Driver's impressions | FerrariChat

Driver's impressions

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by 149guy, Oct 6, 2009.

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  1. 149guy

    149guy Rookie

    Oct 6, 2009
    5
    Full Name:
    james
    #1 149guy, Oct 6, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I have read many of the Cali's threads with great interest as I waited for the 149 to arrive. Without any direct impressions I felt it was not necessary to post any thoughts about the car....so I waited. Now for my first thread on the California I would like to describe my early experience with this car.

    I have had the car for about a week, put 400 miles on it and still won't take it out if it looks like rain. Here is the specs.: Rosso Mugello, 20" rims, magneride suspension, etc...

    Very fast, tight, and fun. Already took on 2 late model Corvettes and really embarassed them. This was interesting to me as I really didn't push the car hard because the owners manual says to keep the RPM's below 5000 for the first 650 or so miles. The difference is the dual clutch....absolutely amazing and impressive.

    The GT ride of this car is really nice. Holds a line perfectly and turns are tight and precise. Response is very predictable and inspires confidence.

    The interior is comfortable and top quality. Radio is a little weak and underpowered but not a deal breaker. I find myself drawn to the screen on the left of the dash for a variety of information although it is somewhat confusing to setup. I have the LED steering wheel which doesn't light up until about 6000 RPM...so I haven't seen the lights much yet.

    The top draws a lot of attention and I must say it is a beautiful example of well thought out engineering. The engine compartment is also a well designed and like all Ferraris...its great to marvel at.

    I happen to like the GT looks of this Ferrari and appreciate the flow and design ideas that were sculpted into the car. Its interesting and frankly I like the controversial components...it helps this cars stand apart but maintains an understated GT profile that I was looking for.

    So far? Can't get enough.. looking for excuses to take midnight runs. Many miles ahead... more to follow.
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  2. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

    Aug 30, 2006
    5,611
    San Antonio
    #2 VisualHomage, Oct 6, 2009
    you have a nice one there; much enjoyment is ahead for you ;)

    congratulations
     
  3. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 4, 2004
    6,710
    Cape Town,SA
    Full Name:
    Jacques
    #3 Ferrari 360 CS, Oct 7, 2009
    Great combination of those wheels and colour...
     
  4. FJS961

    FJS961 Formula Junior

    Jan 30, 2008
    870
    West Hartford,, CT
    Full Name:
    Frank
    #4 FJS961, Oct 7, 2009
    gorgeous color and wheels ... congrats!
     
  5. Riskinator

    Riskinator Karting

    Feb 11, 2006
    131
    North America
    #5 Riskinator, Oct 7, 2009
    Congratulations! Thanks for the writeup.
     
  6. Maximus

    Maximus Formula Junior

    Jun 12, 2009
    830
    Assen, NL
    Full Name:
    Jurgen
    #6 Maximus, Oct 7, 2009
    Very nice interior and exterior color :) She looks stunning!

    I must agree with you on the looks part. With the California apparently Ferrari is taking an entire new route with the California. A route which is is resulting in a lot of tumoil and discussion amongst the current and future Ferrari owners. The controversial looks of the California make the car stand out when compared to the other contenders in the price range.

    I would take the California in exact the same specs as yours. Problem on my part: my bank account hehe ;)

    Many many safe miles and don't let anyone fool you that you've bought a softcore Ferrari :)
     
  7. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,280
    #7 MalibuGuy, Oct 7, 2009
    FIrst of all, she is beautiful!
    Next you have to take her out in the rain. Only way to be sure that your top doesn't leak!
     
  8. omniman

    omniman Formula Junior

    Aug 24, 2008
    343
    Florida/Michigan
    Full Name:
    James L.
    #8 omniman, Oct 8, 2009
    I happen to like the GT looks of this Ferrari and appreciate the flow and design ideas that were sculpted into the car. Its interesting and frankly I like the controversial components...it helps this cars stand apart but maintains an understated GT profile that I was looking for.

    +1!!
     
  9. shawminator

    shawminator Karting

    May 16, 2008
    206
    Austin
    #9 shawminator, Oct 8, 2009
    Great looking car. After having seen a California in person and subsequently driving it, I can tell you that I was nothing short of impressed. The car reall does look much better in person versus pictures. And it drives even better...:)
     
  10. joba

    joba Formula Junior

    Jul 23, 2009
    662
    NY
    #10 joba, Oct 9, 2009
    Great Luck with her! Enjoy every mile.
     
  11. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 20, 2009
    7,531
    #11 Hawkeye, Oct 13, 2009
    Congrats on the car, the people who do not like the California really need to have one for the weekend and report back. Sadly, winter is coming up north!

    Enjoy.
     
  12. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    #12 forgeahead, Oct 23, 2009
    beautiful ride!

    Cheers!!
     
  13. 149guy

    149guy Rookie

    Oct 6, 2009
    5
    Full Name:
    james
    #13 149guy, Oct 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. clockem

    clockem Formula 3

    May 18, 2009
    1,117
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Gary
    #14 clockem, Oct 25, 2009
    Go with a K40 radar detecter. It has not failed me yet.
     
  15. FJerry

    FJerry Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2004
    933
    United States
    #15 FJerry, Oct 25, 2009
    Congratulations. Pretty spec.
     
  16. Ingenere

    Ingenere F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Dec 11, 2001
    6,342
    On the Limit
    Full Name:
    Dino
    #16 Ingenere, Oct 25, 2009
    Glad you enjoying your car. Get a V1 and hardwire it.
     
  17. Chrigel

    Chrigel Formula Junior

    Sep 23, 2005
    252
    #17 Chrigel, Oct 26, 2009
    Go with the Escort 9500ci. No comparison to the K40. Just had it installed into my California. Laser Shifters work great. Do your research and you will find out that the 9500 is the best.

    If you need more info, let me know.
     

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