The next-generation Ferrari California is set to become the first turbocharged Ferrari road car since the F40. We previously reported that, but now we have more details.
In that interview, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa told us the next California will get turbos, but that’s as far as he went. Now, our sources in Maranello tell us that the powerplant will in fact be a twin-turbo V-8 related in design to Maserati’s new twin-turbo V-8, but with all-Ferrari components. Maserati’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 is good for 523 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, compared to the current California’s naturally aspirated V-8 and its 483 hp and 372 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari says the current California will sprint to 60 mph from a stop in 3.5 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds, with a top speed of 194 mph. The V-8 is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. We tested the slightly pre-update 454-hp 2010 California accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and running the quarter mile in 11.9 seconds at 117.4 mph.
The next Ferrari California will be more than just a new engine, though. We understand that while the basic concept won’t stray from the folding hardtop, aluminum-bodied roadster formula of the current car, it will get new body panels and an updated interior as well. The new interior will address a major weak point in current Ferraris by replacing the clunky old navigation and infotainment system with an all-new system. Considering the old unit was a re-skinned Chrysler system, it’s possible the new system, which will also be a re-skin, could be sourced from the same corporate cousin. It wouldn’t be a bad idea, as Chrysler’s UConnect system is one of the better ones on the market.
The best news for those who loves to know latest car information about Ferraris, and especially those who can actually afford them, is that this new car is scheduled to debut in the spring. We’d guess the sheet will come off at March’s Geneva motor show with sales starting by the end of the year.
