Ferrari California Review

For a company like Ferrari with an unparalleled history of competition and production sports cars, a legacy of innovation is expected as part of its evolving state of affairs. What's unusual is for so many new elements to come together all at once in a single Ferrari model. The first retractable hardtop roof? The first V8 in a front-engine application? The first seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox? The first multilink rear suspension? Meet the Ferrari California convertible.

Technically a Grand Touring (or GT) rather than a dedicated sports car, the Ferrari California was designed as much for comfortable cruising as for performance. The multilink rear suspension provides better ride isolation than Ferrari's typical double-wishbone arrangement. The detuned 460-horsepower V8 from the F430 features direct injection -- another first -- for enhanced fuel economy. But like a true Ferrari, it still performs with gusto: Working through the slick dual-clutch transmission, the front-mounted V8 can still propel the California to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

Then there's the Ferrari California's centerpiece: its power-retractable aluminum hardtop enclosing a finely crafted interior. In just 14 seconds, it transforms the California from a secure and insulated closed-top coupe to a fully open 2+2 convertible. Revealed are supple Italian leathers and high-quality construction, though the tiny rear seats are suitable only for short trips by the small of stature.

Hard-core purists may scoff, though for them Ferrari offers a more dedicated open-air sports car. Classic soft-top convertible fans can also cross-shop rivals from Aston Martin, Lamborghini or Maserati. But for exotic sports car buyers looking for top-down excitement plus a little more in the way of amenities, comfort and security, it's hard not to recommend the Ferrari California.

Current Ferrari California
The Ferrari California retractable-hardtop convertible debuted for the 2010 model year. It's offered with a two-passenger rear seat or a rear parcel shelf. It's equipped with expected premium conveniences like standard bi-xenon headlights, full leather interior, fold-down rear seatback, Bluetooth, CD/MP3 audio system and a touchscreen and navigation system similar to those in many Chrysler products.

Options are numerous, including 19- and 20-inch "diamond-finish" wheels, adaptive Magnaride suspension, adaptive headlights and a fitted leather luggage set. There are also extensive customization possibilities including carbon-fiber trim, special seat upholstery and paint, and exterior styling details.

The California is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 generating 460 hp and 357 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Despite its nearly 2-ton weight, the California has impeccable manners, with a smooth ride and handling reflexes deserving of the prancing horse badge. The engine is rev-happy and acceleration is swift and sonorous, with quick and polished gear shifting in either mode.

The Ferrari California's cabin suits its grand touring mission and stratospheric price, with fine leather and high-quality trim highlighting a design that's elegant and up-to-date. The California also showcases Ferrari's high-tech engineering prowess with its steering-wheel-mounted "manettino" knob that gives precise control over stability and traction systems, gearbox settings and suspension calibrations. One criticism: The rear seat area seems like a cramped afterthought, so unless you plan on bringing the kids along it might be wiser to go with the rear parcel shelf instead.