Ferrari California folding roof revealed

Ferrari as promised is revealing the details and images of their new California in what amounts to a slow automotive strip-tease. Frankly, we are finding it all rather seductive.

The latest photographs released overnight show the new Pininfarina-styled retractable hard top convertible with its top closed and in an Azzurro California livery. Azzurro California was the colour chosen for the legendary 1960 California’s appearance at the New York Auto Show in 1962 and proved one of the firm favourites with owners of that model.

“This is the first dual-purpose Spider/Coupé with a retractable hard top that closes in just 14 seconds. Despite its extraordinary performance, the California 2+ is also exceptionally easy to drive and has a space behind the front seats that makes it supremely flexible in terms of usage,” said Ferrari’s Luca di Montezemolo.

Like the rest of the current Prancing Horse range, the Ferrari California has been aerodynamically designed to deliver significant downforce values in the California’s case up to 70kg at 200km/h.

The California will be the first Ferrari to use their new seven-speed dual clutch transmission a system that is said to cut gear shifting time effectively to zero...! Ferrari have paid particular attention to developing a high performance engine that is also reasonably efficient. As a result, the 4.3-litre direct injection 343Kw/460hp V8 is said to be able to achieve an ECE combined cycle of 13.2 L/100km with CO2 emission levels of around 310 g/km.

Ferrari have also included a new Launch Control button which when engaged delivers blistering high performance starts by ensuring correct torque delivery and preventing tyre spin during acceleration.

“The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted with the performance, comfort and driving pleasure it delivered. The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation. Its gearbox, suspensions and chassis are the most advanced possible” .

The Ferrari California also has a moderately practical side in that there is a useable amount of luggage space: when the roof is up, the boot has a 360-litre capacity and a 260-litre capacity when it is down.

For the first time on a Prancing Horse car, the boot and cabin space may be varied, allowing a choice of luggage configurations to be used.

Taking a very “hands on” approach, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has personally been punting the California 2+ convertible around Ferrari’s test track in Fiorano.

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