Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click on the Ferrari California for some wallpaper quality high-res shots

Just days after Ferrari launched the teaser site for their new GT, the first full images of what is currently called the Ferrari California have now been revealed. Even though the countdown timer on the teaser site still indicates a week to go before you can see the F149, Ferrari posted three photos on their media site. Ferrari hasn't issued any press release or given any additional details beyond what we can see here. We know the car is powered by a V-8, likely derived from the one in the Maserati Gran Turismo making this the first production front engine V-8 from Maranello. The California is also Ferrari's first retractable hard top convertible. From the shape of the hood scoop and headlights to the sweep of the rear fenders and vents behind the front wheels this car obviously draws on the heritage of the original 1960s 250 GT California. At the same time it's blended with modern Ferrari design elements drawn from the current F430 and 599. We're looking forward to seeing much more of this car over the coming months leading up to the Paris Motor Show!

UPDATE: Just after publishing this post Ferrari put out a press release with technical details on the California. Like other modern Ferraris this one is fabricated from Aluminum to keep mass under control. The 460hp 4.3L V-8 is the first from Maranello to use direct injection while following the racing tradition of using a flat-plane crank shaft. This car of firsts is also the debut production application of a dual clutch gearbox from Ferrari. The 7-speed unit is mounted in a rear transaxle configuration and should provide smoother shifting and even better performance than the existing hydraulically actuated units that Ferrari uses. Acceleration to 60mph should come in under 4.0 seconds.

Gallery: Ferrari California


[Source: Ferrari, thanks to Mobius and Ovidiu for the tip]Continue reading Officially, Official: New Ferrari California Exposed!

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