Car and Driver writes, “Are you ready for a Ferrari to drive to the office, the mall, the beach, the slopes — anywhere, everywhere? That’s the concept behind this revival of a name from Ferrari’s storied past — a fast GT that supplies style, panache, plenty of performance, and thanks to its folding hardtop and ‘two-plus’ interior layout, an unusually high level of all-around usefulness.” That is actually the 2009 Ferrari California.
The Auto Press rates the Ferrari California 6th among 8 exotic sports cars based on the reviews of critics and automotive experts, its safety feature, reliability and performance. The car has been praised for its combination, elegance, performance, and everyday practicality. The 2009 is a perfect car for those in need of more panache than a Bentley can provide. This is a grand touring sports car that has been engineered to be both practical and thrilling. The California nameplate was introduced in the year 1957 and for long it had served as a symbol of escapism and exclusivity. Nowhere is there any evidence than the 1986 cult classic ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day off’ in which bad-boy Ferris convinces his uptight buddy, Cameron, to steal his father’s much-loved 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder for a day out on the town. The new California, however, is significantly different from its predecessor.
The 2009 Ferrari California is true to its design as grand tourer and California is an exciting car to drive because it is elegant, practical, and comfortable. The test drives have proved them the car to be a high performer. Though there are several competitors which can offer visceral driving experience. While having a look at the Ferrari California, you can also have a look at the Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini Gallardo. The models are better equipped to handle the twists and turns of back road burns.
Edmunds find the car a driving comfort as it writes, “The 2009 Ferrari California has been made for people who highly value the combination of driving comfort and speed. Its mission is to attract new clientele, the people who have been finding their way to Aston Martin, Bentley, Mercedes AMG or even Porsche.”
Test drivers are pleased with the California’s satisfying balance of sports performance and everyday drivability. “The product of ceaseless development, racing dominance and collaboration with its technical partners, the California comes standard with all the bells, whistles and bar-room bragging rights you can shake an aluminum-alloy stick at,” writes Autoblog. This is fast and capable sports car that can handle comfortably the drive of any driver.
“All told, the Ferrari California is fast and satisfying to drive, thanks to its unique combination of grip, flexible power and that one-of-a-kind engine sound.” Writes Road and Track. The V8 engine of the Ferrari California is smooth in operation and seven speed transmission. The 4.3 liter V8 engine produces nearly 435 horsepower at the rate of 7,750 rpm and 358 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The top speed of the car is 193 mph and can blast from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds. Do you need more? Autoblog comments, “The engine comes alive with the sweetest rasp that only grows more vivacious under way. Feathering the throttle hints at how much power lies under the command of your right foot, and summoning up even just half demonstrates vividly and instantly that the California has earned its Prancing Horse as much as any that have come before.”
