If perhaps the Ferrari California first launched in 2008, it earned some pretty merged reviews. While the name harked back to typical V12-powered open-top machines of the sixties, the truth completely an
electric flip hard-top, front-mounted V8 and rear-drive configuration raised questions as to whether it was a genuine Ferrari.
Then an introduction of the Washington dc T in 2014 found the first twin-turbo engine to feature in a Ferrari road car considering that the F40.
Now the organization has added a new Handling Speciale package to the California T, which aims to offer a more involving drive. Ferrari followers trying to spot an HS will have a few visual clues to help
these groups away; there's a dark purple finish for the entrée, rear diffuser and exhaust system tips, and if you get close enough, discover a special plaque in the cockpit between the front seats. Nevertheless
the big changes for the Managing Speciale are available to under the skin.
Mechanised upgrades include stiffer spring suspensions that enhance the Washington dc T's handling, while the standard magnetic dampers have been upgraded to rate up their responses, too. These settings
are revealed when you move the manettino switch on the controls to Sport method, as well as the exhaust has recently been retuned to deliver a more vocal response when you prod the accelerator.
Fire up the twin-turbo V8, and the exhaust's new tone is instantly recognisable, with a bassy rumble emanating from the exhaust tips. Prod the throttle, and the flat-plane crank of the OF V8 means it's
soon changed by a familiar zest only a Ferrari OF V8 will produce. The exhaust system adds a little extra enjoyment to the California driving experience, too.
As the car is on the firm part, in Comfort mode it can more than just acceptable. Place it into Sport and the excess firmness is noticeable, however the bumpy road environment for the dampers means it is
the best of both worlds, with taut body control and a more secure sense in corners.
The driving is also given extra weight, while the Cal doesn't have the sun, darting feel of the 488 GTB's, it provides enough feedback to place the car accurately on the tarmac. The body generates
plenty of hold, too, and the Cal is excellent fun to get around corners ready for the V8 engine to fire the car along the next straight. Discover no lag from the twin-turbo set-up, although their responses are rather fatigued
in full auto and Comfort modes, the HS package offers rapid and seamless shifts in Sport mode.
The result is a car that seems quick and alert on twisting back roads, yet can be dialled again to become a fast and relaxing grand tourer. Plus, it has the added bonus of top-down driving when the elements
allows.
Perhaps the biggest supplement you can pay the Ferrari California T is that whilst it doesn't deliver the pure driving enjoyment of a 488 GTB, or the sheer enjoyment of your F12 Berlinetta, it really
is the Ferrari you can drive every day.
Shelling out an additional? 5, 568 for the Handling Speciale package does not compromise its all-round capability, but it gives it more dynamism and charm if you choose want to make the almost all of its
performance. For most potential buyers, it's an extra that is definitely worth upgrading to.