by Anthony Narvaez

Created on: February 25, 2009

In 1958, due to a suggestion from a few favored American distributors, Ferrari released a model named after their best selling market. Built around the same drive train and chassis as the legendary 250 GT, the Ferrari 250 California Spyder was born.

The bodies were hand crafted by Carozerria Scaglietti, who was also responsible for most of Ferrari's competition bodies. The 250 California Spyder became highly desirable due to its tourismo performance and its limited availability. From 1958 to 1963 there were only 125 Californias

produced.

Unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show, the California
has returned. Available as a 2009 model, Ferrari engineered the new California as a GT hard top convertible priced around $210,000. On paper the California appears to be a little underpowered with its all new front mounted 4.3 liter direct injected V8. This engine produces 453hp and 358lb-ft of torque, which is slightly less than the F430. The new GT is also a little heavier than one would suspect. Despite the figures, the new California
is truly a fast car and is very responsive due to the broad power band of the redesigned engine. Its weight distribution is split nearly half and half between the front and rear axle making this car handle incredibly on winding roads.

Discard any apprehensions you may have about the California. It is both beautifully crafted and a joy to drive. It also features several "firsts", and there is nothing that disappoints. This is the first Ferrari to have a two-piece power folding hardtop. It retracts into the deck lid in about fourteen seconds and is just as light as any fabric top. It is a popular complaint that the rear of the car, because of the space required by the stow-away top, appears very large. In photographs the car may seem a little out of balance, however in person the California
is a sleek and fit Ferrari.

This is the first Ferrari to host a rear-mounted dual-clutch seven speed transmission. You can achieve a gear change in mere nanoseconds via the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. In full automatic mode, the shift is as smooth as glass.

This is also the first to have a front mounted direct fuel injected V8. The block and heads are all aluminum and the engine is said to have record low emissions for any Ferrari produced. It sits just behind the front axle and the weight distribution in the California
is remarkable, producing a very responsive and effective road posture. This car has been outfitted with a new Delphi MagneRide semi-active suspension, which provides a real-time continuously variable dampening. It responds almost instantly to any change in road conditions keeping your tires firmly on the pavement.

Ferrari is advertising the California
as a Grand Tourismo instead of a Sports Car, and this is evident in the design and appointments. The steering column and seats adjust electronically and the transmission's default start mode is in full automatic. The performance controls are located on the steering wheel, which allows you turn off the traction control and access different computer based settings. The interior is comfortably appointed with hand stitched leather upholstery and polished aluminum trim.

Despite all the revisions, does the California
still feel like a Ferrari? In every sense of the word, the answer is a resounding, "yes." With a top speed of 193 mph, the California will reach 60 from a stop in 3.8 seconds. Exhilarating as it is exotic, the new Ferrari does not disappoint. I don't think that I'm alone when I say, "Welcome back, California."

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