The 2011 Ferrari California handles just as well at the track as it does on long cruises.
The 2011 Ferrari California is unique among other exotic sports cars. Compared to other convertibles, the "California’s retractable hardtop makes it more practical and comfortable" year-round. Granted, this Ferrari does have rivals with more power and better handling, but reviewers like the California’s combination of performance and comfort. "Car shoppers "looking for a more powerful exotic sports car might consider the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo. The Gallardo lacks the California’s retractable hardtop and decent cargo capacity, but offers a V10 powerplant with rocket-like performance.
The "Ferrari California" sees no changes for 2011. Starting at $192,000, the Ferrari California comes with a 4.3-liter V8 and either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The "Ferrari California" is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolize not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.
The 2011 California joins Ferrari's 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. The "Ferrari California" is a car with the track in its DNA. In line with "Ferrari" tradition, this model positively brims with innovative features.
The "California's" sleek aerodynamic styling is, like the rest of the current Ferrari models, the result of their longstanding collaboration with Pininfarina and offers a host of signature Ferrari styling cues. At the rear, the sides and the muscular tail section are both familiar too. Situated between the front seats, the new aluminum-trimmed center console is another distinctive touch that goes beyond the merely aesthetic, beautifully combining functionality and design.
Ferrari's smallest car, the California, gets its name from the original 250 California Spyder, of Ferris Bueller fame.
The California's interior is leather and comes standard with a rear storage shelf, but rear seats are optional. Dual-zone climate control, a navigation system, aluminum accents and power-adjustable seats are standard; among the options are adaptive headlights and heated front seats. Interior features include:
Typical of Ferrari engines — naturally aspirated, with sky-high horsepower per liter — the California's 4.3-liter V-8 makes 453 hp at a howling 7,750 rpm and 357 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.
