It will be a boulevard cruiser for me. I like it much more than an SL63 or a C4S Cabrio - both of which I am bored to death with. I can't licence an 8C cabrio in HK so the California GT will fill a big need for me
Right on guys! I'm heading back to one of my favorite cities, HK today. I can taste the Dim Sum already! By the way, I really like the California and I called the dealer yesterday about getting one. Don't worry. I'm sure the new 142 will be the fire breathing, macho, raw as nails street fighter you all want. But, as a replacement for a Aston, Bentley, or Mercedes AMG, this thing is going to be a hit. What would you rather be seen in? A Ferrari California or a BMW M6 convertible? Now, talk about boring styling....
Seriously, I would love to see a photoshop of a Maserati GranTurismo with Ferrari badges. That is what this car should have looked like.
Not really DM. I think we had been walking away from William H's post for too many times. He is prone to make very untrue and prejudicial statements on China. I don't believe for a second Fchat is a racist forum and I don't think posts like these should simply be walked away from by everyone, including the moderators.
Any comments on the rear seats? Too small for children? I will like the car in real I think, I really want one to replace my AMV8 Roadster... Thanks Jim for your great info!
Not unless you turn them backwards and have their legs sticking through the pass thru. LOL I used to not like tha AMs because of this. Then I realized it's really a two seater with a place to throw your tennis racket. Now I'm OK with them.
lol, i find it funny how this car has managed to look like every other car other than a ferrari..... i mean come on guys, some of the comparisons being made are totally unjustified. i personally feel its a challenging shape, just like the 599 i belive it ill grow on many in a very SHORT period of time. if car designers are not willing to take a step in new directions we will all be stuck in the past! porsche are criticised as being the laziest car designers in the world because they have stayed true to the shape of the 911 for over 40 years, and tying to perfect it as time goes on.... which just proves not EVERYONE can be pleased. i personally think its another great looking modern ferrari
True for AM rear seats, at least they correct this in the DBS and put a shelf. But why is Ferrari is going this route if you can't fit small children?
I'm a bit sorry to see this Miata of a car..IMO, it does not evoke even a dino look which took some warming up to. Don't think this car will do more than saturate the market for those just wanting a Ferrari and not knowing what they are getting into. IF Ferrari did a better job on designing all the features and engine/mechanics better than normal, then buyers won't feel too disappointed, but I feel drenching the China market for the sake of extra bucks is NOT a good Maranello idea. It looks like a squat Barachetta, with a lousy rear end.....won't be able to tell this car from the common Solaras etc. yuckie...it will be rejected by most Ferraristas, but, will have a market somewhere.
The 456 and 355 were the last elegant/exotic looking Ferraris, the only modern Ferrari I could ever think of getting and be 50/50 about paying for it is the 360 CS and one shouldn't feel that way when buying a Ferrari. S
It may have something to do with some US insurances. A so called 2+2 (even with totally rudimentary seats) can often be insured as a four seater, which is easier and cheaper. I guess insurance companies don't realise children are being born with two legs nowadays.
China market is absolutely unimportant compared with the US. This car is called the California for a reason...
I understand the CA's people who get the stock options to think they are getting better than the average Porshe Boxter, but, they will be sadly hurting if this doesn't meet the less flawed editions of Audis, Porshes, and the like. But, I DO feel the China market will be their greatest interest in this car. Chinese will leap at the word CALIFORNIA on their moniker not to mention Ferrari. Look at buick [well cover your eyes first] or anything western. It sells, and there is much money to be had in China. PS: It is now official, that the US is no longer Honda's largest single market...it is now China. Ferrari is looking at $$$ on this one. ME: I would tear that body off and do a design that suits my fancy...This design = Bu Hen How bu how kan or in English: Not very good, Not good looking.
Do you spend much time in China? Have you seen what Shanghai-Buick is selling? Fancy a manual transmission LeSabre? China is very small in the scheme of Ferrari AT PRESENT and during the life expectancy of the California
You are right... Maybe enough room for a briefcase slid in vertically... I am very surprised by the 2+ marketing because it looks like 2+0. The back "seats" are near useless. I thought the ones in the back of the DB9 were small - my wife had to sit side saddle in the back but the California would not even allow that.
A DB9 Volante. Now talk about beautiful styling... and a V12. And for the money you could probably get a DBS convertible... stunning looks and over 500bhp V12, limited production... Or a V8 Vantage Roadster. Still much more beautiful... and pocket over $120,000 Still want Italian... How about a GranTurismo convertible? Yep, much nicer (same platform and base engine plus beautiful design and cheaper) - probably usable rear seats as well. And for me I'll take the Alfa Romeo 8C... again similar platform and engine but WAY better design.
hahahaa many thanks to you, and all others replying in the positive. I've read every post so far. I think the criticisms are largely over the top knee jerk rejections of what will eventually be a largely accepted car. People often reject things that eventually become taken for granted. And eventually after all of the banter and horror niche followings emerge, eg, the 348. People either like or hate the 348; with those that like it defending it's glory to the death among all scathing diatribes upon it. If you cut through all of the banter and whining, this car isn't all that different from prior Ferraris, so much of this dismissal is purely pretentious claptrap. A roadster-esque shape and style will assume similar traits to other cars. You can say all other cars, then, are designed as all other cars and it will be endless. I think it looks even better in yellow with the gold 5 spoked wheels. But hey, I'm sure someone just hates it even more! Viva Ferrari; long live Ferrari. btw, you have inspired me to take this project beyond merely altering a pre-designed Ferrari..... stay tuned.....
People in China typically prefer a name which is foreign, could be true for most emerging markets. My observations. sting
