For With sensational driveability and smoothness, this Ferrari combines the effortless and the awe-inspiring. All the important equipment is here, including a satellite-linked tracking system
Against The everyday running costs will be stratospheric - which is probably no great surprise. And, being realistic, this is a two-plus-one at best - not the two-plus-two you may be led to believe.
What Car? says
A simply wonderful car with a split personality, as capable when you're cruising as it is when you let rip.
advertisement
View the whole Ferrari California Open range
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
So, has Ferrari copped out by launching the California, a car aimed at a different clientele (think Mercedes SL AMG or Porsche 911 T Convertible) to that it is used to dealing with? Not a bit of it.
The California may have a folding metal roof, a new V8 that puts flexibility ahead of brute power and a chassis set up to match its grand tourer characteristics, but you only have to hear the shrill bark of the engine above 4000rpm and you're left in no doubt who made it. You still get the Formula 1-derived traction control system and brakes, a paddle-shift gearbox and enough speed to send the magistrates weak at the knees.
It's just that it's all done in a package that reflects the age we now live in, with lower emissions and fuel consumption, a switchable two-seater or two-plus-two cabin, space for golf bags or skis, touch-screen sat-nav and an iPod connection.
Does any of that make it less of a Ferrari? No way.
Reader test team says:
Ferrari California Open 4.3 V8 2dr
Love it. Use it pretty much everyday to take my…
5
out of 5 stars
Ferrari California Open 4.3 V8 2dr
i bought one of these had it for one day came home…
4
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
California rivals
California used rivals
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
