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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011 |

[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.

2011 FERRARI CALIFORNIA

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 |

Remember German Special Customs’ previous project based on the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG? It was called the Stealth, due to its sinister looks and the matte foil wrap that was aimed at mimicking the appearance of fighter jet planes.

A year later, GSC is again trying to get attention on its CLS 63 AMG Stealth by painting it bright orange - rendering the car’s name a bit inappropriate in the process. The only thing stealthy about the new version are the black-painted 20-inch wheels and tinted windows.

There are no changes regarding the aerodynamic package, with the side skirts, spoiler lip, vented bonnet, fender flares, rear diffuser, bootlid spoiler and quad tailpipes being carried over from the 2012 CLS 63 AMG Stealth.

The orange theme is continued in the interior, where German Special Customs fitted matching orange leather on the seats, dashboard, center console and door panels. There is also carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and the doors.

Nothing changed under the bonnet, with the same 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine developing 740 hp (750 PS) and peak torque from 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft), thanks to GSC’s bigger turbos, additional water cooler, custom exhaust system and software update. Just like before, the car also comes with a KW adjustable suspension on the front axle.

The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is still done in 3.7 seconds, only this time people will notice it more due to the color. Top speed is rated at 217 mph (350 km/h).

By Dan Mihalascu

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