It was a usual day at the office and emails poured in. While some of them didn't really need a second glance, there was that one mail that lifted up my spirits and I started to think; yes, the week couldn't have gotten better!
Something similar happened when we received a mail from Ferrari which revealed the all-new California T. The 'T' stands for Turbo and we aren't surprised a bit that the California has got it. In a year that will see F1 turning to turbos, this car from the Ferrari stable was bound to get one. If we are correct, then, this is the first car after the famed F40, to get forced induction.
But enough with this jibber-jabber and we move straight to the heart of the California T. It is a Ferrari afterall. The California T gets a new twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8, which churns out a healthy 553bhp and a whooping 755Nm torques. Zero to 100km/h takes only 3.6 seconds and you can thank the turbos for making it that quick.
Ferrari claims that the new V8 has a better sound across the revv range and again we thank the turbochargers for that, for, what is a Ferrari without the noise? Ferrari also goes ahead to say that there is virtually zero turbo lag and you can expect the engine to be unbelievably responsive. We'll see it and then believe it.
The California T gets the latest version of Ferrari's 'magnaride' adaptive suspension, which reacts to bumps 50% faster than its predecessor. It also is the recipient of the newest F1-Trac traction control system - the same system that we've seen in the 458 Speciale.
Now, I am ranting about the engine. Well enough of that. The California T looks the part as well and bears resemblance to the F12 Berlinetta. A wider and deeper front grille and a cut from the middle of the door to the front wheelarch just makes you want to look at it in awe. It looks leaner, I can't say meaner but a world apart from its predecessor.
Of course the top comes down and it'll be a breeze to drive. It's even better looking and from what we can gauge, the California T can conjure a sound that may make you go weak in the knees. Not a prancing pony anymore, is it? We will see the car in the flesh at the upcoming Geneva Motorshow. Meanwhile here are a few
photos from our gallery
