Ferrari Introduces California Facelift with 490HP Ahead of Geneva Debut
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Report: Ferrari California to Receive Mild Life Facelift with a Power Upgrade for 2012
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When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrariproved to be right and the California was a major sales success.Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.
Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.
According to the report, you won’t be able to see the changes as the aluminum bodywork will remain unchanged save for a few details such as (optional) silver front grille, but the 2012MY California will be dramatically different under the skin.
First of all, the 460HP, 4.3-liter direct-injection V8 will receive better-machined internals such as an “optimized micro cast” exhaust manifold and a new ECU mapping that promise a significant boost in output.
The upgrades will result in the California gaining an extra 30 ponies for a total of 490HP while torque will be increased from 485 to 505.7 Nm (373 lb-ft).
The use of lighter materials in certain parts of the chassis will shave 30 kg (66.1 lbs) off the current model. The new California will continue to be available with a 7-speed F1 twin-clutch transmission, with Car stating that it will post a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.85 seconds, versus 4.0 second of its predessecor.
In addition, the optional Handling Speciale package will feature an upgraded SCM magnetorheological suspension control system reducing the ECU’s response time by 50 percent to just 5 ms. Who is counting, but the dampers will be able to go from the softest to the hardest setting in a mere 8 ms, resulting in improved response and agility.
Finally, Ferrari will increase the HDD infotainment system's capacity from 30GB to 40GB, and it'll sync with Apple and Android smartphones.
Of course, there’s been no word on pricing yet, but considering all the changes, buyers should expect a higher sticker than the 2011 model.
[2011 Ferrari California pictured above]
When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrariproved to be right and the California was a major sales success.Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.
Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.
According to the report, you won’t be able to see the changes as the aluminum bodywork will remain unchanged save for a few details such as (optional) silver front grille, but the 2012MY California will be dramatically different under the skin.
First of all, the 460HP, 4.3-liter direct-injection V8 will receive better-machined internals such as an “optimized micro cast” exhaust manifold and a new ECU mapping that promise a significant boost in output.
The upgrades will result in the California gaining an extra 30 ponies for a total of 490HP while torque will be increased from 485 to 505.7 Nm (373 lb-ft).
The use of lighter materials in certain parts of the chassis will shave 30 kg (66.1 lbs) off the current model. The new California will continue to be available with a 7-speed F1 twin-clutch transmission, with Car stating that it will post a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.85 seconds, versus 4.0 second of its predessecor.
In addition, the optional Handling Speciale package will feature an upgraded SCM magnetorheological suspension control system reducing the ECU’s response time by 50 percent to just 5 ms. Who is counting, but the dampers will be able to go from the softest to the hardest setting in a mere 8 ms, resulting in improved response and agility.
Finally, Ferrari will increase the HDD infotainment system's capacity from 30GB to 40GB, and it'll sync with Apple and Android smartphones.
Of course, there’s been no word on pricing yet, but considering all the changes, buyers should expect a higher sticker than the 2011 model.
Fiat Begins Selling 500e in California for $32,500, Lease for $199 Per Month
The electric car family has welcomed a new member, the Fiat 500e, official pricing information for which has just been released for the US state of California, where it will be exclusively sold and leased. First deliveries of the all-electric 500 will begin in the Golden State this summer, but it is now available for order.
Priced at $32,500 MSRP with no help from the state/federal government, Fiat says that for those who are "eligible", the price can drop as low as $20,500 after federal credits, state incentives and FIAT rebates are included.
Alternatively, Californian residents can lease the car for $199 per month for 36 months. Still, a $999 down payment is required for the latter.
Fiat is keen to stress that it is no more expensive per month than a comparable petrol model, such as the 500 Pop. Furthermore, if you do manage to get the price as low as they say you can, the electric 500 will actually undercut a similarly-specced Lounge trim car with the 1.4-liter petrol engine by a small margin.
The 500e has an EPA-certified range of 87 miles, or 139 km, which Fiat says is "best-in-class and better than all U.S.-market all-electric vehicles produced by high-volume manufacturers."
After signing a partnership with Enterprise Holdings, a company which operates several rent-a-car schemes in the area, Fiat will also be offering buyers and leasers up to 12 days each year ofalternative transportation, for the first three years. They are calling this a "standard feature."
By Andrei Nedelea
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