Geneva unveil for new Ferrari California T

The new Ferrari California T will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, in its two launch colours: Rosso California, an intense, deep new red inspired by classic Ferraris, and Blu California.

At the heart of the new California T is the new turbo-charged V8 power unit. Ferrari engineers at Maranello have created an entirely new unit which is said to be capable of delivering blistering pick-up and the most exhilarating exhaust soundtrack. This is also the first time virtually zero turbo lag has been achieved on an engine of this type, guaranteeing instantaneous response to commands and, as with naturally-aspirated power units, a torque curve that increases constantly across the rev range thanks to Variable Boost Management.

The direct-injection, 3855 cc turbo 8-cylinder is mounted in a mid-front position and delivers 560 CV of power at 7500 rpm - the highest in its category - along with maximum torque of 755 Nm. California T covers the 0 to 100 kmph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. As in Formula 1 this season, a turbo is used to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Compared to the outgoing model, fuel consumption is down by around 15 per cent despite 70 CV more power and a 49 per cent increase in torque. Emissions are down to 250 gms/km over the combined cycle which is a 20 per cent reduction.

One major challenge involved in the design of the California T was to guarantee it a typically intense, exhilarating Ferrari engine sound. This was achieved through design work and the use of special manufacturing techniques for essential components, such as the flat-plane crankshaft and the three-piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing. A Ferrari release said that this is the first time a result of this kind has ever been achieved with a turbo engine. The California T also has the latest evolution of the F1-Trac traction control system for maximum acceleration out of corners, thereby underscoring the sportier side of its personality.

Considerable attention was paid to the design, maintaining the outgoing model’s overall dimensions while ensuring that the California T has a new, individual personality. The shape of the California T’s flanks is inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s famous pontoon-fender styling, with the front wing line stretching back towards the compact, muscular rear, bringing an aerodynamic sleekness and movement to the sides.

The California T’s cabin was designed to be as ergonomic as possible and exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, with luxurious Frau semi-aniline leather trim. The human-machine interface encompasses the Ferrari steering wheel with integrated controls and the Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) is located between the two air vents in the centre of the dash. The TPE display boasts a capacitive (touch-sensitive) surround to scroll through screens with information on making the most of the new engine’s performance. The California T also features a new infotainment system with a high-resolution 6.5” screen featuring both touch-screen and conventional controls.

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