Posted September 5, 2014 by 99MilesPerHour Exotic & FAST

2015 Ferrari California T

Prancing Horse Passion Elite…

The California T is a tamer version of the iconic Prancing Horse, albeit still a Ferrari. It is a luxury grand tourer with a youthful zest. Ferrari California models are renowned for elegance, sportiness, versatility, and of course…performance. It is powered by the all-new 3.9 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The 2015 California T is the latest manifestation of Prancing Horse passion. It retains the sublime exclusivity which is the hallmark of every Ferrari. The California T offers razor-sharp responsiveness, blistering performance, and supremely powerful acceleration. It boasts cutting edge technology that makes it absolutely unique…

This is the Ferrari that is suitable for ‘every day’ use. It is more at home in the Hamptons of New York, or maybe Monte Carlo on the French Riviera. The California models have always been more of a glamour car. No, it’s not an F140 or the F12berlinetta…this is the Ferrari “to pose in.” Ladies, you wear your Vera Wang and Jimmy Choo…gents, you wear your Hugo Boss and Gucci with this elegant supercar…now you see the real beauty of this romantic Italian. It is truly a serendipitous adventure in paradise…if seduction could be transformed into a car…this is it –

The Ferrari California is a grand tourer in a two-door 2+2 hardtop/convertible configuration. The model dates back to 1957, the California 250 GT LWB Spider was designed for the North American market. Its lightweight architecture is made of steel with doors, bonnet, and boot made from aluminium. It is powered by the same 237 hp 250 Tour de France racing car engine. The 1957-1959 LWB versions are highly collectible. One auctioned for $4.9 Million USD August 2007 in Monterey, California. Only 50 were built before it was replaced by a SWB version in 1960. Motor Trend Classic placed the 250 GT Series I on their list of the ten greatest Ferraris of all time. The Ferrari 250 Series was built from 1953 until 1964.

1957-1959 California 250 GT LWB

1958 250 GT

The 2015 California T introduces Ferrari technology. It is the first front engine Ferrari equipped with a V8 engine. More firsts include a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, a folding metal roof, a new multi-link rear suspension, and direct fuel injection.

The California T has an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.9 litre 32-valve V8. The engine is mounted very low into the chassis in a mid-front position, aiding its aerodynamics and stability. It produces 553 hp @ 7,500 rpm with 755 Nm of peak torque @ 4,750 rpm. Its stamina is courtesy of the very low inertia twin-scroll turbines that result in razor sharp throttle response. There is virtually zero turbo-lag. A Variable Boost Management system guarantees instant response with a torque curve that increases constantly. Ferrari hasn’t used forced induction since the F40. The California T is a 21^st century supercar combining reduced fuel consumption with razor sharp responsiveness.

The performance is completely in character of the Prancing Horse. It sprints from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, 0-124 mph in 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. It can do the ¼ mile @ 125 mph in 11.5 seconds. Performance with sublime exclusivity are Ferrari hallmarks. This strikingly sporty and versatile new expression of the brand continues its illustrious heritage.

The new 7-speed dual-clutch electrohydraulic gearbox offers lightning quick shifting. A dual-clutch transmission is an automated manual with two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. The sequential manual uses its electrohydraulics to operate. A dual-clutch transmission eliminates the torque converter used in conventional epicylic geared automatic transmissions. It has two oil-bathed wet or dry multi-plate clutches. Think of it as two separate manual transmissions contained in the same housing, working as a single entity. They operate in a fully automatic mode with the ability to be manually shifted.

Ferrari engine sounds are harmoniously pitched to create an authoritative sound of power. Both intake and exhaust phases are engaged with the concerto gaining momentum as the rpms increase. A flat plane crankshaft, three-piece cast exhaust manifold, and turbo housing are all ‘tuned’ to manage the tail pipe orchestra. This is the first time sound coordination of this type has been achieved with a turbocharged engine.

The suspension is tuned as an elegant grand tourer. It isn’t ‘severe’ it is designed to cosset its passengers. New low-friction dampers and additional sensors augment the refined magneto rheological fluid suspension. The springs are 12 percent stiffer than the previous model. Three vertical accelerometers improve suspension dynamics reaction time. The dampers react to rebound so fast that comfort and performance are enhanced. The California T exhibits very little body roll during cornering and negotiates uneven pavement in an extremely civil manner. The steering wheel mounted manettino has three suspension settings: Comfort, Sport, and ESC Off. There is no track mode and “wet” has been incorporated into the Comfort mode.

Technological refinement continues. The California T uses the latest version of the sophisticated F1-Trac traction control system. It has improved steering geometry with a new steering box and suspension set-up. The carbon ceramic braking system (CCM3) is refined and more efficient with new composite discs and pads. The brakes are integrated with the ESP 8.0 premium which controls the high performance ABS cutting overall braking distance.

The California T sports 21^st century architecture in a very stylish manner. The sleek proportions are the result of Ferrari Centro Stile in collaboration with Pininfarina…naturally. This camaraderie has created Ferraris of distinction. It is available exclusively in “Rosso California” which is an intense red and “Blu California.” Aerodynamic efficiency is not an afterthought. It is designed in a wind tunnel. The California T has flanks inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s pontoon-fender styling. The signature California “toothy-grin” was retained and refined. A new triple fence diffuser helps to create maximum downforce at the beautifully restyled rear. The 2015 California T has sprightly new individuality…but it’s unmistakably Ferrari.

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 34

With Ferrari, the human/machine interface is paramount. Steering wheel mounted controls and dash mounted Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) are part of the California T’s integrated controls to vehicle dynamics. The TPE has touch control with information regarding the engine’s performance. It also features a new infotainment system with an intuitive high-resolution 6.5” screen with touch as well as conventional controls.

Ferrari and Apple collaborated in an innovative new way to operate mobile cellular communications. Ferrari is the first automobile manufacturer to offer the Apple “CarPlay” technology. This sophisticated in-car system allows the user to safely enjoy their iPhone using voice commands. It is the result from two years of research.

The cabin is ergonomically designed. It is trimmed in luxurious Frau semi-aniline leather. A “2+” seating configuration and available cargo space exhibit the California T’s versatility. Its hardtop stows away in 14 seconds into the top half of the boot. This is the luxury grand tourer from the stable…the tamer version of the Prancing Horse.

Alcantara is an alternate to Frau leather

The California T is the first Ferrari with a turbocharged engine since the F40. When the California T launched in 2008 it was definitely not designed for the traditional Ferrari client. Its compact size, elegant demeanor, and kid-glove performance qualify this as a grand tourer. It is suitable for everyday use.

Powered by an all-new 3.9 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and the latest technology, the Prancing Horse delivers the formidable Ferrari experience. Maranello has once again raised the benchmark for GT cars design and performance. The 2015 Ferrari California T is another sterling example of Prancing Horse passion…