Yes, you read that correctly, it’s not just the F1 race team at Ferrari who have been working with a new forced-induction engine – the new California T features a new turbocharged V8 heart.
The new turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 delivers 412kW/755Nm (338kW/485Nm for the current atmo V8) and with Variable Boost Management and a heap of other technology promises zero turbo lag. Zero to 100km/h is in the supercar league at 3.6 seconds.
As in F1, the turbocharged engine is all about enhanced performance combined with better fuel consumption and a cleaner exhaust. Ferrari says the California T, despite its extra power and torque is 15 per-cent more economical and 20 per-cent cleaner than the regular California.
You’re thinking exhaust sound? Don’t worry, Ferrari knows the noise of its cars is a big part of their allure and with a flat plane crankshaft and unique exhaust manifold and turbo housing, the California T promises the sort of exhaust note we all love with cars from Maranello.
Underneath are new springs, the latest-generation Magnaride dampers (response time improved by 50 per-cent) and the latest F1-Trac traction control system. CCM3 carbon-ceramic barking handles the stopping duties – 100km/h to zero in 34-metres.
Styling was a collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina. Ferrari says the California T’s flanks were inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa and the rear boasts a wind tunnel-tested triple fence diffuser.
Of course there’s the superb retractable hard-top roof (14 seconds to operate) and inside the hallmark Ferrari style cocooned in beautiful leather and a new infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch-screen.
The Ferrari California T makes its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
