California T seating

toplad · May 11, 2023

Hi,

Im in the market for a Cali T and was wondering if it will be suitable on a couple of fronts in terms of practicality

There’s 3 of us in my family.I know there’s not much room at the back, but I was hoping to shuffle the passenger seat forward and get a 5ft nothing light weight wife in the rear seat for journeys up to 30 mins without to much ear ache, does this sounds like a recipe for a quick divorce just lithe low level grief associated with the species

It will mainly be just 2 people in the car but maybe once a month 3 of us

The second proposition is, can you really use it every day without to much hassle, parking, speed bumps etc

davidtopp · May 11, 2023

I have a petite wife too and now my son is full size she is demoted to the rear seat. It has never been a problem for her apart from needing to keep her hair in place with the top down and so a headscarf is advisable.

toplad · May 11, 2023

davidtopp said: ↑

I have a petite wife too and now my son is full size she is demoted to the rear seat. It has never been a problem for her apart from needing to keep her hair in place with the top down and so a headscarf is advisable.
Click to expand...

Is there much gripeing when she’s in the back, is tight on her legs?

Sunshine1 · May 11, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Hi,Im in the market for a Cali T and was wondering if it will be suitable on a couple of fronts in terms of practicalityThere’s 3 of us in my family.I know there’s not much room at the back, but I was hoping to shuffle the passenger seat forward and get a 5ft nothing light weight wife in the rear seat for journeys up to 30 mins without to much ear ache, does this sounds like a recipe for a quick divorce just lithe low level grief associated with the speciesIt will mainly be just 2 people in the car but maybe once a month 3 of usThe second proposition is, can you really use it every day without to much hassle, parking, speed bumps etc
Click to expand...

My wife is 5’2 (meaning she does not need a lot of space in the front for her legs/seat) and a light adult up to 5’5 for example will fit in the back behind her with just enough space for legs.

Yes, Calis are easy daily drivers.

Snewton94024 · May 11, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Hi,

Im in the market for a Cali T and was wondering if it will be suitable on a couple of fronts in terms of practicality

There’s 3 of us in my family.I know there’s not much room at the back, but I was hoping to shuffle the passenger seat forward and get a 5ft nothing light weight wife in the rear seat for journeys up to 30 mins without to much ear ache, does this sounds like a recipe for a quick divorce just lithe low level grief associated with the species

It will mainly be just 2 people in the car but maybe once a month 3 of us

The second proposition is, can you really use it every day without to much hassle, parking, speed bumps etc
Click to expand...

Had a 2017 for five years and it was a very reliable car.
No problems.
Not a daily driver but drove it 2-4 times a week.

it’s still a tight fit even with the front seat all the way up, especially with the top up.
30 minutes every so often may work for your wife, or not.
I had two 10 year old girls in the back with the top down for a 15 minute drive and they loved it.
On the other hand my wife at 5’7” did it once with the top up and said never again.

See if you can find one to sit in.

toplad · May 11, 2023

Snewton94024 said: ↑

Had a 2017 for five years and it was a very reliable car.
No problems.
Not a daily driver but drove it 2-4 times a week.

it’s still a tight fit even with the front seat all the way up, especially with the top up.
30 minutes every so often may work for your wife, or not.
I had two 10 year old girls in the back with the top down for a 15 minute drive and they loved it.
On the other hand my wife at 5’7” did it once with the top up and said never again.

See if you can find one to sit in.
Click to expand...

Thanks,

The long-haired General is only 5ft and 7 st, so maybe possible

I've been down to JCT Leeds, but none were available to actually sit in, let alone test drive

mcw · May 11, 2023

It may also be useful to consider the advice of the Ferrari Owner's Manual (for California T on page 47) which says "Only persons who are less than 59 in. (1.50 m) tall may travel in the rear seats.". 59 inches is four feet eleven inches, presumably there is a typical seat-bottom-to-head-top height in mind here to give roof clearance and some accident considerations when the rollbar is activated. There are many other pages in the manual about using child seats in the rear, including specific named brand. And ditto on the remark about considering roll bar activation (page 70 and 71 of Cali T Owner's Manual).

toplad · May 12, 2023

Went and viewed one today, didn’t get chance to drive it, but sounded very naughty when rev’ed

The space is tight, but think I can make it work

Sunshine1 · May 12, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Went and viewed one today, didn’t get chance to drive it, but sounded very naughty when rev’ed. The space is tight, but think I can make it work
Click to expand...

As long as your passenger and the person behind her/him are both light and no more than about 5’7, one person can be in the back for some time. However I never have someone behind me (driver), I need the right amount of space to drive (will not move my seat forward to accommodate someone behind me.

toplad · May 12, 2023

Sunshine1 said: ↑

As long as your passenger and the person behind her/him are both light and no more than about 5’7, one person can be in the back for some time. However I never have someone behind me (driver), I need the right amount of space to drive (will not move my seat forward to accommodate someone behind me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had the seat right back, zero room behind me, the driving position superb too.
I’m going to try and test drive one within my budget as soon as I can and try and pick up up this summer as long as I’m impressed with the drive.

My main concerns have been alleviated with the seating arrangements, just hope I enjoy the test drive

Thanks guys

Sunshine1 · May 12, 2023

You will enjoy the test drive. It’s a fantastic car to drive. Precise handling, fast (about 10 years old and better than almost all high end cars built today 3.8s 0-60 for my Cali30), etc…

Well it’s a Ferrari, always years in advance…

cfensty · May 12, 2023

3 okay bc passenger front has room to move forward more than driver. 4 is tough since driver has less room to move forward. I love mine, great car and not over the top cost.

Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

lucasines · May 13, 2023

3 okay

toplad · Jun 10, 2023

Bit of an update on this

so I took out a California 4.5v8, it was at the bottom end of my budget and I thought it would be a good idea to try one out as a marker for the T and maybe even buy one if I liked it. These NA versions don’t have the best reputation as a drivers car and I must say I was disappointed with the drive. Even ringing it out it didn’t feel that fast or connected to the road. Ruled it out with first few miles

Next I drove an 2018 plate model, I’d viewed the figures before the test drive and was very comfortable with them, the car had a service package until mid 24 and a warranty for 2 years
It had 9.5k miles on the clock , was Corsa red with black interior, it was absolutely beautiful looking car and the spec was exactly what I was after. Id decided if the car felt good I was buying it on the spot.
However I was very disappointed with the driving experience also , the steering wasn’t the best, without much feel or connection to the front wheels, it was very precise however.
I had the opportunity to rev it out a couple of times but I was surprised it didn’t feel as fast as I’d hoped, the engine was very smooth, but lacked the excitement factor I’d hoped for.
I was really disappointed how the car drove, I’ve always wanted to own a Ferrari and was certain that it would be the California T before the test drive
I was really impressed with every other aspect of the car, the looks, interior condition, mileage etc.
I did consider buying it anyway but knew within a few months I’d lament the purchase because of the dynamics short comings.
My current car is Alfa Romeo QV and it is a lot better to drive quickly and more engaging, you can hoon around in it, the California T wasn’t anything like as connected to the road. I after something that drives well and has the presence of Ferrari on the road

Thanks for the helps guy and please don’t take my comments to heart, I’m just giving my opinion

Cigarzman · Jun 10, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Bit of an update on this

so I took out a California 4.5v8, it was at the bottom end of my budget and I thought it would be a good idea to try one out as a marker for the T and maybe even buy one if I liked it. These NA versions don’t have the best reputation as a drivers car and I must say I was disappointed with the drive. Even ringing it out it didn’t feel that fast or connected to the road. Ruled it out with first few miles

Next I drove an 2018 plate model, I’d viewed the figures before the test drive and was very comfortable with them, the car had a service package until mid 24 and a warranty for 2 years
It had 9.5k miles on the clock , was Corsa red with black interior, it was absolutely beautiful looking car and the spec was exactly what I was after. Id decided if the car felt good I was buying it on the spot.
However I was very disappointed with the driving experience also , the steering wasn’t the best, without much feel or connection to the front wheels, it was very precise however.
I had the opportunity to rev it out a couple of times but I was surprised it didn’t feel as fast as I’d hoped, the engine was very smooth, but lacked the excitement factor I’d hoped for.
I was really disappointed how the car drove, I’ve always wanted to own a Ferrari and was certain that it would be the California T before the test drive
I was really impressed with every other aspect of the car, the looks, interior condition, mileage etc.
I did consider buying it anyway but knew within a few months I’d lament the purchase because of the dynamics short comings.
My current car is Alfa Romeo QV and it is a lot better to drive quickly and more engaging, you can hoon around in it, the California T wasn’t anything like as connected to the road. I after something that drives well and has the presence of Ferrari on the road

Thanks for the helps guy and please don’t take my comments to heart, I’m just giving my opinion
Click to expand...

Adam , maybe try a Portofino if you’re looking for a touring drop top with plenty of power that sounds great. We love ours.

Sunshine1 · Jun 10, 2023

Cigarzman said: ↑

Adam , maybe try a Portofino if you’re looking for a touring drop top with plenty of power that sounds great. We love ours.
Click to expand...

I agree, it’s worth taking the time to test drive one.

Sunshine1 · Jun 10, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Bit of an update on this

so I took out a California 4.5v8, it was at the bottom end of my budget and I thought it would be a good idea to try one out as a marker for the T and maybe even buy one if I liked it. These NA versions don’t have the best reputation as a drivers car and I must say I was disappointed with the drive. Even ringing it out it didn’t feel that fast or connected to the road. Ruled it out with first few miles

Next I drove an 2018 plate model, I’d viewed the figures before the test drive and was very comfortable with them, the car had a service package until mid 24 and a warranty for 2 years
It had 9.5k miles on the clock , was Corsa red with black interior, it was absolutely beautiful looking car and the spec was exactly what I was after. Id decided if the car felt good I was buying it on the spot.
However I was very disappointed with the driving experience also , the steering wasn’t the best, without much feel or connection to the front wheels, it was very precise however.
I had the opportunity to rev it out a couple of times but I was surprised it didn’t feel as fast as I’d hoped, the engine was very smooth, but lacked the excitement factor I’d hoped for.
I was really disappointed how the car drove, I’ve always wanted to own a Ferrari and was certain that it would be the California T before the test drive
I was really impressed with every other aspect of the car, the looks, interior condition, mileage etc.
I did consider buying it anyway but knew within a few months I’d lament the purchase because of the dynamics short comings.
My current car is Alfa Romeo QV and it is a lot better to drive quickly and more engaging, you can hoon around in it, the California T wasn’t anything like as connected to the road. I after something that drives well and has the presence of Ferrari on the road

Thanks for the helps guy and please don’t take my comments to heart, I’m just giving my opinion
Click to expand...

Your opinion is respected as that’s how you feel. I feel differently as I love how my Cali30 (NA) drives, high performances (better than most high-end cars built today even my car is from 2013), great handling, very precise steering, etc… It’s not the same of course as driving a GT3 for example if you were more into that kind of sensations, but the Cali/CaliT is a GT (not a track car). Hope you find what you need, that’s the most important thing

spaghetti_jet · Jun 11, 2023

toplad said: ↑

Bit of an update on this

so I took out a California 4.5v8, it was at the bottom end of my budget and I thought it would be a good idea to try one out as a marker for the T and maybe even buy one if I liked it. These NA versions don’t have the best reputation as a drivers car and I must say I was disappointed with the drive. Even ringing it out it didn’t feel that fast or connected to the road. Ruled it out with first few miles

Next I drove an 2018 plate model, I’d viewed the figures before the test drive and was very comfortable with them, the car had a service package until mid 24 and a warranty for 2 years
It had 9.5k miles on the clock , was Corsa red with black interior, it was absolutely beautiful looking car and the spec was exactly what I was after. Id decided if the car felt good I was buying it on the spot.
However I was very disappointed with the driving experience also , the steering wasn’t the best, without much feel or connection to the front wheels, it was very precise however.
I had the opportunity to rev it out a couple of times but I was surprised it didn’t feel as fast as I’d hoped, the engine was very smooth, but lacked the excitement factor I’d hoped for.
I was really disappointed how the car drove, I’ve always wanted to own a Ferrari and was certain that it would be the California T before the test drive
I was really impressed with every other aspect of the car, the looks, interior condition, mileage etc.
I did consider buying it anyway but knew within a few months I’d lament the purchase because of the dynamics short comings.
My current car is Alfa Romeo QV and it is a lot better to drive quickly and more engaging, you can hoon around in it, the California T wasn’t anything like as connected to the road. I after something that drives well and has the presence of Ferrari on the road

Thanks for the helps guy and please don’t take my comments to heart, I’m just giving my opinion
Click to expand...

In my time I’ve been through a fair few mid engined V8s, hard-assed track cars etc etc. I actually love my Cali T precisely because it doesn’t shake my fillings loose. It is a tool for a job, the car I choose to drive from Geneva to Rome, or Paris, or Barcelona or whatever (which I do a few times a year).

I’m not going to break the lap record of the Nurburgring in it, but I can drive it 8 hours straight and get out without feeling like I’ve been in the washing machine on fast-spin.

It’s a fantastic GT car, a 7 tenths sports car. If you you want 9 tenths then yes, you need to look elsewhere.

Redneck Slim · Jun 12, 2023

Cigarzman said: ↑

Adam , maybe try a Portofino if you’re looking for a touring drop top with plenty of power that sounds great. We love ours.
Click to expand...

The Portofino is a real improvement over the T. It is lighter,stiffer,better handling,faster,and altogether more sporting. And if it still doesn't have enough acceleration for you,look up my thread "California T and Portofino:ECU Tunes?".

Sunshine1 · Jun 13, 2023

Redneck Slim said: ↑

The Portofino is a real improvement over the T. It is lighter,stiffer,better handling,faster,and altogether more sporting. And if it still doesn't have enough acceleration for you,look up my thread "California T and Portofino:ECU Tunes?".
Click to expand...

Yes, And IMHO a more elegant design too

cyr · Jun 14, 2023

As you may decide to now consider a Portofino, let me add by two bits based on three years experience with a Porto.
Yes, you can use it as a daily drive. I do. Back seat space is great for the shopping and the boot is surprisingly large and useful. Speed bumps are actually not much of a problem, well not more than other cars. I wish it had automatic parking but it is not a problem. I do have the full ADAS system though.
I have, on quite a few occasions taken two adults in the back. Short drives as it is not really made for two adults. The biggest issue is getting in and out. I always put the roof down, let the people get in, then put the roof back up (in winter) and again to let them out. Being able to stand up and walk in/out is VERY different to squirming in and out. More dignified too, although there is something to be said for letting an attractive girl wiggle out!!
Only two gripes are the abominable electronics that Ferrari refuses to update and (in my case) lousy batteries

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