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First look at Ferrari California's new folding hard-top

First look at Ferrari California's new folding hard-top

Alex Kaufmann May 29th, 2008 Alex Kaufmann By Alex Kaufmann Author May 29th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Updated with new video. Ferrari first took the covers off its new California coupe-convertible more than a week ago but until now we haven’t been able to see the car’s new automated folding hard-top or what it even looked like as a coupe. These latest images show the new roof design, both up and as it’s lowered, and reveal the final shape and look of the new coupe. The new roof opens and closes in just 14 seconds and only reduces the trunk by 100L of storage space when opened - down to 260L from 360L when up. The car is depicted in a classic Azzurro California livery, a color first used for the original model from the 1960s. The roof also helps aid the car’s aerodynamic ability and overall rigidity when closed. Total downforce amounts to 70kg at speeds of 200km/h. The car also has a length of 4,560mm, width of 1,900mm and a wheelbase of 2,700mm. Both the chassis and bodywork are aluminum, and power is derived from a new 4.3L V8 unit with direct injection and a ‘flat’ crankshaft design. The new mill generates 460hp at 7,500rpm and allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds. More information is available in our previous story, which you can access by clicking here. Ferrari GT California detailsFerrari GT CaliforniaFerrari California roof in action
First look at Ferrari California's new folding hard-top

First look at Ferrari California's new folding hard-top

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Updated with new video.

Ferrari first took the covers off its new California coupe-convertible more than a week ago but until now we haven’t been able to see the car’s new automated folding hard-top or what it even looked like as a coupe. These latest images show the new roof design, both up and as it’s lowered, and reveal the final shape and look of the new coupe.

The new roof opens and closes in just 14 seconds and only reduces the trunk by 100L of storage space when opened - down to 260L from 360L when up. The car is depicted in a classic Azzurro California livery, a color first used for the original model from the 1960s.

The roof also helps aid the car’s aerodynamic ability and overall rigidity when closed. Total downforce amounts to 70kg at speeds of 200km/h. The car also has a length of 4,560mm, width of 1,900mm and a wheelbase of 2,700mm.

Both the chassis and bodywork are aluminum, and power is derived from a new 4.3L V8 unit with direct injection and a ‘flat’ crankshaft design. The new mill generates 460hp at 7,500rpm and allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds. More information is available in our previous story, which you can access by clicking here.

Ferrari GT California details
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Ferrari GT California
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Ferrari California roof in action
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Tags: Supercars

Posted in: Ferrari, News, Convertible


Comments (14 total)

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  1. By chris #1, Posted: 5/29/2008

    I'm liking this more and more every day.

  2. By Alan #2, Posted: 5/29/2008

    In this colour, with the roof up, it looks quite stunning actually. Don't think this car suit red too much, and it looks better with the roof up IMO. Only the tail pipe i'm still not convinced, reminds me of IS-F.

    Also, from the aerial shot, you can see it's got 4 seats with 4 seat belts, although i'd imagine the back to be very cramp

  3. By Scott #3, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Utterly beautiful - top up or down. Loving it more every time they release more info.

  4. By Brad #4, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Looks incredible with that color, but still not sure about that exhaust pattern, it looks aweful on the lexus, they should stick with the original pattern that ferrari's are known for

  5. By Gus #5, Posted: 5/29/2008

    I could go into debt for this machine... :)

  6. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #6, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Awwwwwwwwww Yeeeeaahhhhh! Daddy like....

  7. By Daniel #7, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Dear sweet freakin' Jesus this car is beautiful. I need this like I need oxygen and water. Heck, I'd sell a relative or two for this thing!

    Seriously though, Ferrari did a stunning job on this and really made a statement that they can still make cars that a bold and technologically innovative at the same time. It looks both aggressive and graceful with the top up or down.

    Barring winning the lottery or pioneering some amazing new start up, I will probably never sit in one in my life time let alone owning one but it is the stuff of dreams nonetheless.

    As one guy here at work put it "Now THAT is a Ferrari"

  8. By chris #8, Posted: 5/29/2008

    alan, its pretty much the same idea as a mustang. its a 2+2. sure you can put adults in the back,.. but its really only good for kids. the RX8 is the same way.

    daniel, the last time we saw an article about this car, i believe i said "now THAT is a Ferrari (that I would actually buy)". not understated, and not wacky.

  9. By Wizards Lore #9, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Is it just me or is it a homage to the "fake" ferrari that captured so many minds and hearts from Ferris Buellers Day Off ??
    I love this car...i jsut hope the engine note isnt rubbish like the F430....give me the deep resonating throaty growl that a true V8 shoudl have !

  10. By Graham #10, Posted: 5/29/2008

    I think this car is simply stunning, but a guy in the other thread for this car said it starts at 175k, i think there is no way ferrari will be able to keep up with demand with everything being hand built, which will easily drive the starting price up above 200 with no options. I mean look at this thing, this car is going to be a more popular commodity than rice.

  11. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #11, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Funny! paint it blue, put the top up and gone are all the punters who said it looks like a Lexus from the original thread on this car. Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

  12. By CarFanaticsUnleashed #12, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Finally the beauty is revealed...
    That's what i'm talkin about!

  13. By Roy #13, Posted: 5/30/2008

    No, as one of the punters who said its ass was too big last time, I'm going to say that now it makes sense. This car looks like it was designed as a retractable hardtop first and then they added a soft-top for macho Italians. Who in their right mind would not pay extra for a car that is better looking AND more functional?

  14. By lexlife #14, Posted: 5/31/2008

    Stunning indeed! Love it xoxo ~ especially in the blue color

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