Ferrari has unveiled a mild update for its entry-level California model this week. While there aren’t any noticeable styling changes other than the silver front grille, under the skin, it’s a different story.
The updated Ferrari California has not only shed 30 kgs of weight, but has also gained an extra 22 kW. Thanks to new exhaust manifolds and re-tuned engine mapping, the 4.3-litre V8 now produces 360 kW and 505 Nm of torque, up from 338 kW and 485 Nm.
The weight loss is down to new aluminium construction technologies that have also ensured structural rigidity remains identical to that of the old California.
The improvements allow the California to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (0.2 quicker than before) and, although there have been no tweaks to the handling on standard models, Ferrari will now offer a “Handling Speciale package”. The package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (-50% response time), stiffer springs and a modified steering wheel system with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.
