More than just a pretty face...

By Eddy Thor

makeandmodel.co.uk

28 July 2010

Maranello’s test car: Rosso with crema

The Ferrari California, launched in 2008, had not really done much to arouse my interest. That was until today. A 20 minute blast in Maranello's 2+2, hard-top convertible has blown away any foolish misconceptions. Surely I can be forgiven for initial concerns? First of all, to behold, Ferrari's V8 Grand Tourer is almost cartoony with its styling, like something out of a Pixar film. With its curvy flanks and baby face it seems too soft on the eye compared to the muscular 599 or the new 458 Italia. When it was first showcased, journalists accused it of being manufactured solely for the US market, a glorified shopping trolley to cruise via the boutiques of Rodeo Drive. With a name like California it was only a matter time until Paris was photographed stumbling drunk out of one, commando, at a movie premiere.

But, let's take a look at the figures, a 4.3l V8 (yes, a V8 in a Ferrari 2+2 with a heavy folding roof mechanism), which packs a modest 450bhp.

BMW's current M3 produces just 30bhp less than the California yet staggers from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Whereas the heavier Ferrari storms to 60mph in under 4.0 seconds -- faster than the outgoing F430. And before you start suggesting that the handling will be substandard, think again.

The suspension is right out of the 599 which we know provides the Ferrari DNA for the current GTO, the fastest car ever to wear the prancing horse. At higher speeds the steering becomes firmer giving the driver more confidence and feedback, yet when manoeuvring in and around the car park it's like cutting butter with a hot knife -- pretty neat.

The car really responds when pushed and the double clutch 'box is as seamless as a Porsche's PDK, but has the satisfying V8 soundtrack that accompanies so many great Ferraris -- it really does howl. The power delivery is effortless and the car can be transformed from a boulevard cruiser to a snarling muscle car with a quick stamp of your right foot.

Amazingly the California is now Ferrari's entry-level model; at £140k it's the "cheapest" on offer, with the new 458 Italia setting you back £170k before you even begin to start adding options. Although £140k represents a substantial sum in anyone's book, it is satisfying to know you're not getting just a bare-bones, 360-type analogue experience. You're getting 4 seats, a retractable hard top, a big boot, devastating performance (top speed 195mph), every mod-con you can imagine and a car that you can drive across Europe in genuine comfort. If you are lucky enough to have the budget, or can hang on for some decent depreciation, the California is certainly worth a closer look.