purchasing my Mondial cab.

    Enjoy!
     
  4. PA Wolfpacker

    PA Wolfpacker Formula Junior

    Aug 19, 2007
    686
    Naples, FL
    Full Name:
    Neil
    #4 PA Wolfpacker, Sep 9, 2009
    From one Cali owner to another, enjoy!!!!!!!!
     
  5. The Palerider

    The Palerider Formula Junior

    Sep 11, 2008
    463
    Miami, Florida
    Full Name:
    Michael
    #5 The Palerider, Sep 9, 2009
    LouNJ, welcome to the board. Thanks for your insight into your purchase. Please come back to share more stories once you have had a chance to strech her "legs" out. Enjoy!
     
  6. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,579
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #6 Bullfighter, Sep 9, 2009
    Nothing wrong with your reasoning. I think the California's detractors are more from the "all Ferraris must be hardcore sports cars" contingent. I'm generally with that contingent, and I'd love to have an F40 in the garage -- a no-compromise icon.

    That said, I think your marketing analysis is spot on. Once you have kids, your perspective changes. My brother bought his Porsche 997 because he actually uses those tiny back seats for my very young nieces on occasion. He couldn't justify an expensive two-seater that he and my sis-in-law would almost never be able to use together. And, as a young father, he won't be doing 150+ mph track days anyway.

    Dan Neil (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil4-2009sep04,0,22802.column) called the CA a chick car, but ultimately likes it despite the "creeping commodification of Ferrari" -- which is a larger issue for Ferrari.

    Ultimately, I tend to agree with Neil that the problem isn't so much the CA, which hits the mark it was intended to. It's the transformation of Ferrari from a maker of beautiful, bespoke and largely handmade cars to a maker that has shifted into a world of electronics and production volumes where its uniqueness has receded somewhat.
     
  7. The Ape

    The Ape Formula 3

    Feb 28, 2007
    1,793
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Ape
    #7 The Ape, Sep 9, 2009
    Welcome and Congrats!

    I think you made an excellent choice.
     
  8. vipermann123

    vipermann123 Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2005
    1,786
    Irvine, Ca
    Full Name:
    Uzy Malik
    #8 vipermann123, Sep 9, 2009
    Lou, congrats on your new Ferrari.

    Keep us posted on how your likes/dislikes ove rthe next few months.

    Thanks,
    UZY
     
  9. Derek at FoD

    Derek at FoD Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jun 10, 2004
    1,924
    Denver
    Full Name:
    Derek Fennig
    #9 Derek at FoD, Sep 9, 2009
    Congrats! Sounds like you made the best choice for YOU! Screw what the pessimists say :)
     
  10. NWaterfall

    NWaterfall Formula Junior

    Aug 2, 2009
    564
    The Track
    Full Name:
    Waterfall
    #10 NWaterfall, Sep 9, 2009
    Congrats on the Cali!



    But without pictures it didn't happen? :D
     
  11. butcher

    butcher Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2008
    2,339
    Castro Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    Albert
    #11 butcher, Sep 10, 2009
    Just drove a friend's 2010 Cali yesterday. I have 2 say it is one impressive work of engineering. I initially did not feel 2 warmly for the Cali due 2 it's looks that generally did not excite me 2 much. My f355 GTB really has that it factor when u look at it that no one of the other later models don't. HOWEVER, after driving it, it has gobs of power that is easily and most smoothly delivered by the "godly" dual clutch transmission. It makes a beautiful note with hard acceleration that is almost as awe inspiring as the sounds coming from my f355. The interior is a beautiful archepelago of leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum. The suspension is more forgiving than the 355, but it definitely is not a "soft" car designed 4 chicks. It is afire breathing monster that has almost all of the creature comforts and technology as my luxury Bimmer, that can likely blow the doors off my f355. The only thing it's lacking is a dang KER'S braking system. What a car... Really, what a car!!! Due to all of these highlights, I now see the Cali as "beautiful". This is the car all of us F-car enthusiasts would love 2 have as their DD. I am convinceed that this is the best.car I've ever driven.
     
  12. LouNJ

    LouNJ Rookie

    Sep 7, 2009
    4
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    LouNJ
    #12 LouNJ, Sep 10, 2009
    Thanks for all of the kind words and as soon as the weather clears up I will get some pics loaded.

    Haven't driven it since Monday either and Sunday is out (football day...), so if Saturday clears up I will try to give it a real workout then and report back.

    Were any of you that bought or ordered one told that there is no break-in period? I was and it seems understandable for a Ferrari but I have always been of the school of thought that engines and components need a little time prior to being opened up. Any opinions?
    (My 430 was pre-owned I got it so break-in wasn't an isssue.)

    Thanks again!
     
  13. FJerry

    FJerry Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2004
    933
    United States
    #13 FJerry, Sep 10, 2009
    I believe Ferrari runs the motors hard on the bench and then does through shake down drives on all the cars that leave the factory. I believe you really don't have to break the motor in, but the tires, brake pads, etc probably need to break in a little and there is another important component that usually needs some time to get up to speed: the lucky driver. Im old school and get all the fluids replaced after 1000-1500 miles but aside from that Id say maybe take it a bit easy the first few hundred miles for the tires and your own acclimation. Then let er rip.
     
  14. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
    4,595
    MC/UK
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    Carlo
    #14 Ferrarista3, Sep 11, 2009
    Then why does the manual state the contrary?
     
  15. Marcos 612

    Marcos 612 Rookie

    Aug 25, 2006
    38
    Lost Angeles
    Full Name:
    Marc marshall
    #15 Marcos 612, Sep 11, 2009
    I'm looking forward to getting my Cali. I have a 430 spyder that is for sale and I have no regrets. Thank you for expressing your views!!
     
  16. FJerry

    FJerry Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2004
    933
    United States
    #16 FJerry, Sep 11, 2009
    Then by all means break it in. I believe this is them being extra cautions for legal reasons.
     
  17. solowmodel

    solowmodel Formula Junior

    Jul 31, 2009
    433
    Seoul, London, VA
    Full Name:
    WK
    #17 solowmodel, Sep 14, 2009
    Say what?

    In my F430 manual it says not to exceed 5k rpm for the first 1k km. Newer models don't have this?

    Nonetheless it's worth it to start off gentle to wear in brakes etc.
     
  18. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

    Aug 30, 2006
    5,611
    San Antonio
    #18 VisualHomage, Sep 14, 2009
    I'm glad to see the gradual and affirmative postings from more owners of this car. You buy a car for you and your particular tastes and circumstances. You have done well.

    Please post pics of your new machine.
     
  19. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    #19 forgeahead, Oct 18, 2009
    Did you take a bath on the 430?
    I am hoping to do a similar swap and am waiting to hear from the dealer that it is worth nothing when the Cali comes in!
     
  20. $$$=SPEED

    $$$=SPEED F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2004
    5,330
    Portland, Or. USA
    Full Name:
    Depends who's asking
    #20 $$$=SPEED, Nov 15, 2009
    Great post and thanks for ther insight. I am now a new father and already now thinking how I can fit my daughter and wife in my 430. I have a Bentley they will all fit it but the big B is no Ferrari!

    Welcome
     
  21. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
    Full Name:
    AG
    #21 agup48, Nov 15, 2009
    Great post, welcome to Ferrarichat.
     
  22. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 20, 2009
    8,151
    #22 Hawkeye, Nov 15, 2009
    Chapter 4, page 166 of manual:

    1) "Avoid exceeding 5000 RPM for the first 620 miles."
    2) "After starting, do not exceed 4000 RPM until the engine has warmed up (oil temp 149- 158 F)
    3) "Do not let the engine run at a constantly high speed for a prolonged time."

    Hope this helps!
     
  23. cosmicdingo

    cosmicdingo Formula Junior

    Nov 14, 2005
    462
    Clemson SC
    Full Name:
    E Evans
    #23 cosmicdingo, Nov 15, 2009
    Ferrari can't grow the company by offering different iterations of the same impractical mid-engined quasi racing car that Lamborghini already does so well. I welcomed the current move back to front engined cars in the Nineties, and I love the Cali. Since my chances of ever owning a Fazazz are roughly the same as my becoming the first Chinese astronaut on the Moon (I'm AmeriFrench),I have NO IDEA why this should matter to me so much, but there you are.
     
  24. migg48

    migg48 Karting

    Jul 7, 2006
    122
    #24 migg48, Dec 10, 2009
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2009
    Many people have sniped at the California, and I've never understood it. I go back further than I like to admit and I remember what fun it was to drive my Lusso, 4-cam, 275&330 gts and Daytona Ferraris. They were nothing like a 360/430. They were comfortable, fast and fun. Heck, we even put miles on them back then. I think the California is the smartest thing Ferrari has done in a very long time.

    I live in California, where pretty much everything is illegal. I am told that 101 mph is now a felony. I think a Ferrari cruiser is an excellent choice and....I'm going to get one.
     

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