Ordering a New California

I ordered mine first week of January and I'm supposed to take delivery in April or May. The actual order sheet shows April 13th. I believe the timeframe varies based on the dealer.

As for must haves... The main thing I really think the car needs is the 20" wheels. I just don't like the standard 19" or the star 19" wheels. I ended up going with contrast diamond stitching, upgraded stereo, shields, yellow tach, and various odds and ends which don't seem all that important in the grand scheme.

 

I love these posts! I have a 360 and am waiting for my Cali.
Many "must haves" are rather personal. I ordered mine last Oct/Nov and I hope to take delivery April/May. This time period has a bit of a delay because the factory shuts down most of the month of December.
Options:
Magnaride is desirable and advised by some. It is a bit controversial whether it is a "must have."
Daytona seats are very desirable as are full electronic seats. With the electronic seats, you get seat heaters. Upgrade stereo +/-. Shields: personal preference.
Contrast stitching is a nice touch and not too expensive. I got some other items, but I would not consider them "must haves."

Go for it and good luck!

 

Ordered mine in early August, received it December 5 but I paid the expedite fee to have it flown over. Now have over 2,500 miles already, even dodging the stupid Ohio snow.

A must, shields, magnetic shocks, stitching & piping, full electric seats, backup camera (absolute must on the camera! although there is a cheaper aftermarket version too), front parking sensors come in handy, rears are mandatory. I like my 19" star wheels. Cruise control a must. I would have the prancing horse stitched too that appears embossed on the headrests ... did not know it was an option when I ordered mine. Carbon steering wheel with LEDs is a must. I would not have any other carbon in the car, the leather is too gorgeous!

Be sure to post pictures when you get it!

 

Don't forget to ponder rear seats (vs. shelf). That's not an option but it must be specified upon ordering.

 

eliotwave

most of the options are personal decisions.

i like my magnaride but others are happy with standard shocks.

i do think full electronic seats are essential--they offer super lumbar support. driver's seat gets memory; passenger seat has no memory, unfortunately.

i like standard stereo--much better than the modena and f430.

i don't think rear camera is needed with the standard rear parking sensors but many here would disagree. i do like the optional front sensors--the front hood is very long and drops sharply in the front.

i believe that cruise control is very desirable, especially if you go on long trips.

give a lot of thought to body color. i think silver, black, white or blue are best in this design. many, of course, like red but i find it does nothing for this body style, especially the rear sections.

consider contrast stitching--it's one of the few inexpensive options and is a nice custom touch. i'm less enthusiastic about seat piping which looks a bit fussy to me but this a very personal choice.

shields are also a very personal choice. i like them on most colors except red or yellow. if you want them get them from the factory so that they will be recessed in the fenders.

good luck and let us know what you decide on!

 

This is what I'd consider "must have" options;

Electric Seats
Daytona Style Seats
Cruise Control
Shields (although I've seen a few Californias without them and they look good)
Painted Calipers
20" Wheels
iPod Adapter
Anti-Stone Chipping
AFS Headlights
Carbon Fiber Driving Zone (less so if you're opting for a Black interior)
Contrast Stitching and/or Piping

 

DEREK

is Anti-Stone Chipping a factory option? what does it consist of?

i strongly agree with ipod adapter you suggested. i love having the name of the song plus the artist and album appear on the gps screen. not even my mercedes does that.

also, the afs headlights are a super option. they really improve visibility at night, especially on narrow dark country roads.

ignacio

 

Hello ignacio,

I haven't seen the anti-stone chipping in person yet but I should be able to comment on it in a week or so. Sorry for the delayed response...I almost forgot that I had posted in this thread

 

thanks. it sounds like the 3m stuff but who knows?

 

That's what I'm anticipating, too.

 

I got most of the US options except video camera and cruise control. I really don't know why I didn't get cruise control. I really wish that I had. I'm happy that I didn't get video camera.

Get cruise control.

 

How difficult is it to change your wheel option after the car has been ordered? Seems simple enough.

 

I added the camera and aluminum footrests late in the order. Seems like a wheel change is simple enough.

 

Ok, I've had a chance to see the anti-stone chipping kit and it's pre-cut material that is dealer installed...haven't seen applied on the car just yet though.

 

There are plenty of people who can install this. It doesn't sound like anything special from Ferrari. Indeed, a professional installer may even do it as a subcontractor at the dealer. It takes a real skill and experience to get it right.

 

Parking sensors often go off even though you are not going to hit something. They are a little bit of a pain, that is why I suggest the backup camera.

 

The sports seats are an option as well; they may not look as nice and classical as the Daytona ones, but they are very comfortable and especially on the track they should help; I found I was moving left to right quite a bit on the track with the normal seats.