Ferrari has updated its California convertible for 2013, and will show off the refreshed convertible at the upcoming Geneva auto show. Here are the key changes, and they’re good ones: Ferrari added some horsepower to its boulevardier while at the same time removing some weight. The front-engine, rear-drive, folding-hardtop California still isn’t as hard-core as, say, the 458 Italia, but the gap has narrowed. Ever so slightly.
First, the reduction in weight: The automaker was able to strip out 66 pounds via improved chassis fabrication techniques and construction technologies. The savings aren’t huge, but given that the last California we tested weighed a hefty 4123 pounds, any savings are welcome.
The California’s 4.3-liter V-8 now makes 37 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque more than before, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and some fresh code for the engine computer. The new totals are 490 hp and 372 lb-ft. Ferrari claims the fitter, more powerful California can run from 0-to-62 mph in 3.8 seconds. We’ve clocked a 3.9-second run in the outgoing version, so the company’s claim seems plausible. The California’s V-8 is still backed by a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transaxle. Buyers looking for special handling can rejoice: A new “Handling Speciale” package is now on offer. It bundles the California’s optional magnetorheological adaptive dampers with stiffer springs and quicker steering.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
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