Car review: Ferrari’s California T model – now with cutting-edge Formula One technology

If you listen to the “purists”, the Ferrari California is a bit of a wet blanket. For some reason this 490 horsepower V8 hairdryer never quite set the experts alight. Too soft, they crowed, and – possibly – too ugly. 

 

Ferrari was never going to stand for that, so now there’s a new version – and, though it’s fundamentally the same car, there are some very significant differences here. Starting with the addition of the letter T, which in this particular instance stands for Turbo. Two of them, in fact.

 

You may not care that the resulting Ferrari California T – as it’s officially called – is the first turbocharged Prancing Horse since the introduction of the F40 in 1987. However, you might be interested to learn that the all-new 3.8-litre engine under that artfully resculpted bonnet produces a massive 560 horsepower. As a result, zero to 62mph takes just 3.6 seconds. Anyone who still doesn’t think this is a proper Ferrari needs their head examined.

 

Whatever side of the fence you were previously sitting on, it’s hard to argue the new looks aren’t a welcome improvement. From the way the lines are cunningly worked to better disguise the bulk of its folding hardtop roof mechanism, through to the shark-like front end and subtly repositioned rear lights, the car appears classically elegant. It’s ironic in a way, because the engineering beneath is cutting edge – and then some.

 

 

Ferrari makes a big deal out of using Formula One racing technology in its road cars and, in the California T’s case, this means everything from the seven-speed paddleshift gearbox to the super-sophisticated stability control. There’s even an amusing new touch-sensitive display in the centre of the dashboard called the Turbo Performance Engineer, which gives you all sorts of nerdy information about what the F1-influenced engine is currently doing. It’s like having your own on-board telemetry system.

 

Being brutally honest, if you’ve got time to pay attention to that you aren’t driving this car correctly. Given space – of which there is only just enough in the hills of Tuscany where I’m testing it out – the California T is an outrageously fast automobile. Better yet, Ferrari has spent untold hours massaging the power delivery in order to make sure it remains properly thrilling. Despite having all that turbo on tap, the more you wring it out to the redline, the more scintillating the experience is. Violence and charm in roughly equal measure, played out to a restrained pyrotechnic growl of a soundtrack.

 

 

Such restraint is important because, like its predecessor, the California T isn’t targeting the same customers as the screaming Ferrari 458 or the ferocious Ferrari F12. Instead it’s aimed at fans of the brand who want a more rounded driving experience. A touch of comfort, space for the golf clubs, a pair of rear seats for the kids ­– all boxes the California T ticks.

 

That said, the new car is significantly sharper to drive than the old one, with steering that requires little more than a wrist-flick to tackle most corners. It’s never intimidating and, although the suspension is stiffer, the improved body control actually makes it a more comfortable ride. Wider seats and other refinements to the cabin add further everyday appeal.

 

Everyday is almost the right word, too, since Ferrari says existing Californias get driven more often than any other contemporary Fezza. Turns out, it’s also the brand’s  single most successful model ever, with 10,000 sold since 2009. So much for the experts; if customers loved the last version, they’ll find the new California has been polished to a T.

 

Price: £154,590

0-62mph: 3.6 secs

Top speed: 196mph

CO2 g/km: 250g/km

MPG combined: 26.9mpg

 

Design: ★★★★

Performance: ★★★★★

Practicality: ★★

Value for money: ★★★★