One heart,
two souls
Overview
30 kilos lighter and
30 HP more powerful
HAVING ENJOYED WORLDWIDE SUCCESS THROUGHOUT ITS CAREER, THE NEW EVOLUTION OF THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA IS CHARACTERISED BY THE NUMBER 30.
The California’s V8 now punches out a maximum of 490 hp with maximum torque climbing to 505 Nm at 5000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping. Its torque curve has also been modified and is higher across the engine’s generous rev range too.
Ferrari California 30
PHOTO GALLERY
Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication technviques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufavcture of the California’s chassis, have also led to an overall ttreduction of 30 kg in the car’s weight without impinging in any way on its structural rigidity or performance. The abovementioned factors have also directly benefited the Ferrari’s California’s performance, reducing its 0-100 km/acceleration time to 3.8 seconds.
This heightens its sporty feel without detracting from the character of a car that has won universal acclaim for its seamless melding of performance and the exceptional versatility resulting from its retractable hard top (RHT) and 2+ configuration.
For clients in search of a more dynamic yet still not overly extreme driving experience, Ferrari has now also introduced the optional Handling Speciale package which features modifications to both the car’s running gear and set-up that reduce body roll and ensure prompter response to driver inputs.
The package includes magnetorheological dampers controlled by a faster ECU (-50% response time) with a proprietary Ferrari algorithm. The suspension springs are also stiffer for more precise control without impinging on comfort. Lastly, higher corner entry speeds and less steering wheel activity are guaranteed by a new steering box with a lower reduction ratio (-9%).
Design
Based on the original 2+ concept
When designing the Ferrari California, Pininfarina opted for a classic, sculpted chassis, with a long bonnet and the passenger area slightly weighted towards the rear.
Innovations
CHASSIS & BODYSHELL
Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of the California’s chassis, have also led to an overall reduction of 30 kg in the car’s weight without impinging in any way on its structural rigidity or performance.
RETRACTABLE HARD-TOP
THE RETRACTABLE HARD TOP (RHT) IS UNIQUE IN TERMS OF ITS MOVEMENT, OPENING/CLOSING SPEED, STOWAGE METHOD AND MATERIALS USED.
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This RHT differs from others in that several movements take place simultaneously rather than sequentially, thus optimising the length of time it takes to complete the entire opening/closing cycle. In fact, both cover and folded roof move simultaneously for a total cycle time of a few seconds.
The two sections fold neatly onto each other's concave side, which leaves much more space available for the boot, a total of 240 litres, in fact.
This stowage system is so efficient that even when the top is down, two pieces of luggage can still fit in the boot.
The roll-bar is a passive safety feature designed to protect occupants should the car roll over.
The system is installed behind the backrest of the rear seats and is hidden by the rear backrest trim so it is normally not visible.
The safety control unit will detect if the car begins to roll over and deploys the roll-bar in a breathtakingly fast 190 ms.
Powertrain
THE GEARBOX HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT AND DISTINCTIVE COMPONENT FOR FERRARI CARS. THE CALIFORNIA’S TRANSMISSION IS DUAL CLUTCH WITH SEVEN GEARS, MAINTAINING THE TRADITIONAL F1 CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL.
It is an innovative gearbox that ensures higher performances and at the same time greater driving comfort, is more efficient, and requires less maintenance. It is indeed like having two parallel gearboxes, where the dual clutch permits independent control of the odd and even gears and their pre-selection.
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In this way the gear change occurs in close-to-zero times and without wheel torque interruption. The so-called acceleration gap is eliminated, obtaining, apart from a real improvement in performance, a new and thrilling driving sensation.
Perfect also for normal daily and city use, in automatic mode the dual clutch transmission guarantees the highest values of comfort and drivability. Positioned with rear overhang following the traditional transaxle system, it contributes to the ideal weight distribution, with 53% of the total weight of the vehicle at the rear and 47% at the front axis.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
The new dual clutch transmission (DCT) increases driving comfort and performance under sporty driving conditions, with seven speeds, reverse, electro-hydraulic operation and no torque converter.
GDI ENGINE – DIRECT INJECTION
Direct injection guarantees improved engine performance because of the cooling effect of the injected fuel inside the cylinder and the fact that the fuel is injected directly into the chamber rather than passing through the intake valves.
The high injection pressure (200 bar compared to current systems with160 bar) guarantees correct pulverisation of the petrol as well as optimum mixing and combustion at up to 8000 rpm. This in turn boosts performance and reduces fuel consumption whilst ensuring that current emission limits are respected.
Direct fuel injection also delivers a compression ratio of 12.2:1. This is higher than that of Ferrari engines with indirect fuel injection. Once again the result is improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Like other Ferrari engines, this one also boasts variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimise performance and reduce fuel consumption right across the entire rev range.
Its inlet and exhaust tracts were designed to deliver a high efflux coefficient and a high turbulence index. This guarantees a good mix and efficient combustion without impinging on performance.
The exhaust system consists of two metal matrix catalysers (one per cylinder bank), one central pre-silencer and two rear silencers. The aim was to reduce back pressure whilst still respecting current noise limits. There are by-pass valves on the rear silencers and these are electro-hydraulically commanded by the engine control unit.
The adoption of a secondary air system in the cylinder heads means that only one catalyser per bank is necessary which keeps back-pressure down yet ensures compliance with the very strict Euro5 and LEV2 emissions standards.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA IS EQUIPPED WITH THE EXCLUSIVE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED ON THE 599 GTB FIORANO AND SUBSEQUENTLY ADOPTED ON THE 430 SCUDERIA
The system, further optimised to best fit the characteristics of the new GT, is the result of the experience built up over the years in the racing world.
It allows even less experienced drivers to get the most out of the car's potential in terms of performance on bends, safety and stability.
The system estimates the maximum road-holding available by continuously monitoring the relative speeds of the wheels, comparing them with a vehicle handling model memorised in the control system, and subsequently optimising performance by acting on the engine torque output.
The F1- Trac is faster and more precise than a traditional stability control and is capable of delaying and minimising the engine torque corrections required to maintain the desired trajectory. The result is an average increase of 20% in acceleration on exiting curves compared to a traditional control system, greater stability, and ease of steering even under race conditions.
THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA'S SUSPENSION RETAINS THE TRADITIONAL DOUBLE WISHBONE SYSTEM ON THE FRONT WHILE A NEW GENERATION OF MULTILINK SUSPENSION HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY DEVELOPED FOR THE REAR.
The multilink system increases the longitudinal flexibility of the suspension, retaining high values of transversal rigidity.
This means greater impact absorption capacity and lower vibration and acoustic levels. In short, greater travelling comfort and identical vehicle handling values.
For the Ferrari California, the magneto-rheological dampers used for the first time on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are available on request. Compared to traditional olio-dynamic systems, these systems provide much shorter response times because they do not have mechanical controls and adjustments.
As a result, under high performance driving conditions, the movement of the vehicle body is markedly reduced, to the benefit of all road-holding indicators.
Specifications
V8 ENGINE
The new dual clutch transmission (DCT) increases driving comfort and performance under sporty driving conditions.
MAXIMUM POWER
360 KW
(490 CV)
at 7750 rpm
ACCELERATION 0-100KM/H
3,8 SEC
0-100km/h
Body
RETRACTABLE HARD-TOP
| Overall length | 179.6 in |
| Overall width | 75.1 in |
| Height | 52.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in |
| Front track | 64.2 in |
| Rear track | 63.2 in |
| Dry weight | 3593 lb |
| Kerb weight | 3825 lb |
| Weight distribution | 47% Front - 53% Rear |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20.6 US gal |
| Boot (trunk) capacity | 12 cu ft, 8.5 cu ft - roof closed (340 l - 240 roof closed) |
| Type | 90° V8 with direct fuel injection |
| Bore/stroke | 3.70 x 3.05 in |
| Unit displacement | 32.75 cu in |
| Total displacement | 262.22 cu in |
| Compression ratio | 12,2:1 |
| Maximum power** | 553 bhp at 7750 rpm ** |
| Maximum torque | 557 lbs/ft at 5000 rpm ** |
| Maximum speed | 196 mph |
| 0-62 mi/h | 3.8 s |
| 0-124 m/h | 11.2 s |
| Front | 15.4 x 1.34 in |
| Rear | 14.2 x 1.26 in |
| Front | Double wishbone |
| Rear: | Multilink |
| City* | TBD |
| Combined * | 329 g/mi |
| * | Europe version |
| ** | With 98 octane-rated petrol |
| Front | 245/40 ZR19" |
| Rear | 285/40 ZR19" |
| Front (option) | 245/35 ZR20" |
| Rear (option) | 285/35 ZR20" |
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