A Specification Focused on Handling and Driving Emotion

About 40km east of Genoa, Italy's largest port city located at the instep of the boot-shaped country, lies the picturesque harbor town of Camogli, facing the Ligurian Sea on the west side of a small peninsula named Golfo Paradiso, meaning "Paradise Bay" in Italian. In early April, with a refreshing sea breeze heralding the arrival of spring, the author visited this scenic seaside resort, truly worthy of its name. The FerrariCalifornia Twas the venue for the test drive of the Handling Speciale added to the.

Many will be familiar with the Handling Speciale. It was available for the conventional California starting in 2012. The California, a 2+2 convertible with a retractable hardtop, was introduced by Ferrari to attract new customers, and in fact, 70 percent of its owners were first-time Ferrari buyers.

The Handling Speciale, on the other hand, was created to attract new users seeking higher performance, and to meet their needs, it offered a 30ps increase in power and a 30kg weight reduction compared to the standard model. As a result, 20 percent of California owners opted for this package. Building on that success, this package has now been added to the California T, which features a 3.8-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine.

In the courtyard of the seaside hotel where the test drive was held, four brand-new California T Handling Speciale models were lined up for the event. The elegant proportions of this open-top sports car, with its long nose and short deck, perfectly complemented the sophisticated resort hotel, creating a striking first impression.

Upon closer inspection, subtle changes such as the matte silver front grille and rear diffuser, along with blacked-out tailpipes, quietly signal its difference from the normal model. The overall understated presentation suggests that the true value of this model can only be fully appreciated when it's driven.

"For the California T user, the primary purchase motivation is the stylish design and retractable hardtop, and they value comfort and top speed. The Handling Speciale, however, targets customers who prioritize performance and driving emotion, valuing handling and acceleration."

This was stated by a PR representative from Maranello at the presentation the day before the test drive.

Extensive Modifications from Suspension to Engine Sound

Further details from the presentation: To improve vertical rigidity, the springs have been strengthened by 16 percent at the front and 19 percent at the rear for the Handling Speciale. Additionally, the SCM magnetic fluid dampers have been specially tuned, clarifying the difference in settings between "Sport" and "Comfort." Consequently, the roll angle and speed have been reduced by 7 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

The F1-TCS traction control system has also been optimized to enhance traction out of corners, and the shift times for the twin-clutch 7-speed transmission have been reduced by 30 percent for upshifts and 40 percent for downshifts.

While the 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine remains unchanged, producing 412kW (560ps) and 755Nm (77.0kgm) of torque, a specially designed silencer has been adopted for the exhaust to generate a cleaner and more powerful sound. As a result, the sound pressure level has been increased across all RPM ranges, particularly noticeable between 2000-4000rpm.

Thus, despite the subtle exterior modifications, the Handling Speciale incorporates a wide range of enhancements. The PR representative concluded the presentation by emphasizing that this model achieves higher performance without sacrificing the comfort of the standard version.

Driving a Ferrari is always exhilarating, and settling into the driver's seat of the California T Handling Speciale was no different. The meticulously crafted interior, with its premium black leather and red stitching, expertly balances the allure of a luxurious GT with the spirit of a racing sports car.

Pressing the bright red starter button on the steering wheel ignites the front V8 twin-turbo unit. "The customers targeted by the Handling Package are those who want to feel the car's performance emotionally from the moment they start the engine," said a Ferrari PR representative. As they noted, the engine sound, even at idle, is distinctly deeper and more powerful than in the normal model.

The route from the hotel to the nearest Autostrada interchange consists of narrow, winding roads. We drove this in AT mode. The transaxle twin-clutch transmission now shifts gears with such smoothness that it's indistinguishable from an automatic.

Meanwhile, the engine stimulates the driver's ears with a low-frequency sound even at low RPMs, yet it's as easy to handle as if it weren't a high-power unit exceeding 500ps. Even at low speeds, it accelerates and decelerates smoothly, faithfully responding to the driver's right foot. The throttle control is excellent.

Truly in its Element on Winding Roads

The ride quality at town speeds is certainly more solid compared to the normal model. With the suspension tightened at both front and rear, uneven surfaces transmit distinct jolts even in Comfort mode. However, perhaps due to the surprisingly high body rigidity for an open-top car, harshness and vibrations are not amplified, making it not unpleasant. Rather, it could be described as a desirable solidity for a sports car.

We entered the Autostrada from the interchange in Lecco, the town next to Camogli. In second gear, pressing the accelerator pedal deeply on the merging lane, the sleek open-top body accelerated as if drawn by a powerful magnetic field, without a moment's delay. The tachometer needle quickly reached the 7500rpm redline, and prompted by the five red LEDs on the steering wheel, we hastily shifted to third.

Although the engine itself has not been modified, its high-revving setup, which produces peak power at 7500rpm, makes it enjoyable to push. While it lacks the piercing sensation of a naturally aspirated engine near the redline, the natural feel, linking the rise in RPM with the surge of torque, is impressive. Furthermore, the exhaust sound, while not as shrill as a naturally aspirated unit, delivers a powerful and exciting tone, especially in the mid-to-high RPM range.

What impressed me while cruising on the Autostrada was the comfort. Even at the speed limit of 150km/h with the roof down, there was almost no wind buffeting if the side windows were up. We could even hold a conversation with a passenger. On the other hand, the firm suspension contributes to a sense of security at high speeds, and straight-line stability is also good. I felt that a drive of over 500 kilometers in a day would be easily manageable.

After descending from the Autostrada following the route provided by Ferrari, the test drive shifted to steep, winding mountain roads. Small corners followed one after another, left and right. Here, the California T Handling Speciale was truly in its element.

The handling is noticeably sharper than the normal model. The car's movements are more agile than the driver imagines, and when turning the steering wheel, the front end eagerly dives into the corner. Body movements like roll and pitch are also meticulously controlled, allowing the driver to enter corners with confidence.

The grip of the front and rear tires is also sufficient. Although reinforced springs are used, the suspension strokes smoothly even in Sport mode, following the road surface. The traction is also strong; when accelerating out of a corner, you can vividly feel through the seat the powerful push of the rear tires against the road.

From corner entry to exit, the car's movements are incredibly nimble, and the sense of unity, as if the car had shrunk, brings a smile to your face. This feeling is enhanced by the specially tuned twin-clutch 7-speed transmission. Both upshifts and downshifts are quicker, but the speed of downshifts is particularly impressive. The gear shifts are almost instantaneous in response to paddle inputs, making it easy to get into a driving rhythm. Driving on winding roads in this car is, to use a cliché, a pleasure akin to wielding a razor-sharp knife.

From Winding Roads to Luxury Resorts

During the test drive, we took a short break in Portofino, a luxury resort located east of "Paradise Bay." It's hard to imagine a car that suits this beautiful seaside retreat, which has captivated celebrities worldwide since ancient times, any better. Standing in the bright sun in the square facing the deep inlet of Portofino, the bright red open-top body seemed perfectly at home.

Whether on winding roads, on long-distance drives across borders, or at luxury resorts, it is unfazed by the setting. In essence, the Ferrari California T Handling Speciale possesses a depth that allows it to brilliantly perform as a pure sports car, a grand tourer, and a glamorous open-top car – truly a seasoned master actor.

"Art cannot be born unless the soul is put into it." This is a quote from Leonardo da Vinci, a leading artist of the Italian Renaissance, and it is clear that the engineers in Maranello also pour their souls into building their cars. Driving the Ferrari California T Handling Speciale, I was once again reminded of this.

Incidentally, the "Handling Speciale Package" is priced at 7,076 euros in Italy, with deliveries starting in June. It is scheduled to be introduced in Japan around autumn.