Official Ferrari importer, Naza Italia and Ferrari Far East introduced the new Ferrari California T in Malaysia. This latest turbocharged masterpiece from Maranello’s turbo revolution is available in Malaysia at an introductory price of RM888,800, before duty and options.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Ferrari California T |
| Segment | S-Segment Grand Touring convertible |
| Engine | 3,855cc Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox |
| Max Power | 560 hp @ 7500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 755 Nm @ 4750 rpm |
| Price | RM888,800 (excluding tax & options) |
The ‘California’ name was first used by the Ferrari 250 GT in the late 1950’s. The name then made a comeback in 2008, when the first Ferrari California debuted in Paris. Now, the second generation California went through a drastic transition, from a naturally aspirated Ferrari engine to a twin-turbocharged Ferrari powerplant.
The change does beg THE question, if the supercar maker is slowly leaving naturally aspirated raw power and swerving towards ‘turbo-lution’ or turbo revolution. The California T is not the first turbocharged in the Italian family tree. There was the iconic GTO and the F40 in the 80’s. Then of course, the F14 T, the Ferrari’s 2014 Formula 1 machine.
Exterior
Italian car design firm and coachbuilder, Pininfarina had a hand in designing the new California T together with Ferrari Styling Centre. As compared to outgoing California, every single panel on this new convertible is said to be entirely fresh, except for the retractable hard top. The original dimension is maintained.
This new look carries a significant DNA of the famous 250 Testa Rossa, the pontoon-fender styling. Portraying a sleek aerodynamic and movement on both sides, with its front wing line stretching towards the rear. Its muscular rear now has a new triple-fence diffuser as a result of thorough aerodynamics research.
The Ferrari California T transforms from a coupe to a convertible in just 14 seconds. Even with the hard top tucked in the boot, there is space for luggage still.
Interior
The hand-crated cabin is decorated with premium semi-aniline leather with various colour options, creating a luxurious ambient. Then of course, there’s the F1-style steering wheel, the mesmerizing meter cluster with TFT display combination and the signature F1 bridge on the tunnel, where the gearbox control resides.
One unique feature placed in between two air-cond vents is the Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE). A sophisticated instrument with touch sensitive digital display that provides pointers on making the most effective use of the new engine’s performance in terms of responsiveness and efficiency.
Performance
The new Ferrari California T is designed and built for more power and maximum fuel efficiency. Under the bonnet is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated with a 7-speed F1 gearbox. Turbo-lag is reported to be inexistent, thanks for the F1-derived flat-plane crankshaft.
The car produces 560 horsepower and 755 Nm of torque in 7th gear. An additional 70 horsepower and a massive 270 Nm of torque increase as compared to its NA sibling. With that, it it is 0.2 seconds faster from 0 to 100 km/h at 3.6 seconds. It reaches a top speed of 316km/h.
Despite the increase in horsepower and almost 50 percent increase in torque, Ferrari has managed to improve fuel consumption figure. A 15 percent reduction to be exact thanks for the adoption of turbocharging. The car is also equipped with the latest traction control system, the F1-Trac, that allows maximum acceleration out of corners.
What else…
Ferrari revealed that 70 percent of California owners are new Ferrari clients, making it an essential product for the Italian company. When asked if turbocharging is the new direction for Ferrari, Mr. Giuseppe Cattaneo, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East said, it is not a new direction, but an alternative when it comes to better engine efficiency. Same as what Formula 1 cars adopted this season.
The new Ferrari California T carries an introductory price tag of RM888,800 before personalization options and tax. Included with the car is a 7-year maintenance program, which covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car.
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