Next it is the first front drive V8 that Ferrari has produced. All of the prior V8 road cars were mid engine like the 308, 328, 348, 355, 360 and the current 430. Even the just announced 458 Italia is rear mid engine configured. So this California model is really unique.

Additional firsts are the use of direct fuel injection, which will become a standard. If you have not encountered this term before let me give a brief explanation. Most current fuel injection systems mix the air and fuel together outside of the combustion chamber or cylinder in the intake manifold. In direct injection, the air comes from the intake manifold but the fuel is delivered directly into the cylinders. The net result is more accurate metering of the amount of fuel and it results in better mileage, more power and cleaner emissions.

Continuing with some more firsts for Ferrari is a seven speed transmission. This is a Gertag dual-clutch and is considered an “automated manual gearbox.” Paddle shifters allow the driver to shift up and down, but the brains of the system insure smooth downshifts by precisely increasing the revs of the engine to the proper speed on downshifts. And the shifting is much faster and smoother than any prior Ferrari.

The old California Ferraris were convertibles and so is the new one, with one major difference. This is a retractable hard top, which again is a first for the company. This design gives the driver the pleasure of open motoring with the top down, and more of the rigidity of a closed car when the top is up. The best of both worlds is delivered in this design.

Last of the firsts is something called launch control. This has been a feature of race cars for many years, but this is the first road Ferrari to offer it. It’s one of those devices or features that sound great but will seldom be used by the average driver. You use it when you want to take off from a dead stop as fast as possible. Several different high end cars offer this feature, and each one works a little differently. In the Ferrari California you first turn off the CST traction control. Next you hold down the brake with your left foot while you floor the gas pedal. When you see around 3,000 rpm on the tach you pop your foot off of the brake and hold on to the wheel. Zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 117 plus miles per hour.

Some of the other specifications on this car is a 430 derived engine of 4297 cc capacity. At 454 horsepower it has 29 less horsepower than the 430 but shows an increase of 14 lb-ft in torque to a final 357 number.

Because of the top and extra strength members the weight is up to 3,916 lbs. In typical Ferrari fashion the gas mileage is low with a 13/19 EPA city/Highway rating.

Just think that for only a little more than $192,000 you can be driving an instant classic with one of the most famous names ever to grace a Ferrari.

Unlike some Ferraris which scream down the roads and act like speed demons, the California is a more restrained car.  It lacks some of the aggressive, roaring feel of many traditional Ferraris.  It is, however, luxurious.  You won’t hear much in the way of outside noise in this quiet car when you have the top up.  It has great suspension, and changing gears is a very smooth process.  It’s a very comfortable car to drive overall.  Its 4.3 litre V-8 pumps out 453 horsepower, though, so even while it’s a smooth ride, it’s also a powerful one.

As far as luxuries go, the California features two-zone climate control, parking sensors, and an optional cargo shelf instead of a back seat.  It’s a great little convertible if you want a Ferrari that doesn’t cost Ferrari prices and is a bit tamer than usual.