Prestige issue 260, March 2015
Report by Stephanie Salha
Sportiness, elegance and versatility
Whether adept, pro or just an amateur of race cars, no one can remain indifferent in front of a Ferrari, luxurious, fascinating and imposing. Invited to Dubai by Scuderia Lebanon sal, official importer of Ferrari in Lebanon for a test drive of the brand new 2015 model of the beautiful Italian, the Ferrari California T, for a one day time, it was more than a single experience of driving, a beautiful dream, a thunderbolt. The combination of sublime architecture, controls and the new engine of California T ensures a consistent pleasure behind the wheel at all times in the perfect style of a GT model. I who love cars, I admit having succumbed to the irresistible charm of this Ferrari, a simple and comfortable car, both elegant and powerful. The engine rumbles, Ferrari rolls smoothly. Overview with Prestige.
© Prestige
The speed changes in 3.6 seconds from 0 to 100 Km/h
The California T boasts striking standards of innovation while retaining signature features such as the successful 2+ concept, a refined cabin and, of course, the retractable hard top (RHT) which transforms it from a chic coupé into a sleekly sophisticated spider in a mere 14 seconds.
The model brims with a host of new solutions, not least of which is its 8-cylinder turbo engine. Maranello’s engineers have created an entirely new power unit which delivers absolutely superb levels of performance, blistering pick-up and the most exhilarating soundtrack any turbo has ever yielded.
The direct-injection, 3855 cc turbo 8-cylinder is mounted very low in the chassis in a mid-front position and delivers 560 cv at 7500 rpm, which translates into a specific power output of 145 cv/l – the highest in its category – as along with maximum torque of 755 Nm. Figures that give the California T extraordinary acceleration over the 0 to 100 km/h sprint which it covers in just 3.6 seconds.
As in Formula 1 this season, turbo-charging is used to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Compared to the outgoing model, fuel consumption is down by around 15 per cent* despite 70 cv more power and a 49 per cent increase in torque.
The CCM3 carbon-ceramic braking system is also extremely efficient with new composite discs and pads. The brakes are integrated with the ESP 8.0 premium which controls the high performance ABS for a short 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of just 34 metres.
The California T’s cabin was designed to be as ergonomic as possible and exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, with luxurious Frau semi-aniline leather trim. The interior space is flexible so that owners can make the most efficient use of the boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the opening between the luggage compartment and rear seats.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type direct-injection 90° V8
Total displacement 3,855 cc
Maximum power 412 kW (560 cv) at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque 755 Nm (77 kgm) at 4750 rpm
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4570 mm
Width 1910 mm
Height 1322 mm
Dry weight 1625 kg
Weight distribution 47% front – 53% rear
PERFORMANCE
Top speed 316 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.6 s
FUEL CONSUMPTION
10.5 l/100 km
C0 2 EMISSIONS
250 g/km
The speed changes in 3.6 seconds from 0 to 100 Km/h
