Ferrari has just released a new official video starring the renewed California model year 2012. The revamped version of the Italian coupe gets an extra 30 hp, boosting its power from the 460 hp of the previous version to the current 490 hp, while an accurate diet led to a 30 kg weight loss that sets its overall mass to 1,600 kg.

Its 4.3-litre V8 engine with direct injection generates an impressive 505 Nm of peak torque at 5.000 rpm, but the whole torque curve now is higher and better distributed over the rpm spectrum than before. The new Ferrari California goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, making it two tenths quicker than the old one on the 0-100 sprint.

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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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As previously reported, Ferrari is currently working on the restyling of the California model that should be production-ready in the first half of 2012. It might not be the most interesting new thing coming out of the Maranello factory next year (as there is some V12 model in the works too), but we can see through this spy shots that the new ‘Cali’ should be ready quite soon.

However, the upgrade is not going to be just cosmetic: those larger air intakes as well as witnesses that heard this prototype running confirm that there is a turbocharger under the bonnet. Plus, there is also a strange bulb on the hood, maybe because the turbo installation is not fitting perfectly yet. Ferrari California for the year 2012 should gain at least 30 hp over the current model and be 30 kg lighter, while a new Handling Speciale package featuring a new suspension control software that will improve the car’s overall behavior is also in the works. The new California will also make use of an updated infotainment system with a 40GB hard-disk and compatible with iPhone 4 and all the most recent smartphones.

View 2012 Ferrari California spy shots photo callery

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As anticipated by Car, Ferrari will upgrade its California model right at the beginning of 2012. Its 4.3 V8 engine will benefit from a reduction of the internal frictions and get an extra 30 hp - boosting its power up to 490 hp - while electronics and exhaust system will be revised as well. Besides, thanks to the use of new materials, the car will also lose 30kg. Rumor has it that this solution alone will eventually lead to a complete restyling of the model, but at the moment there is no confirmation on the matter.

The dual clutch option will remain the only one available, while a new Handling Speciale package featuring a new suspension control software that will improve the car’s overall behavior is also in the wings. The California model year 2012 will also make use of an updated infotainment system with a 40GB hard-disk and compatible with iPhone 4 and all the most recent smartphones.

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