New Ferrari California

On May 13th, Ferrari presented their new California, a front engined V8 to the press. Powered by the 4.3 460CV fuel injected engine, it features the now-traditional transaxle with a 7 speed dual clutch transmission, an aluminum body as well as an all aluminum chassis. The new Cal represents the latest in technology from Maranello, and is a package few enthusiasts with enough money will be able to resist.

Rumors of a front-engined V8 Ferrari were circulated last year but the company kept a tight lid on the project. In the meantime, artist Raffi Minasian and Christopher Keller had developed an idea for a front engined V-8 or V-12 Ferrari spyder, but the design incorporated a KERS device to increase gas mileage.

The proposal was published in the February 2008 issue of Forza magazine. The design for Forza–named Ibrido for Hybrid is a bit less fussy than the California, but compares well to the new Pininfarina design. Although Ferrari has been increasing their attention on increased efficiency, there still does not appear to be anything green on the horizon. But it will come, mark our words.

The Ibrido design utilized an F1 type KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) as a hybrid with a front engined V8.

Until that time, Ferrari is being traditionally conservative. Ferrari has always improved in small, evolutionary steps, and the new California is another example of that philosophy. Looking much like the Ferrari 599, the California uses the F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB, with a new multi-link rear suspension, the first full automatic hardtop, and optimized interior refinements that allow the car to be fully enjoyed whether the top is up or down.

The introduction of the front engined V8 Ferrari continues the evolution of two groups of cars from Maranello–the extremely swift rear engined sports cars starting with the F430, and the more refined front engined Grand Turismos such as the 612 Scaglietti.

So much for the future. Ferrari, however, makes full use of past history with its model nomenclature. The name given to the new convertible is evocative of the great V12 Californias, and the company claims that it is the first mid front engined Ferrari. This is technically correct, assuming that one can re-write history and aptly forget the Jano designed, Lancia built Lancia-Ferrari D-50 which brought the World Championship to Ferrari and Fangio in 1956.