2015 Ferrari California T: The Perfect Synthesis Of Innovation And Technology

Since the 1950s, in fact this particular model has been Prancing Horse's finest embodiment of all three characteristics. Now, however the California T adds a radical innovation to that honorable tradition whilst still retaining the model's highly renowned versatility. The Ferrari California T is an update of the earlier California featuring new sheetmetal, new interior, a revised chassis and a new turbocharged powertrain. The car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. The 'T' stands for Turbo, a technology Ferrari used on a roadcar on the F40. The car can accelerate from 0-100 in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 315Km. The car also features a new front fascia that was influenced by the F12, a revised rear and a revised interior. Another improvement to the car is the reduction of emission pollution by 15% compared to its naturally aspirated predecessor. The car also utilizes small turbos and a variable boost management system to create no turbo lag. It is also the first car in which Ferrari has introduced the new Apple CarPlay functionality into its built-in infotainment system.



Considerable attention was paid to the design, maintaining the outgoing model's overall dimensions while ensuring that the California T has a new, individual personality. The sleek proportions were penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarnia and are very much in keeping with the Ferrari front-engined ethos. The shape of the California T's flanks is inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa's famous pontoon-fender styling, with the front wing line stretching back towards the compact, muscular rear, bringing an aerodynamic sleekness and movement to the sides. The rear benefits from meticulous aerodynamic research resulting in a new triple fence diffuser.



One major challenge involved in the design of the California T was to guarantee it a typically intense, exhilarating Ferrari engine sound. This was achieved through meticulous design work and the use of special manufacturing techniques for essential components, such as the flat-plane crankshaft and the three piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing. The engine produces powerful, engaging sound during both the intake and exhaust phases, becoming even more potent as engine speed increases. This the first time a result of this kind has ever been achieved with a turbo engine. The California T also has the latest evolution of the F1-Trac traction control system for maximum acceleration out of corners, thereby underscoring the sportier side of its personality.



The California T delivers true sports car dynamics too, thanks to reduced steering wheel activity and improved steering response to driver input, courtesy of a new steering box and suspension set-up. New springs and latest -generation Magnaride dampers, combined with body motion accelerometers, reduce roll and pitch for more precise handling whilst still guaranteeing an incredibly comfortable ride. The California T's architecture, controls and new 8-cylinder engine ensure consistently intense driving pleasure in challenging driving conditions as well as making the car fun to drive even in more relaxed situations, very much in the Grand Tourer tradition. The CCM3 carbon-ceramic braking system is also extremely efficient with new composite discs and pads. The brakes are integrated with the ESP 8.0 premium which controls the high performance ABS for a short 100-0Km braking distance of just 34metres.



The California T's cabin was designed to be as ergonomic as possible and exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, with luxurious Frau semi-aniline leather trim. The interior space is flexible so that owners can make the most efficient use of the boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the opening between the luggage compartment and rear seats. The human-machine interface encompasses the Ferrari steering wheel with integrated controls while the TPE(Turbo Performance Engineer) takes pride of place between the two air vents in the centre of the dash. The TPE display boasts a capacitive surround to scroll through screens with information on making the most of the new engine's performance. The California T also features a new infotainment system with an extremely intuitive, high-resolution 6.5inch screen both touch-screen and conventional controls.



Overall its a vastly improved car, with some impressive and accessible power, handling and ride is proved good. As it is the most attainable Ferrari on sale, the price of this car is put up at $231,600.