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Showing posts with label Ferrari California. Show all posts

Ferrari California Replacement to get Turbocharged V6 and/or V8 Engines?

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

In November 2011, we scooped a Ferrari California prototype with larger wheels and two triangular air intakes on its hood doing the rounds at the company’s test track in Italy.

At the time, we figured it could be a hotter version that would be introduced with the model’s 2012 update. While the California was indeed updated in key areas, there was no hotter variant in sight at its Geneva Motor Show debut.

Then, last summer, another “baby Ferrari” mule was caught, this time on film. The inlets were absent but the hood was visibly positioned higher and, more importantly, the distinctive hissing of turbochargers betrayed that there was something unusual hiding underneath.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

For its second project after the Maserati Quattroporte that was released earlier this summer, German sports car tuner CDC Performance has worked over the most affordable Ferrari model, the California hardtop roadster.

Beginning with the engine, CDC Performance introduces a supercharger system complete with intercooling, and a custom made exhaust system fitted with a valve to control the V8's noise levels, bumping output from 483hp (490PS) to 594hp (602PS), and torque from 505Nm (372 lb-ft) to 600Nm (443 lb-ft).

Friday, October 26, 2012

When does a simple fender bender turn into an incident worthy of writing a post about? Well, duh, when it concerns a hot Italian supercar, of course.

While filming a dark colored Ferrari California driving with its top down on the busy streets of Cannes in the French Riviera, YouTube user Superlennyo was able to capture a white, older generation Renault Clio hatchback backing up, but not slowing down, until it scrapped the bumper of the Italian hardtop convertible.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Regardless of personal styling preferences, most will agree that the Ferrari California carries a lot more cache than any Nissan model, the older generation 350Z included (just as long as we're talking about a genuine Ferrari).

Still, the first Z coupe of the new millennium has its own special character and a strong following, thanks in part to its handsome styling as well as its sports car performance and handling credentials.

Considering all this, we can safely say that the 350Z isn't exactly a prime candidate as a donor car for a replica build, even if said clone is a Ferrari California.

However, one German company named FGP begs to differ. The replica-car builder and parts supplier has designed a new Ferrari California kit for use on the pre-facelift Nissan 350Z Coupe built from 2002 through 2008.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Being a Ferrari in Poland seems like a hazardous combo as only in the past few months, we have come to know about at least two incidents in which the Italian automaker's exotic supercars were destroyed.

Now, following the crash of a Ferrari 458 Italia and the burning of a V12-powered FF, we have a third incident, this time regarding a California that also went up in flames.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

What started out as a sweet ride quickly turned sour for a 20-year old youngster test-driving a white Ferrari California in the Russian city of Samara, which is situated in the southeastern part of the country.

The accident happened this past Sunday on August 12 when the unnamed man was trying out the Italian supercar with Swiss license plates, which may have been part of a promotional campaign judging by the "Marlboro Clear Taste" decals on the sides of the California.

Monday, July 2, 2012

There was plenty to see and do for Ferrari fans at this past weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

For starters, the Italian sports car maker showed two UK debuts at this year’s event, the new 458 Spider and the lighter and more powerful California 30, both of which tackled the famous 1.16-mile hill climb route.

Monday, June 11, 2012

A prototype of the Ferrari California hardtop roadster has been captured on film testing at the automaker's private circuit in Italy.

What makes this video of particular importance is not the lightly camouflaged car itself, but the sounds produced from its front-mounted engine, as it appears to be sporting a turbocharged powerplant.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A defective engine crankshaft has forced Ferrari to issue a safety recall on certain 2011-2012MY 458 Italia and 2012MY California. The recall affects a total of 206 cars worldwide, of which 74 were sold in the States.

Ferrari said that due to an incorrect setup of the crankshaft-grinding machine, the crankshafts of the type F 136 engine found in the 458 Italia and California model were not manufactured according to specifications and may fail causing the engine to stall and possibly lead to a crash if the car is on the move.

Monday, April 9, 2012

While our previous Ferrari-related accident of day, which took place in Germany, was caused by the love/respect of a man for animals/life, this incident involving a California hardtop roadster in Tokyo, Japan, is most likely the result of some careless driving.

The driver of the Ferrari California reportedly lost control of the car and smashed into a Lincoln Town Car limousine that was parked on the side of the road.

The crash was violent enough to push the white Town car into the rear end of the black limousine of the same brand parked right in front of it.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

We've known for some months now that Ferrari was preparing a mild update for its entry-level California model and today, the Italian automaker made it official releasing the first photos and specs ahead of the hardtop roadster's world premiere at next month's Geneva Auto Show.

While there aren't any noticeable styling changes other than the silver front grille, under the skin, it's a different story.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

If, as the Chinese say, a picture is a thousand words, then a six-minute 1080p video is, at 30 frames per second, let’s see… about 10,800 words if our calculation is correct.

The following video by serial YouTube uploader Marchettino is therefore nearly 11,000 words of pure Ferrari California.

Monday, November 21, 2011

One of Germany's lesser-known tuning houses, DMC, has presented a new take on the Ferrari California hardtop roadster. Named the California 3S, the tune includes both cosmetic and performance upgrades and will receive its premiere at the Top Marques show in Macau from November 24 to 27.

The customization package brings a new carbon fiber aero kit that comprises of a front splitter and rear diffuser while the same material has also been used on the license plate surround. The car rides on a new set of rims (21-inches up front, 22-inches at the back) sourced from Miami-based wheel maker ADV1.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Aside from the Prancing Horse emblem, the clearly defined open-gate gearbox with the chromed lever sprouting from within was Ferrari’s second best distinguishable characteristic.

With the introduction of the 2012 MY California, this tradition comes to an end, at least in the UK. From now on, Ferrari is offering its British customers only one choice in the transmission department: that of an automatic.

Ferrari's engineers have been working overtime in the past year as the Italian company has several new or updated models in the pipeline, including a replacement for the 599 GTB Fiorano that we scooped last week, a new flagship Enzo model and a mild facelift for the California.

And if these fresh spy shots are anything to go by, Ferrari may also be readying a new addition to its California hardtop-roadster family.

As reported previously, the 2012 California that is expected early next year will be updated from within featuring a more powerful 4.3-liter V8 with around 490-horses, a faster transmission and a lighter chassis with upgraded suspension bits.

Friday, October 28, 2011

[2011 Ferrari California pictured above]

When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrari proved to be right and the California was a major sales success.

Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.

Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Ferrari is the last brand one would associate with anything related to driving in the snow, yet Maranello is constantly touting how fun its cars are in sub-zero temperatures and frosty conditions.

Following the recent presentation of the all-wheel drive FF shooting brake in the Italian Dolomites and the announcement of its “Pilota on Ice” U.S. driving program in Aspen, Colorado, Ferrari has released a video of the rear-wheel drive only California dancing on the snow during an event organized in St Moritz, Switzerland.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Those looking to give a more personal touch to their Ferrari California without…killing it, UK-based tuner Kahn has announced a new program for the Italian roadster.

On the styling front, Kahn's California wears a set of forged Monza wheels in matt black measuring 21-inches up front and 22-inches at the back. Inside, new accessories and equipment include seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

On Tuesday, July 26, 50 special children will enjoy being driven around the Silverstone circuit in a Ferrari California by professional racing drivers from the British Racing Driver’s Club along with “BRDC SuperStars”, young drivers learning to be the professionals of tomorrow. Read more »

Ferrari Opens Shop in India, Cheapest Model Costs Half a Million Dollars

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The first ever Ferrari dealership in India opened its doors today in the heart of New Delhi. The Grand Opening, which was hosted by Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari Commercial and Marketing Director Enrico Galliera, and Ashish Chordia, Chairman of the Shreyans Group, the official Ferrari importer for India, was devoted to the members of the local and international press. India is the 58th country where Ferrari is present in the world. Read more »