The 2010 Ferrari California is the brand's first hardtop convertible.
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California is one of Ferrari's biggest global markets, so car-crazy L.A. was the natural choice for the North American debut of the 2010 California. Significant as the first hardtop convertible from this storied Italian brand, the California is also the first production Ferrari in almost 60 years with a front-mounted V8. That powerplant is the 4.3-liter unit familiar from the mid-engine F430, but updated with Ferrari's first use of efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection. A total 460 horsepower channels through a new 7-speed automated-manual transmission, which mounts at the rear to even up fore/aft weight distribution as an aid to handling.

The 2010 Ferrari California also boasts the company's CST stability system and "F1-trac" traction control; carbon-ceramic 4-wheel disc brakes; an all-independent suspension with auto-adjusting "magnetic" shock absorbers; and a steering-wheel manettino knob that adjusts transmission and chassis responses across Comfort, Sport, and track-oriented Off settings. A pop-up rollover bar serves safety, as do door-mounted side airbags. The interior is lined in sumptuous leather--what else?--and can take four in a pinch via a rear "seat" that looks more like a parcel shelf. Body panels are rendered in weight-saving aluminum. That includes the three-piece power top that cycles in just 14 seconds. Despite all this and more, the California will be the least expensive Ferrari when it starts U.S. sale next June at a projected base price of around $200,000.

The 2010 Ferrari California's body is clad in light-weight aluminum.

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