2015 Ferrari California Review

Performance and Handling

The brand new 3.9L twin-turbo engine replaces the previous 4.3L naturally aspirated V8 engine. With extra twin-turbo, the downsized engine produces more power and torque, up to 412kw and 755NM.It's even got more torque than the F12 Berlinetta . From still to 100km/h only takes 3.6 seconds, that's really fast for a hardtop convertible that weights 1.7tones. Without the roof , switch to Sport mode and shift manually , the turbocharged engine sounds good but not as good as naturally aspirated engines do , In addition ,this is a FR Ferrari, I miss the fun of driving MR Ferrari and glimpsing the screaming V8 engine from the rear mirror.

The Manettino dial on the steering wheel has narrowed to three settings: Comfort, Sport and ESC Off. There is no race setting for this GT car however this car is optioned with Magneride Dual Mode Suspension System which is an adaptive suspension system allows you change damper setting to adopt different road conditions.It makes it even more enjoyable to drive fast as well as slow. Stick with comfort mode and AUTO in gearbox, the steering is light and easy to handle every slow corner and the ride is impressively comfortable like a luxury coupe.

Carbon Ceramic brakes are standard on California T to ensure the car stops fast as it goes. When gently cruising around city particularly at low speed, those high performance ceramic brakes are a bit sharp, it stops immediately from 20km/h with a gentle press on brake. On another hand , it enhances your confidence on driving in Australia country road . Change the Manettino dial to Sport mode , it sharpens the throttle, steering is more precise and firms up the suspension but if you want to shift manually you have to turn off the AUTO .Driving on winding roads ,attacking corners are the moment you will thank and fall in love with those ceramic brakes , those high performance ceramic brakes efficiently shorten braking distance which allows you to turn in to corner faster.

Comfort&Technology

2+2 equals 4 but this is not how Ferrari calculates. This 2+2 grand tourer is not a four-seater like the Ferrari FF. The California T comfortably fits 2 adults only however there is plenty of room for your baggage. With the roof down, easily to keep 3 weekend bags in the boot and you can always leave your belongings at the rear seats unless you are taking your kids for a ride.

The cabin of the California T is elegant and comfortable. Like other new Ferraris , indicators, headlight ,windscreen wipers, engine start button and optional Dual Mode Suspension switch are crammed on the steering wheel with fixed gearshift paddles on the steering column makes even more functional and ergonomic.

The test car's cabin is beautifully optioned with carbon fiber ,from steering wheel , shift paddles , central bridge to centre console are wrapped with carbon fiber. Optional Backbone style Seats with Alcantara trim are excellent for long distance driving also supportive at tight corners.

There is a new gauge in between the air vents displays turbo response, efficiency and clock etc ,easily to switch with a touch/swipe. Below those three dials is a high resolution touch screen combines navigation , Bluetooth and the optional Apple CarPlay system controls your iPhone to command Siri to send text messages , make a phone call for you also play music from your iPhone.The yellow tacho is sitting in the middle of instrument clearly indicates it revs up to 7500RPM , on the left of instrument dials is a multifunction display shows status, distance/range, temperatures ,navigation guide and digital speedometer however it is not easy to read the speedometer when the steering wheel is not horizontal .

Verdict

It is an absolutely livable Ferrari for everyday, it looks and drives more like a proper Ferrari. Ferrari aims to sell this entry level model to first-Ferrari customers but this GT car is like second Ferrari for weekend , more suitable for people who has got a Ferrari sportscar. In addition , it is the competitive in the market compare with Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB9 Volante in price and performance.

More photos :

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w5wn71dfjfrk8xg/AADa9T8JPoClU_ZInoIkZjIra?dl=0