Is the Handling Speciale option on the California T a good idea?

Hi Rich,

I have a HS T. I drove both with and without. I liked the HS package both how it handled and the esthetic difference. I don’t feel like it’s harsh at all. Many on here will probably tell you it doesn’t matter. But, after driving both I preferred it.

I would recommend you to drive both as well and see how it works for you.

 

My T does not have it, and I have no use for it. Why does the guy who has owned almost 500 cars (and modified or taken apart almost all of them), not have the HS package on his T. The reason is that I don't need it, and OP maybe you don't either. I am unaffected by hype, marketing, or any (idiot car reviewer that knows nothing about cars), opinion that is not based on the purpose I have for a car. For my purpose, I drove the cars with and without back to back, there was absolutely no difference. But I have no sweeping canyons in my back yard or for that matter many roads I can go faster than 65MPH unless I go out driving at (which I often do) the break of dawn. I have other cars that are truly sports cars, so the T is a cruiser for me, and if I push it there is nothing I cant do with the car without the HS package that I could do with the one with it. I may be more skilled at the wheel (I have been driving insanely powerful cars without traction controls for decades), or have less fear than others to push my cars, but I could not see the purpose for the HS other than Ferrari making more money in options. I am also unable to suspend reality and given how easily (there would be no such thing as advertising if everyone was like me) most people can, what you think something is, is what it becomes. Either way I think the T is a great car, good luck.

 

I think the two posts have given you the best advice. I'd only add - you really need to find one & give it a vigorous test drive to say whether it's worth it. And, what do you envision your typical usage being? Daily driver, date night cruiser with that special someone with an occasional back roads romp? If so, I wouldn't necessarily think you'd be to pay extra for a HS.
T

 

I liked the HS when I drove it. Given they aren't as easy to find, and something many favor, if all else equal the HS over non will hold more value at least to me. However, if you find a car with everything else checking the box but no HS, buy it and have fun.

 

They handles better, have a better/tighter turning radius, and hold value better than a non-HS. Drive both and buy the one you like the most. I could feel more body roll in the non-HS and the higher resale value was nice so I went for it.

*Mine is a Cali30 so double check your "T" HS differences.

 

It is a good idea. I'd not get one without it. I think the difference is pretty significant.

 

I have an idea for you. I have a 2016 T and was curious about the HS T's. I drove a T with HS and found it to be harsh shifting at low speeds and not a lot of improvement in terms of handling. I then bought the Ferrari HS exhaust system only which does not include any suspensions mods. I did this to improve the sound of the car and it delivered big time. It sounds great. Installed by my dealer was about $4,700. You could put that on a T and be very happy I think.
Good luck with your efforts!

 

Or just buy the Capristo remote valve control system and you will make plenty of noise when you want to! It is fun but hopefully you can turn it off because on long distance this valve open noise is pretty exhausting.