This is the new California: The California T.

Isn't it fascinating that Magnaride technology was invented and perfected by the Delphi subsidiary of GM, then sold in 2009 to Beijing West industries? So Ferrari and others are using an American technology that they now license from a Chinese company.

 

I have a C7 Vette with the latest magnaride. It's fantastic. The car goes from extremely comfortable to rock hard with a flick of the switch. It's better than what my 458 was.

There's no shame in using the best technology in the world.

 

They did; they called it a Maranello, and it's still drop-dead gorgeous!

 

12 years of daily driver service by an enthusiast is pretty fair quality, I'd say! I've driven mine on track at Watkins Glen, not red class, really what they euphemistically call 'parade laps' but commendably quick in the bends and it handled exceptionally well for a GT drop-head. No 458 or F355 but a fun car to drive.

C7 ain't a terrible place holder till your Cal T arrives, Mayor!

 

Absolutely. in 2004 I attended a Cadillac media presentation introducing the then-new Cadillac STS sedans. They had a demonstration of exactly how the Magneride system works and it was fascinating to see the magnetic impulse freeze the tiny metallic particles. We then had an opportunity to test drive the STS's in V-6 and V-8 form. I was so impressed with the handling and most of all by the build quality - and these were pre-production examples - that two years later I bought my STS-V and two years after that my CTS daily driver. Going on 70K cumulative miles on the two cars and except for the seat adjustment connector coming adrift, just clipped it back, absolutely zero service issues with either car, nothing but regular fluid changes and a new set of tires for the CTS.

 

Are you going to Geneva? PM me if you are.

 

On a recent visit to NY, I had time to drop by the Ferrari Store/Atelier. They told me that the factory is likely to start accepting orders in April and start deliveries by summer.

 

I'm still looking at my schedule. I'll let you know when I'm back in the UK. Gotta to Australia next month for a week.

My dealer says he believes they will have cars sold and into customers hands this year in the US. They are waiting for allocation. I think they will get those right after Geneva.

Ferrari needs to keep the V8 line moving with the winding down of 458 coupes and no CA sales at all now. That means, the new CA is coming quick.

 

The local dealer told me they will receive the first customer cars in September.

 

First UK cars September apparently.

 

So am I.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw the California T. I don't know whether it is the "prettiest" or not but it is certainly well done, considering the constraints of the hard top. The previous efforts by Ferrari Stile Centro left something to be desired: Both the 458S and LaFerrari have problems that I don't think Pininfarina designs would have had. This bodes well for future Ferrari designs, including the 458 replacement.

 

+1.

This is the first new Ferrari since the 1997 North America intro of the 550 Maranello that I attended at the Petersen Museum, whose appearance I find truly beautiful and the only one that I would buy new. I am not enamored of the appearance of any of the mid-engine eight-cylinder cars since the F355. And to my eye all of the twelves since the 575 are simply too big, wheelbases longer than that of most mid-size sedans.

OTOH I would want to order a new Cali T with very few of the "options" that seem these days not to be "options" at all but the way you must take your car, increasing its purchase price by $45.to $75K. Furthermore, though I've actually owned, used and enjoyed 7 1/2 Ferraris (the half was a 330GT2+2 that I partnered with a friend) I've never bought a new one so I imagine I'd be pretty far down the totem pole in getting an order accepted. Since I'm now 83, I figure I'd be 86 or 87 by the time I'd take delivery of my new Cali T.

It was a lovely dream...........

 

+1

IMO the Cali does not have to be prettier or sexier than a 458, it must be different, that's important - and the Cali T is different! The Cali T fits perfectly in the actual Ferrari product line, has reached an independent role with its own strong unique selling proposition and is now definitely on par with the other three models.

Now the rear is well balanced and harmonious, the front looks serious and "adult" and the stretched line is sportive and elegant. The hardtop is, from a technical point of view, an excellent solution but it looks IMO visually with its a little bit too high tail like a compromise (who cares, I can life with it). And now with this super torque-ful twin turbo engine the Cali T is mutated definitely to a highly desirable Ferrari, the car is now much more than "just the entry-level Ferrari".

 

I think this car is going to be a winner for Ferrari. For folks that can't afford the Berlinetta, this is a great choice.

 

I agree that it's likely to be a winner...enough to get me out of my 458 for something a little more "daily". However, and not to digress too far here, but at the price points we're all playing with here I don't see much difference between a 250k Cali, a 300k 458 and a 350k Berlinetta. Show me someone who is buying a Cali because they can't afford a F12 and I'll show you someone who can't afford a Cali!

 

40% more is no difference for a discretionary purchase?

 

This link Latest News : Engine Technology International from Engine Technology International magazine has info and comment on the new turbo V8.

 

Let me know if interested in a catchup when down under if you're in Sydney!

 

Unfortunately I'll be in Melbourne during the F1 race -- but working! Get there on Friday and leave on Wednesday.

 

Will have to be next time then.. bummer.. hope the trip is a good one!

 

It will be a winner.

As far as it being more reachable than the Berlinetta, which makes it a viable option, I'm not convinced. I can afford either. I can afford both. I prefer the Cali because I like the Hard top convertible. As someone else noted, if you can't afford the Berlinetta, you can't afford the Cali...

Of course, some people define affordable as being able to make the payments. For those folks, you may be right.

 

THATS FANTASTIC LOVE TO HEAR OF A YOUNG MAN AT 83 stilling into cars ... YOu should go order one Now why wait..................
best of luck

 

The interior looks a lot higher end than the last Cali. Much more FF/F12.

 

I have the F12 and yet am already seriously considering switching to the Cali. Just need to drive it to make sure.