Ferrari has begun producing the new California a few days ago, and here are the first pictures of the renewed model, which will come with some interesting technical content. Ferrari points out that the number ‘30′ will be particularly significant for the new California: thanks to the new exhaust system and the recalibrated electronics, the car will get an extra 30 hp over the 460 hp boasted by the previous generation, and it will be 30 kg lighter too, for an overall weight of 1,600 kg. Its 4.3-litre V8 unit with direct injection will then deliver 490 hp, with a maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Besides, its torque curve will be higher and better distributed over the rpm spectrum.

Ferrari’s engineers made large use of the advanced technology in steel manufacturing boasted by the Centro Scaglietti, which allowed them to take 30 kg off the outgoing California generation without affecting the structural stiffness and the overall performance of the car. The Italian carmaker claims that the 2012 Ferrari California will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, two tenths less than the old one.

At the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) we will also see the new California with the optional Handling Speciale package, which provides for magnetorheological dampers controlled by the ECU, stiffer springs and a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio. The package will obviously add up to the sporty feeling of the model and will make it more efficient while cornering.

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