Is the Ferrari California a V8?
The Ferrari California might just be the firm’s most radical model. It’s the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and the first Ferrari to follow the current trend of having a fully retractable hard roof that electrically folds into its boot. Top Gear noted the California’s approachability, describing it as “a Ferrari you could drive every day without sacrificing the thrill of a high-performance sports car. The California’s blend of luxury and performance allowed it to fit into the lifestyle of drivers seeking a practical, versatile Ferrari.So, is the California a ‘real’ Ferrari? Anyone expecting a focused drivers’ car will find the California rather soft initially, but give it a chance, get some miles under your belt, and you’ll find it strikes an effective balance between GT comfort and sports-car directness.The “California” name pays tribute to the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder from the late 1950s and early 1960s. That model became an icon of its era, representing open-air driving along the sun-soaked roads of the American West Coast.