Ferrari World Premieres the California T | Ferrari
CAR / NEWS
August 24, 2015

Ferrari World Premieres the California T | Ferrari


Ferrari California T


Ferrari World Premieres the California T



The new model, whose arrival had been foreshadowed,FerrariCalifornia T, finally made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. While inheriting the charm of the previous California, it introduces a new power unit, a 3.8-liter V8 turbo engine. As it is the first mass-produced turbo model in a long time, it garnered significant attention.



Text by OHTO Yasuhiro




Equipped with Turbo Technology Used in F1


The "California T," the successor to Ferrari's four-seater convertible "California," was unveiled at the 84th Geneva Motor Show. The biggest topic is the new power unit. The new 3.8-liter V8 turbo engine produces 560 ps, a 70 ps increase in output compared to the previous California. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration is an astonishing 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 316 km/h.

Over four years were spent on development to achieve a turbo engine that breaks conventional norms. As a result, this turbo unit delivers sustained power to high RPMs, direct throttle response, and the exhilarating engine sound characteristic of Ferrari. Furthermore, its mounting position is 40 mm lower than the previous engine, resulting in a lower center of gravity.






The transmission uses a more highly geared "F1 dual-clutch transmission," which improves both acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.

The body of the California T is constructed entirely of aluminum and features an electric retractable hardtop (RHT). The RHT, with its structural components made of aluminum like the body, also contributes to weight reduction, and its opening and closing speed is a mere 14 seconds.

Its flowing styling is a collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, incorporating new design elements. One of these is the adoption of the "pontoon fender style design" used in the historic masterpiece "250 Testa Rossa." Combined with the new 5-spoke wheels, it creates a fresh design accent.





Ferrari California T


Ferrari World Premieres the California T




Cockpit Redesigned


The cockpit has been completely redesigned into an all-new configuration. The seats are a new design with integrated headrests, offering excellent support suitable for long drives. This change in seat shape also improves the usability of the rear seats. A new touchscreen infotainment system is also equipped.

The introduction of a simple man-machine interface allows all functions to be operated via buttons or the touchscreen. This includes the "Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE)," which displays data necessary to maximize the performance of the new turbo engine. The TPE offers five different display modes, showing various values such as outside temperature and turbo pressure.






The suspension incorporates the latest SCM3 magnetorheological damper system. Enhanced ECU performance and reduced damper friction shorten system response time, improving vehicle dynamics. Spring rates have been increased and a quicker steering box adopted to enhance handling characteristics and provide a sportier feel.

The braking system is equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. These brakes, along with wear-resistant pads, are designed to last the vehicle's lifetime without replacement.

The "California T," now enhanced with the essence of a turbo, is clearly a significant evolution from the previous model, not only with changes to its exterior design but also through meticulous attention to engine placement and a revamped cockpit. It is a car eagerly awaited in Japan.


080507_eac_spec
Ferrari California T
Body Dimensions: Length 4,570 x Width 1,910 x Height 1,322 mm
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,630 / 1,605 mm
Dry Weight: 1,625 kg
Weight Distribution Front/Rear: 47% / 53%
Engine: 3,855 cc 90-degree V8 Direct Injection Turbo
Max Output: 412 kW (560 ps) / 7,500 rpm
Max Torque: 755 Nm (77.0 kgm) / 4,750 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Drivetrain: FR
Tires Front/Rear: 245/40ZR19 / 285/35ZR19
Brakes: Carbon-ceramic (CCM3)
Top Speed: 316 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 3.6 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration: 11.2 seconds
Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 10.5 ℓ/100km (9.5 km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions: 250 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 78 ℓ
Trunk Capacity: 340 ℓ, 240 ℓ (with roof stowed)