Geneva Motor Show 2014: Ferrari California T unveiled

Published 04 March 2014

The Ferrari California T was up against it in terms of attention at Geneva - not only from rivals McLaren and Lamborghini, but also from the LaFerrari on its own stand. But the facelifted California T is a hugely important addition to the Ferrari, as it's powered by a new 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8.

The California T is a thorough facelift of the existing model and gets some significant changes including a twin-turbo engine. The direct injection unit replaces the 4.3-litre naturally aspirated engine in the outgoing California to become the first production Ferrari to feature a turbo since the F40 in 1987.

But while the new twin-turbochargerd engine gives the California T more maximum power at 560PS and a reduced 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds, it's also cleaner and uses less fuel. Significantly, torque has been boosted from 505Nm to 755Nm and it's this lag-free thrust that really helps achieve those improved performance figures.

Alongside the new engine the California T gets a new steering and suspension set-up designed to improve responsiveness and handling. There are new springs and the latest generation Magnaride dampers which respond 50 per cent more quickly, which combined with body motion accelerometers, reduce roll and pitch while still giving a comfortable ride.

As before it comes with a retractable hard top roof which folds down in 14 seconds and now has a new infotainment system with a high-resolution 6.5-inch screen featuring both touchscreen and conventional controls. The new California T is set to go on sale in the UK this September and prices will be similar to the outgoing model, which starts at £152,000. 

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