2010 Ferrari California Details

The 2010 Ferrari California reportedly shares a basic structure with the larger Maserati GranTurismo coupe, but re-engineered for maximum rigidity at minimum weight.

The 2010 Ferrari California will have a mid-front-engine/rear-drive layout, unlike the mid-eng­ine Dino and V8 F430. Styling is by Pininfarina, the famed design house that has shaped most road-going Ferraris for the past 60 years. Official photos suggest a blend of Ferrari's V12 two-seat F599 Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti 2+2 coupes, with the hideaway hardtop neatly integrated with the lower body. That roof is said to have a power-folding mechanism engineered by Pininfarina to steal minimum trunk space in this smaller­ 2+2, which is a tad larger than a Porsche 911.

­The 2010 Ferrari California reportedly shares a basic structure with the larger Maserati Gra­nTurismo coupe, but re-engineered for maximum rigidity at minimum weight. Ferrari technically "owned" Maserati for several years until parent Fiat Auto Group decided to move Maserati into a new "premium" division with its Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands.

Both the GranTurismo and the F430 share a high-revving, Ferrari-designed 4.3-liter twin-overhead-cam V8. The 2010 Ferrari California will use a version of it too, but in highly modified form. In fact, sources say only the cylinder block has escaped major change, apparently so the new engine can be built with some of the same tooling and in the same plant as the existing version. Internally designated F136Y, the updated V8 boasts Ferrari's first application of efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection, replacing conventional multipoint. It also gets redesigned cylinder heads, intake system, and valve train, plus what one source describes as a "type of throttle body never used before." All this new combustion-management hardware is said to produce a fuel economy gain of five to eight percent over the existing V8, plus estimated outputs of nearly 460 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque.

The 2010 Ferrari California will use Ferrari's 7-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters, but a straight manual may be offered in addition to this. The transmission will be rear-mounted in unit with the differential. This arrangement tends to yield more even front/rear weight distribution, ever a plus for sports-car handling.

Despite its rumored lower price point, the 2010 Ferrari California shows few signs of cost-cutting elsewhere. Suspension components, for example, are said to be mostly unique, rendered in pound-paring aluminum as usual. The rear suspension is reported to be a new multi-link design. Like other Ferraris, this one will certainly include stability control, "drive-by-wire" throttle and--of course--big Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes. Ferrari's F1-Trac traction-control system should be standard equipment, and another sure-fire lift is Ferrari's Manettino steering-wheel control dial for tailoring all these electronic functions to suit various driving conditions, including racetrack work. The company also says there will be a Launch Control button to help with standing-start acceleration. Look for footwear to comprise high-performance tires on 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, with 20-inch rims a possible option.

Other standard features probably can't be completely confirmed until American-market sales commence, but the 2010 Ferrari California is intended as a comfortable long-distance grand tourer, not a spartan track-oriented sports car. That should mean a posh leather-lined interior with real aluminum and/or carbon-fiber accents, plus multi-adjustable sports seats, automatic climate control, expected power assists, and premium audio with cell phone and MP3 connectivity. A navigation system should be available. Official photos show small back seats, but Ferrari calls the seating 2+ rather than 2+2. This terminology makes it sound like the space behind the front seats is more suited to carrying small parcels rather than people. Ferrari will also offer a strictly two-seat version with a luggage "bench" behind the seats.