Ferrari California: A Japanese Debut
Ferrari California | First Public Showing in Japan!
At the "Ferrari Festival Japan 2009"
The "Ferrari California" Unveiled for the First Time in Japan!
On May 10th, at the "Ferrari Festival Japan 2009" circuit event held at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture,announced in May 2008, the "Ferrari California," set for release this summer, made its debut in Japan.
Photo by JamandfixText by OPENERS
Ferrari currently offers models equipped with both V12 and V8 engines. The "Ferrari California" belongs to Ferrari's V8 family, renowned for its high performance. As the latest model in the GT category, inheriting the lineage of the V12-powered flagship "612 Scaglietti," it features innovative functions such as a retractable hardtop, a "2+" concept, a direct-injection V8 engine, a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, F1-style paddle shifters, and a new suspension system. Its inspiration is drawn from the iconic 1957 "250 GT California," one of Ferrari's celebrated classic cars.
Smooth, Aerodynamic Styling
The styling, in line with other current models, embodies Ferrari's distinctive design cues through its long-standing collaboration with Pininfarina. The grille positioned at the center of the bonnet and the slender air intakes are reminiscent of the "250 GT California." Viewed from the side, the flowing front lines, designed for aerodynamics, create a striking contrast with the understated tail and pulled-back cabin. Furthermore, the retractable hardtop opens and closes in just 14 seconds. While boasting exceptional sports performance, it exudes a refined sense of luxury.
Aerodynamics were, of course, developed in conjunction with its styling. The Cd value (coefficient of drag) has been successfully minimized relative to the downforce required for optimal vehicle dynamics, achieving a Cd value of 0.32 when the roof is closed in coupe form. Additionally, to achieve an optimal balance between vertical load and drag, the shape of the rear diffuser and the integrated front bumper spoiler has been refined, resulting in a 10% reduction in drag compared to other Ferrari models. This not only enhances aerodynamic efficiency but also contributes to lower fuel consumption. Another significant feature is the improved cooling of the engine compartment through the air intake on the bonnet.
New V8 Engine Mounted Mid-Front
The engine is a V8 unit, mounted mid-front, a first for a Ferrari road car. Constructed entirely of aluminum, it follows typical Ferrari architecture, maintaining a 90-degree bank angle for the two cylinders and 180-degree crank angle. With a total displacement of 4300cc, it produces a maximum output of 460 hp (338 kW) at 7750 rpm, delivering an outstanding 107 hp per liter. Maximum torque is 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5000 rpm, with 75% of this torque available from just 2250 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds and boasts a top speed of 310 km/h.
Meticulously Engineered Engine Sound
Furthermore, meticulous attention has been paid to the engine sound. Extensive research was conducted on sound perception with both the roof open and closed, aiming to deliver Ferrari's signature thrilling sound without compromising passenger comfort, resulting in a sound that enhances the driving pleasure.
Gearbox and Transmission
The transmission features the now-standard F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a new dual-clutch gearbox (7-speed + reverse). This is an innovative system that balances performance and comfort. In a dual-clutch gearbox, one clutch is used for even gears and the other for odd gears, allowing the next required gear to be pre-selected. During gear changes, the open and closed phases of both clutches overlap, resulting in near-zero shift times and no torque interruption. Additionally, by placing the engine at the front and the gearbox at the rear, perfect weight distribution and reduced body shell vibrations have been achieved.
Deliveries of the "Ferrari California" will begin after June, with a price of 23.6 million yen. There are already many back orders, and placing an order now means a delivery time of one to one and a half years.
Body | Length 4563 x Width 1902 x Height 1308mm, Wheelbase 2670mm, Front Track 1630mm, Rear Track 1605mm
Curb Weight | 1630kg
Weight Distribution | Front 47% - Rear 53%
Trunk Capacity | 340 liters (roof closed) - 240 liters (roof open)
Tires | Front 245/40 ZR19 inch, Rear 285/40 ZR19 inch
Brakes | Front 390x34mm, Rear 360x32mm (Carbon Ceramic)
Engine | 90° V8 direct-injection engine, Bore x Stroke 94x77.37, Total Displacement 4,297cc, Compression Ratio 12.2:1
Max Output | 338kW (460PS) / 7,750rpm
Max Torque | 485Nm (49kgm) / 5,000rpm
Performance | Top Speed 310km/h, 0-100km/h Acceleration 4.0 seconds, 0-400m 12.2 seconds, 0-1000m 22.1 seconds
Transmission | F1, Dual Clutch, 7-speed + Reverse
Suspension | Double Wishbone (Front), Multi-link (Rear)
Fuel Consumption | ECE Standard 13.1 liters/100km
CO2 Emissions | ECE Standard 305.6g/km
Price | 23,600,000 yen
BRAND HISTORY
Many fans' hearts race at the sight of the emblem known as "Cavallino Rampante," or the "Prancing Horse" in Japan. FERRARI is a marque that ignites passion with its fierce performance on the circuit and captivates with its elegant silhouette and piercing sound on the street. Whether in F1 or in its production cars, this brand, which pursues the pinnacle of speed, still carries the strong passion of its founder, Enzo Ferrari.
Born in Modena, Italy, in 1898, Enzo was inspired by a race he witnessed in Bologna at the age of ten, eventually aspiring to become a racing driver himself. His unwavering ambition steadily moved towards realization, and in 1920, Enzo became a test driver for Alfa Romeo. In the same year, he competed as an Alfa driver in the Targa Florio, achieving a commendable second-place finish.
However, Enzo's interest soon shifted towards managing a racing team, leading him to establish Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 and take over Alfa's racing activities. Despite his prowess, his relationship with Alfa ended in 1939. After World War II, in 1947, he resumed racing with his own V12-powered "Ferrari 125," marking the beginning of Ferrari's journey as a sports car brand.
Subsequently, Ferrari came under the Fiat umbrella. Currently, under the leadership of President Luca Montezemolo, who also serves as chairman of the Fiat Group, the brand continues to enhance its allure. The lineup consists of five models: the V12-powered "599" and "612 Scaglietti," the mid-engined V8 sports cars "F430" and "F430 Spider," and the ultra-sporty "430 Scuderia."



