Justifying my once impulsive buy on the California... | FerrariChat

Justifying my once impulsive buy on the California...

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by calitalia, Jul 17, 2010.

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  1. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    I saw a Nero waiting to be delivered, 2 Bianco Avus demo and 1 Nero Daytona, 2 Rosso Scuderia. The Rosso Scuderia looks good in person and in metal... so I think I am set on Rosso Scuderia with Black interior and red stitchings, 20" rims and yellow tachymeter and yellow calipers. Debating though if I should get the ipod connection. Can someone shed lights on this option and its usefulness. I ain't a music guy and I don't ipod much but would I miss it if I don't get it? Anyway, looking at the California, I think I have really made the right choice. This car speaks Ferrari to be honest.

    The california is a beautiful and amazing car. It has been desigend by Ferrari initially intended to be branded as a
    Maserati. However, they made it too good, putting key featurers into it that they couldn't make it a Maseraty anymore but instead it deserves the Ferrari logo.

    The way I see it, it earned it's batch and if you look at the sales records, the California is one of the best selling and highly appreciated Ferraries ever. This is the car that to some extend assured the survival of Ferrari in the downturn as all other sales fell off a cliff. At least over here, there are 4/5 being delivered every month out of the 100 delivered and more.

    It will be hailed in the future as a key vehicle in it's history. Something like the legendary Daytona, which in it's days was also considered not a real Ferrari. Now it is one of the most sought after versions.

    The California has style, technology, performance and fully fits into the Ferrai portfolio. It is "the" technology driver for Ferrari (like the Mercedes S class for Mercedes, or the Porsche Turbo for Porsche) as it is the first to use the DCT gearbox that will be used in the future (see 458) in all Ferrari's. It is the first to use the direct injection technology. The first with a folding metal roof and the first with a multi link suspension.

    Although my purchase was impulsive and emotional without even looking at the SLS and test driving the SLS or R8... I think it is the right choice.

    I turn this around and ask myself the followings... which true super car is like it? Speed wise, the GTR and many others surpass the California... but if we want cheap speed, there are plenty around and you can always make a car goes fast by souping it up but as a package with good handling and all... none like California.

    Split into three groups based on engineering/parts done by MASS market companies.

    The Lamborghini? Engineering done by Audi.
    The Bentley? Engineering done by VW
    The Rolls Royce? Engineering done by BMW
    The AMG? Engineering done by Mercedes
    The Audi R8? Engineering done by Audi

    The Astons? All use derived Jaguar engines and to some extend still Ford and Jag/Landrover parts. They will use Mercedes Engines in the future.
    The Porsches? Has been using BMW/VW (body parts/stampings), VW (AC condition), Audi (Tiptronic) parts for many years and is now apart of VW. Don't even mention the Cayenne.

    The Maserati's? Engineering done by Ferrai and Maserati

    The McLaren? Engineering done by McLaren with Engine developed by Ricardo

    The Ferrari's? Engineering done by Ferrari

    So, the only people that should ever say anything about the California are people that own one, everyone else, basically buys cars that are with different pedigrees.

    The California is built in Maranello. I don't think there's anymore I need to know...
     
  2. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
  3. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    Wow! After reading your post, now I appreciate my California even more!
     
  4. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    Well, I am a pending California owner to be and it's my first Ferrari but these are my silly 2 cents and analysis. There are plenty of people that are Ferrari California haters, naysayers, disblievers and I am sure they will hate me for what I said and think I am justifying myself for my purchase. However, that's really my objective analysis and judging from the sales figure, I think the California is here to stay. It has opened up a completely different segment for Ferrari and the sales figure so far says it is a success at least over here. It is a rare gem still and you will be surprised to see them around and I have seen 5 so far in town and second hands are usually asking around list. At first I wasn't so sure if this will fail but so far the sales said nope... it is a top seller and it outsells the 599 and 612 (maybe price, maybe needs, whatever... but over here... California is not cheap and only around 15% less than 458)... So far 100 had been delivered and since my ordering one (which will mean Jan prod March 2011 delivery), a bunch were sold and delivery is now into next summer so sales is there... it is not NOT selling. Of course, 200 of 458 were sold and only around 150 California but still... it is impressive enough. I did have a few acquaintances making some comments about how I paid double for a maserati rebadge and how I bought a fake Ferrari or how I got this cos I couldn't get the 458. Honestly, I like 458 as well and in the ideal world, I would want to have both but if I could only have one, I think it will be the California because I know I will drive it more. They are just apples and oranges and a 458 beside a California wouldn't make the California disappear into thin air because they are so different. With a 458, I will enjoy the thrill but I wouldn't drive it more than 1x or 2x a week as it is more nerve wrecking and with the traffic jam and all, there really is no reason. The California, I know I can drive it indeed 5-6x a week and still enjoy it very much so... in a relaxing way. Maybe it is a self-fulfilling prophecy but I think I have summed it up. Nonetheless, I see a lot of controversy around this model which I bought and controversy happens for a reason, the shape, the look, the setup and the concept... well to me, most of those who made comments on my purchase never owned a Ferrari and most of them bought cars of a lesser pedigree but they are entitled to their opinions. Maybe that's why they never own a Ferrari California cos they really dislike it who knows. Let me own it first for a year or two and I will see but so far it is growing on me and without taking delivery, I go into the showroom just to see it... that's how attractive it is to me. It is a work of art to me and even if I can't drive it to work, I can go down and look at it and that's all the money well spent. I guess a lot of hardearned money goes into my purchase... Despite that... I know life is filled with challenges and hardwork in exchange for very very short moments of happiness... and for those short moments of happiness, it is worth a lifetime to remember, this applies not only to a car purchase, it also applies to non material matters like family times and moments with my little daughter... these moments no matter how short lived, is worth my lifetime to remember.
     
  5. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    #5 jenniferq, Jul 17, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2010
    +1000 And I've been at the ranch for the week and really missing it now. Must get back home tomorrow to go for a nice drive!
     
  6. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    I love the iPod connectivity but I use my iPod all day, every day, and my kids love to plug theirs in too. If you aren't a music guy, I wouldn't get it. It comes with satellite radio here in the US and that's fine for most people. Besides, you'll probably have much more fun listening to the engine than the stereo. The stereo just doesn't sound that good. How much is the option? Mine came with it so I had no choice, but I would have gotten it regardless because I use it. I'd never want a backup camera because I don't use them.
     
  7. RickLederman

    RickLederman F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 18, 2007
    2,843
    Swanton Ohio
    Full Name:
    Rick Lederman
    Sometimes on a long drive satellite radio has nothing good so I switch to the ipod, or the hard drive. If you can afford the Cali you surely can afford a second iPod?

    I guess I like all the options once in a while. The backup camera works best backing into a parking spot, like at a car show, keeps you away from the curb. I only glance at it otherwise, using the three mirrors mainly.
     
  8. 612scag

    612scag Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2010
    557
    Well said. +1001

     
  9. genepope

    genepope Karting

    Jul 25, 2006
    139
    Sammamish, WA
    Full Name:
    Gene Pope
    In reading the various posts about people liking their California it just occurred to me, why does anyone who can afford a new California feel the need to justify it? I have had mine since December and have really enjoyed it. It gets far more comments and attention than the 360 I had and it is my daily driver (except for when I drive to certain areas of Seattle which are crawling with extremist liberal anti-business types who love to trash high end cars just to show how "Che Guevara" they are).
    It is your money, at least for now, so if you want a California, go for it and enjoy every minute of driving it.
     
  10. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    Rick, I can't PM you. Is your car RC or Scuderia red? Just out of curiosity.
     
  11. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    I really can't decide. Scuderia seems more MOD and orangy and may look better under sunlight. Corsa is more blood red and more retro 355 style... this is really tough now... I know I can't go wrong with either one but Scuderia maybe too sporty or racy for a GT california.
     
  12. Driftracer3

    Driftracer3 Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2006
    640
    What about Bianco Fuji? That is, if you dont mind the wait time for a new order.
     
  13. not4one

    not4one Formula Junior

    May 23, 2010
    887
    CT, FL
    calitalia; I really do hope you make a decision, but in this case I think you're looking thru boyish rose-colored glasses. So, as a Ferrari owner, here's what I say: Ferrari is 85% owned, and, like Maserati, has been owned for a long long time by Fiat Group. A lot longer than the associations mentioned above. A Ferrari is a Fiat Group product...you want to be a Ferrari employee, submit your resume to Fiat Group (you can do it right there on the Fiat group site). Ferrari doesn't share it's engineering with anyone...it's all Fiat Group. It's managed by a brand, tech and manufacturing team in Maranello under the Ferrari brand name...they do an unbelievable job (that's why we buy them), but it is what it is. Without Fiat, we wouldn't have the Ferarri we know today.

    It's no different with Lamborghini, part of the VAG group, and Jag/Land Rover part of Tata. And Porsche either is, or will soon be (I haven't followed the legalities), part of VAG. The only difference is that those are more recent transactions and therefore more likely to still carry parts/designs (e.g. Ford parts in a Jag or Aston) than Ferrari.

    All I'm saying is let's not get carried away from reality...in my view, in terms of ownership structure and operating model, Ferrari isn't much different than the others that you mention.
     
  14. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    But don't the other brands borrow parts and engineering from their cheaper siblings, whereas Ferrari develops all their engineering themselves? Not sure if I am correct on this one.
     
  15. jenniferq

    jenniferq Formula 3

    Apr 14, 2010
    1,155
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jennifer
    oh, you bubble-burster, you! ;)
     
  16. not4one

    not4one Formula Junior

    May 23, 2010
    887
    CT, FL
    Either way, all those brand plates are owned by and their employees are paid by one company (Fiat Group) and one group of shareholders. Don't know the parts details myself, but I'm guessing the tech team in Maranello is more focused on engines, transmissions and handling....and someone someplace else is sweating over intermittent wipers, nav screens, i-pod connections, cup holders, power window motors, etc.
     
  17. not4one

    not4one Formula Junior

    May 23, 2010
    887
    CT, FL
    Sorry about that...hate to be known as the party pooper.
     
  18. 360stimo

    360stimo Formula 3
    BANNED

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,302
    well said that man !
     
  19. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
  20. calitalia

    calitalia Formula Junior

    Sep 29, 2009
    536
    #20 calitalia, Jul 19, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2010
    Agree as a good choice but it will take me 3 extra months... knowing the italians... stretch it out to june 2011 delivery... full 12 months.. now it is march 2011... hopefully. the wait is gnawingly painful enough. However, I do suspect the wait is part of the catch... it makes a Ferrari more special... you walk down to Lambo, you can get one off the rack tomorrow... then it's a lot less fun... how do you put it... it's like the expectation of a Ferrari after a hard purchaes decision becomes part of the fun and process and enjoyment but I could not rule out the possiblity that when it arrives, I will have an anticlimax... it's always like this... the pursue part and the dilemma in picking colours... is actually the best part of the whole catch. Only Ferrari has this magic at least in my city... no other cars would make you wait this long... not even Lambo... Lambo just isn't popular here and it's always less in demand than Ferrari although it is still a low volume producer... just the way it is... not as much heritage I guess...
     
  21. ignacio

    ignacio Karting

    Feb 25, 2004
    235
    annapolis md
    [QUOTErs. Debating though if I should get the ipod connection. Can someone shed lights on this option and its usefulness. I ain't a music guy and ..[/QUOTE]

    get the ipod integration--it's the best in the business. i particularly like that the name of artist, song and album are displayed on the nav screen. i know no other car that does this.

    get the ipod option -- you won't be sorry.

    i would give more thought to the color...red is such cop bait...and the cali is soooo fast!
     
  22. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    Your first Ferrari has to be red!
     
  23. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    107,580
    Vegas baby
    Wow that's a horrible oversimplifcation. If you've been to the factory, believe me... these people KNOW they work FOR Ferrari or ON a Ferrari. It's not all the same.
     
  24. deppi0

    deppi0 Formula 3

    Jun 30, 2010
    1,246
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Edmondo
    That's what I keep thinking everytime I wonder about which colour I will finally confirm...
    At the moment I am torn between Rosso Fiorano, Rosso Fuoco, Grey (nuvolari?) and Nero. Bianco Fuji is now out of the door due to cost :-(
     
  25. doctorj!

    doctorj! Formula 3

    Aug 3, 2010
    1,509
    Jersey
    Full Name:
    AJ
    Boy I cant wait until prices drop to the $120's on these cars.....
     

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