ferrari california

Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari California Maranello 23rd July 2008. Michael Schumacher is currently completing the track and road development stages of the Ferrari California, the new 8-cylinder model due to be officially unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show on October 2nd this year. The seven times Formula 1 world champion has been involved in the development of the latest Prancing Horse road car since its inception and has worked with Ferrari's team of engineers. Luca di Montezemolo's test-drive Maranello, 29th May 2008 - The new Ferrari California, 2+ convertible, had a very special "test-driver" behind its wheel the last few days as the Prancing Horse President Luca di Montezemolo put it through its paces over several laps at the Fiorano circuit. "I am very satisfied indeed with the work that the women and men of Ferrari have done," declared Luca di Montezemolo. "The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted. Roll bar The roll-bar is a passive safety feature designed to protect occupants should the car roll over. The system is installed behind the backrest of the rear seats and is hidden by the rear backrest trim so it is normally not visible. The safety control unit will detect if the car begins to roll over and deploys the roll-bar in a breathtakingly fast 190 ms.  Gearbox The gearbox has always been an important and distinctive component for Ferrari cars. The California’s transmission is dual clutch with seven gears, maintaining the traditional F1 controls on the steering wheel. It is an innovative gearbox that ensures higher performances and at the same time greater driving comfort, is more efficient, and requires less maintenance. It is indeed like having two parallel gearboxes. Exterior style The Ferrari California is ideal for those looking for a highly exclusive sports car, that consider driving enjoyment a value to pursue on every occasion: a weekend out of town, a long journey, shopping in the city, or simply getting to the office. The rear baggage space has a capacity which is unique for a convertible of this type. The boot, for the first time, connects directly to the rear bench or seats via the folding seat-back.  Innovation-packed GT The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position. Engine The F430 is powered by a new 90° V8 featuring Ferrari's traditionally uncompromising design approach with a flat-plane crank (180° between throws). This is an all-new unit that does not share any components with the 360 Modena's engine. The improvement in terms of performance, weight and reduction of overall dimensions is the result of applying Ferrari's wealth of F1 experience to its road cars.