New and Pre-owned Ferrari California for Sale

Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto show and bringing back a name from the 1960s, the Ferrari California for sale carried a number of first-time features for the brand. Built as a 2+2 hardtop convertible, the first folding metal roof, its first seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and the first front-mounted V8 in the company’s history. That 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 produced 453 hp, propelling the convertible from 0-60 mph in under four seconds and to a top speed of 193 mph. Considering the engine produced 106 hp per liter, The Italian car company had achieved a significant feat considering most other sports car manufacturers at the time were using turbochargers or superchargers to achieve those numbers. While the two-door hardtop was technically available with a manual transmission until 2012, only two units were built with that option. In 2012, they eliminated the option due to poor sales.

With a body designed by Pininfarina, the car spent over 1,000 hours in the wind tunnel and became the most aerodynamic road-going prancing horse in history. In 2012, the roadster showed up at dealerships 66 lbs lighter and with an additional 30 hp. A Handling Speciale package was also offered with chrome grille and side vents behind the front wheels, as well as stiffer springs and improved handling control through a quicker steering ratio.

In 2014, a revised version of the front-engine Ferrari car emerged at the Geneva Motor Show as the Turbo model. Its front end received a facelift, styled after the F12, while the remainder of the exterior and interior were reshaped to suit the brand’s styling trend. Under the hood, the V8 remained, but with modifications. Now featuring twin turbo's and pumping out 552 hp, the new generation could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Additionally, in response to tightening environmental standards, a used California T for sale is the pinnacle model. The T reduced its output of pollution by 15% compared to the first generation.

Say hello to the newest rendition: the T. Though it bears the famous Prancing Horse emblem, the T is a powerful predator that more closely resembles a lion on the road. What exactly makes the T the new king of the jungle? A 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine—the first of its kind. The new engine is not the only first for the latest version of this classic, though. Since no lion is complete without a ferocious roar, the designers at Ferrari made it a point to give this beast one you won’t soon forget. The engine sound continuously increases as revs rise, something never before achieved with the Italian turbocharged engine. That same turbocharged engine powers the T with 553 hp, reaching 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and topping out at 196 mph.

As if this wasn’t a sports car lover’s dream already, engineers introduced the Handling Speciale option for the 2017 model. The new option has updated damper settings and modified springs which make for the most visceral driving experience, ever.

Once upon a time, the turbochargers in a Ferrari were nothing short of a rare sight. However, in a major turn of events, one of their most popular models is receiving two of them along with a new name: the California T. This is a company known for their naturally aspirated engines, although most enthusiasts don’t realize that turbo engines are tradition to the manufacturer and track back all the way to the 1980s. The T brings forth all of the luxury and fun that we have come to love about the drop-top sports car. The latest horse to enter the market gets an extra boost with its new inter cooled twin turbo V8, producing 552 brake horsepower, nearly 100 brake horsepower more than the original. The ‘T’ gives you the luxury you expect from the prancing pony coupled with a retractable hardtop roof that demands attention as you gallop from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds with the wind in your hair. This is the first turbo Ferrari we’ve seen on the streets since the F40, bringing us to a new age of excitement. The supercar delivers elegance with power, comfortably united with open top fun.

The California does not lose any of the heated passion, euphoria-inducing engine sounds, “wowzers” acceleration, and hold-on-tight handling that is expected from the Ferrari brand. Yet it is undoubtedly more civilized, more tasteful, more artistic, and, dare we say, more flamboyant. It is undeniably capable as a tool of speed yet seems to be more fitting for an evening cruise. The name comes with a ton of heritage from the 250 California, one of the most sought-after cars in the world, yet no other Italian car could handle that name. The car is not designed for those that like to base arguments on easily measurable amounts of quantitative data like zero-to-60 times; that’s for the brand’s more track-oriented offerings. The California is for people that are looking for a classy, open-top, yet race-bred driving experience.