Ferrari California Australian Debut: 2008 Sydney Motor Show

Second cab off the rank for the morning debuts at the Australian International Motor Show was Ferrari's new California drop top. Unveiled initially in Paris, Sydney is the second public showing of the stunning new Fezza.

Recent news suggests that the California is already a sales sensation, having sold out its initial allocation.

For those of you who have been living under a rock, or perhaps just don't 'dig' fast red (or in this case blue) cars...we'll run over the vitals for you one more time.

Under the shapely front lies a 4.3-litre V8, that is officially rated at 338kW at a lofty 7750rpm, with peak torque of 485Nm arriving at 5000rpm. The California’s engine is one of the most high-tech engines developed by Ferrari to date, and attributes much of its prodigious power output to the use of direct injection, variable cam timing on both intake and exhaust cams, and a high 12.2:1 compression ratio.

The high-revving V8, combines with a lightning-quick dual-clutch gearbox, which enables the California to achieve a very impressive 13.1 litres per 100km economy rating on the combined cycle - while still delivering a supercar-fast sub-four second 0-100km/h sprint time. Top speed is a claimed 310km/h.

A 'green' supercar? Maybe - it produces 20 percent less emissions than the current Ferrari F430.

With the entire 2009 and 2010 allocation already spoken for, it will be 2011 before budding new owners can get their paws on one. Looks like it could be worth the wait.

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