The improved Ferrari California: Performance and more

THE NEW California, 30 kilos lighter with 30 more horsepower, needs just 3.8 seconds to hit 0-100 kph.

We had a chance to pass by Maranello last week en route to Germany for the Ferrari California Media test drive. The California, which was designed to be your everyday use Ferrari, is a V8 powered convertible with more comfortable interiors and a plus two-seating (you can bring your young kids, but not the baby; yaya and car seat won’t fit.) The launch of the California completed the company’s supercar range from super, super cars to super-cars. This was the company’s answer to clients who want it all, eat, live and sleep Ferrari not just on the weekend. It also provided them growth in market share, for 70 percent of California buyers are new Ferrari clients.

The new California is 30 kilos lighter and has 30 more horsepower. It will only take 3.8 seconds for the car to reach 0-100 kph (this means if you want to run over somebody, he will not get a chance to run-Ed). Although driving a Ferrari is a little bit intimidating because it really roars masculinity, driving the California on the hillsides of Maranello was exciting and enjoyable. The car was very responsive, the paddle shift and the rest of the buttons were not so complicated (well, men drive it and they never read the manual). It really makes you feel you are in control and if you would need to wield its power, it is there, waiting your command. When my husband was driving, boy did he wield it, it acted how I expected a Ferrari to be: fast, exhilarating and like a racecar.   It stops when it needs to stop, it accelerates when you step on it but not without the passenger being thrown all over.

For those wanting more handling prowess, Ferrari offers the “Handling Speciale” package with a different steering ratio, more speed-based suspension and evolved SCM control logic. In short, a more performance-based car in the same package. Also a lot of carbon fiber trimmings.

Although they are totally defensive of this car being made for women, this is exactly what a woman with lots of spare cash will buy and still feel like they made a logical choice for power, performance, status and style.