New for 2012 Ferrari California
From January 2012, the New Ferrari California will offer new high performance features designed to further enhance its sportiness whilst retaining the high standards of in-car comfort typical of the model.
Specifically, the 4.3-litre GDI V8's power output has been increased from 460 CV to 490 CV at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque from 485 Nm to 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm.
This boosted performance is thanks to new optimised microcast exhaust manifolds, and new engine software specifically developed for RON 98 petrol. The New California's torque curve has also been modified and is now higher at all rpm.
The experience on aluminium manufacturing and increasingly sophisticated building technologies, like the use of multiple aluminium alloys, allowed Ferrari to reduce the overall weight of the car by 30 kg.
These interventions enhance the overall sporty feeling of the car, improve its dynamic behaviour, and, more specifically, make for better pick-up from low to high revs.
The car will now accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.85 seconds.
In addition to these contents the car will be equipped with an upgraded version of the on board infotainment system. New main characteristics are as follows:
- 40 Gb Hard Disk Drive (was 30 Gb)
- 3D Freeway function: detail views of junctions on maps
- also iPhone 4 and Samsung Galaxy compatible Bluetooth
- Touchscreen number dialling
- Audio streaming via Bluetooth: can access music lists via Bluetooth
- Music played directly through USB (without having to save on HDD first)
- Integration of commands for new generation iPod/iPhone
- AAC file playing (Apple audio format)
HS Package
The new Handling Speciale (HS) package is being introduced for clients who like a sportier, more challenging driving experience without compromising comfort on board.
The HS package encompasses technical modifications to the running gear and set-up of the car which guarantee sportier handling, specifically:
- reduced body roll which improves dynamic behaviour;
- less steering wheel activity and improved responsiveness to driver inputs;
- superior handling yet the car is as easy to control as ever;
- a high compact feel without any excessive impingement on driving comfort.
Evolved Magnetorheological Suspension System
This is an evolution of the damping system available on the New California and debuted on the 599 GTB.
With respect to the previous generation, the ECU, control software and dampers have all been evolved, improving the car's dynamic behaviour because of the superior responsiveness of the various components:
- New faster ECU: (-50% input time)
- Maximum current generation time: <5ms (-50%)
- Maximum damper force generation time: 8ms (-50%)
- New control software
- A Ferrari-proprietary control algorithm: it uses an internal vehicle model which guarantees the desired level of damping;
- Damper with new piston rod bushing:
- Reduced internal friction (-35%): more precise small bump control
New Springs
New springs are 15% stiffer.
New Steering Rack
A new steering box with a steering ratio that's been reduced by 10%. This makes for more direct steering with less steering wheel activity over mixed routes.
The Handling Speciale package will enhance both sportiness and driving pleasure, particularly on more exhilarating routes with plenty of bends, twists and tight turns.
Aesthetic Features
For customers wishing to aesthetically differentiate their cars, while still maintaining the classic elegance typical of the New California, a new grille featuring Silver Nürburgring slats wich also features on the air intake on the bonnet and the side outlets will be introduced on request.