It's hard to talk about the California T (let's call it Cali T for short) without mentioning the F40. And you must be wondering why.
The latter has been regarded by many as a legend - not only to the Prancing Horse brand but for the industry as a whole. Its sole-minded quest for lightweight and performance, helped by the cutting-edge carbon fibre construction, made it the quickest car of its time.
Another key trait of the F40 that made it so phenomenal lies in its 'heart' - a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V8 pushing out an excess of 470 horses.
The keyword here is turbocharging.
That is because after the F40, Ferrari relied on pure atmospheric pressure to propel its cars for close to three decades. But with the Cali T, it has returned to forced induction once more.Exterior
Though one of Ferrari's best-selling, the California, admittedly, isn't the sexiest-looking in the brand's long, illustrious history. But now we can safely say that things are taking a turn for the better in the Cali T.
The latter has been regarded by many as a legend - not only to the Prancing Horse brand but for the industry as a whole. Its sole-minded quest for lightweight and performance, helped by the cutting-edge carbon fibre construction, made it the quickest car of its time.
Another key trait of the F40 that made it so phenomenal lies in its 'heart' - a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V8 pushing out an excess of 470 horses.
The keyword here is turbocharging.
That is because after the F40, Ferrari relied on pure atmospheric pressure to propel its cars for close to three decades. But with the Cali T, it has returned to forced induction once more.Exterior
Though one of Ferrari's best-selling, the California, admittedly, isn't the sexiest-looking in the brand's long, illustrious history. But now we can safely say that things are taking a turn for the better in the Cali T.
Helped by the elongated and more angular front snout, the car now looks more muscular and 'manly'.
While it is common knowledge that you can have your Ferrari in any tint you can find on the colour chart, the marque has taken the initiative to show you how to do it.
Our test car came in Rosso California, one of two exclusive colours (the other colour is the Blu California, which was shown at the launch event last year).
Unlike the usual signature bright red, this carries a deeper shade - and along with it a more mature and sophisticated feel. And despite its drop-top setup, the car feels like it was meant to be a grown-up sibling to the more flamboyant and 'playful' 458 (and the upcoming 488 GTB).
While it is common knowledge that you can have your Ferrari in any tint you can find on the colour chart, the marque has taken the initiative to show you how to do it.
Our test car came in Rosso California, one of two exclusive colours (the other colour is the Blu California, which was shown at the launch event last year).
Unlike the usual signature bright red, this carries a deeper shade - and along with it a more mature and sophisticated feel. And despite its drop-top setup, the car feels like it was meant to be a grown-up sibling to the more flamboyant and 'playful' 458 (and the upcoming 488 GTB).
Interior
It is in the cabin that the Cali T feels new in more ways than one. While keeping to a driver-centric layout, the new car embraces innovative designs, particularly through the use of digital devices.
Taking centre stage is a new 6.5-inch multimedia screen that plays music from your iPod and smartphone. There's also an LCD screen sitting next to the large centre tachometer that provides various vehicle information, ranging from trip details to proximity sensor display and fuel gauge.
Like the F12berlinetta we sampled earlier, the Cali T gets the F1-inspired steering wheel that houses almost all switches you'll need during the drive, such as those that activates the turn indicators and windscreen wipers. Expectedly, there's also the now-iconic manettino switch to remind you of the brand's racing legacy.
It is in the cabin that the Cali T feels new in more ways than one. While keeping to a driver-centric layout, the new car embraces innovative designs, particularly through the use of digital devices.
Taking centre stage is a new 6.5-inch multimedia screen that plays music from your iPod and smartphone. There's also an LCD screen sitting next to the large centre tachometer that provides various vehicle information, ranging from trip details to proximity sensor display and fuel gauge.
Like the F12berlinetta we sampled earlier, the Cali T gets the F1-inspired steering wheel that houses almost all switches you'll need during the drive, such as those that activates the turn indicators and windscreen wipers. Expectedly, there's also the now-iconic manettino switch to remind you of the brand's racing legacy.
The Drive
The biggest and most 'brow-raising' change, however, has to be that beneath the hood. Propelling the 'entry-level' Prancing Horse is now a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 that churns out 560bhp. That is 70bhp more than what the 4.3-litre unit offered on its predecessor.
Besides being immensely powerful, the Cali T exhibits other traits that make it a 'true' Ferrari. The linear and progressive power delivery is one of them. In fact, the marque claims that the car will react to throttle inputs in less than a second.
Push the 'Start' button on the steering wheel and the engine barks to life. Although less of an aural drama found on the Jaguar F-Type, it is, nonetheless, still one that will make you feel charged and thrilled.
You can also pop the roof down (a fully-automatic task done under 15 seconds) to relish the occasional exhaust blow-offs.
There're obvious hints of the Cali T's touring motives. Keen spotters will notice that there're just three settings on the manettino switch - doing without the hardcore 'Race' mode.
This makes perfect sense as there's less of an urge to drive the car in a 'fast and furious' manner. With the engine more torquey than before, there's no need to work it hard to 'attain' the power. And although the suspension has been stiffened, the ride is never punishing.
You can also pop the roof down (a fully-automatic task done under 15 seconds) to relish the occasional exhaust blow-offs.
There're obvious hints of the Cali T's touring motives. Keen spotters will notice that there're just three settings on the manettino switch - doing without the hardcore 'Race' mode.
This makes perfect sense as there's less of an urge to drive the car in a 'fast and furious' manner. With the engine more torquey than before, there's no need to work it hard to 'attain' the power. And although the suspension has been stiffened, the ride is never punishing.
You can even choose to 'tone down' the adaptive suspension while in 'Sport' mode for a more comfortable drive. And the drive gets even more relaxed when it is put to 'Comfort' mode.
Conclusion
In proving that it can recreate wonders (like what it did with the F40) via means of turbocharging, Ferrari has spawned yet another highly capable sports car - only that this time round it is less flashy and more subtle than others in its stable.
What really impresses us is that while there's no short of performance, the Cali T still carries genuine civilised manners that few other sports cars are capable of.
And if it's everyday driveability that you yearn for, look no further than this car.
Conclusion
In proving that it can recreate wonders (like what it did with the F40) via means of turbocharging, Ferrari has spawned yet another highly capable sports car - only that this time round it is less flashy and more subtle than others in its stable.
What really impresses us is that while there's no short of performance, the Cali T still carries genuine civilised manners that few other sports cars are capable of.
And if it's everyday driveability that you yearn for, look no further than this car.
