Ferrari California

Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is a grand touring sports car that will be launched by Ferrari at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is a two door "2+2" hard top convertible. The California will be powered by front-mid mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3 L (260 cu in) V8 (the same engine as in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione)[citation needed], sending a claimed 338 kW (460 PS/453 hp) to the rear wheels. The car revives the "California" name used for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT.

Production

The California will be built in a new production line adjacent to the existing factory at Maranello. The existing production line produces 27 cars per day, or 6,000 per annum. Ferrari plans to produce 5,000 Californias in the first two years of production, there by increasing Ferrari production by 50% with introduction of the model.[2]. The model, according to many motoring magazines, is sold out until 2012.[citation needed]

Performance

The California has top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph) and it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) under 4 seconds. Although 285 kilograms (628 lb) heavier and 30 PS (30 hp/22 kW) less powerful than the mid-engined Ferrari F430, the California reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in the same time as the F430 thanks to the dual-clutch transmission.