"California" Inspired Design
The Ferrari California T replaces the Ferrari California 30. The Ferrari California was and still is inspired by the "California" name used for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT and the 1960s Ferrari 365. Designed for export to North America, the 1957 250 GT California Spider was Scaglietti's interpretation of an open-top 250 GT. Aluminum was used for the hood, doors, and trunk lid, with steel elsewhere for most models. Several aluminum-bodied racing versions were also built. The engine was the same as in the 250 Tour de France racing car with up to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp). All used the long 2,600 mm (102.4 in) chassis, and Pirelli Cinturato 185VR16 tires (CA67) were standard.
The 365 California replaced the 500 Superfast for 1966. It was the first 365 model, with its 4.4 L (4390 cc/267 in³) V12 based on the 330's 4.0 L Colombo unit but with an 81 mm bore. The Ferrari 365 California used the same chassis as the 500 Superfast but with an evolutionary cabriolet body by Pininfarina.
The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari's sporty DNA, while its retractable hard top (RHT) and 2+ configuration make it supremely versatile.
A Brilliant Expression of Ferrari's DNA
The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari's sporty DNA, while its retractable hard top (RHT) and 2+ configuration make it supremely versatile.
Like all Ferraris, the Ferrari California T boasts cutting-edge technological solutions that make it absolutely unique, most notably the new turbocharged V8 engine. Turbo technology has an honorable place in Prancing Horse engineering tradition, thanks to iconic models of the likes of the GTO of 1984 and the F40 of 1987. It is now also, of course, back at the heart of the latest F1 single-seater. Maranello's engineers have designed a remarkable power unit that combines classic Ferrari engine qualities, such as razor-sharp responsiveness, blistering performance, superbly powerful acceleration at all speeds and an exhilarating soundtrack, with the turbo technology advantages of drastically reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a high specific power output and compact dimensions. A genuinely unprecedented achievement that sets a new benchmark for the industry.
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The California T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. It is also approximately 15 per cent more fuel efficient than the previous California despite punching out an extra 70 cv and 49 per cent more torque in 7th gear. Emissions have been cut to 250 g/km on the combined cycle, the equivalent of a 20 per cent reduction in the CO /horsepower ratio (0.44 g/cv). As a consequence the car's range increases by 15 per cent.
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The Ferrari California T also boasts true sports car dynamics, thanks to reduced steering wheel activity and more direct response courtesy of its modified steering box and suspension set-up. New springs and latest-generation Magnaride dampers, combined with body motion accelerometers, reduce roll and pitch to deliver more precise handling whilst still guaranteeing an incredibly comfortable ride. The car's electronic systems guarantee consistent fun behind the wheel both in challenging and more relaxed driving conditions, in perfect Grand Tourer style.