Replacing the California that was launched in 2009, the California T is fitted with a turbocharger. It is the first Ferrari after the F40 to feature a turbocharger — the ‘T’ in the name stands for turbo. A part of the downsizing strategy, the turbo makes the car more powerful than the one before. Putting out 560PS, the super car, at 3,855cc, displaces 4-litres less than the naturally aspirated engine of the earlier California. The front-mid mounted V8 direct-injection petrol engine is mated to a seven-speed twin clutch auto transmission.
Baby Ferrari? No way
Employing big metal paddles that are located just behind the truly multi-functional steering wheel, the California T, with a peak torque output of 755Nm of torque at 4780rpm, could be called the baby Ferrari. In reality it is not. Like any other Ferrari, the California T is beautiful. Attention is drawn to the prancing horse logo with its tail pointed upwards. The wide and low grille routes air to the engine intakes that occupy a good deal of the under-bonnet area. The lines that originate out of the grille, flow past the shapely lamps and contribute to the beautiful form of the super car. Marking the taut skin on the sides are the gills and the vents. The aerodynamic California T, as a 2+2 grand tourer, makes a fine mix of engineering and aesthetics. The focal point no doubt is the drop-top. True to a grand tourer, the roof folds with the flip of a toggle switch.
Driver-centric with the turn signals and wiper controls on the wheel rather than on the column, the California T is truly a super car. While the steering wheel does not look very different from that of a Formula 1 car, the trademark Manettino dial, the red engine start button, and the large paddle shifts just behind the wheel announce in no uncertain terms that this one’s special.
Rather than waste time fiddling with the various switches and buttons on the steering wheel it is better to leave the task for later. Impressing with its brushed aluminium trim elements and finely crafted leather upholstery, the California T reflects in no uncertain terms that it is true-blooded. The contrast stitching and the prancing horse logo on the headrests as well as the steering wheel speak of a long tradition of building fine sporting machines.
If the large tacho dial rightfully occupies the centre of the instrument console, on either side is an analogue speedo dial and a digital readout. The magnesium-frame electrically adjustable seat helps get the driving position right. Upon pressing the red engine start button, the V8 unit comes to life. Tapping the ‘Auto’ button on the brushed aluminium centre console, pulling the right paddle and stepping on the accelerator pedal has the California T taking off.
Top speed of 316kmph
The engine emanates a crackling and popping sound as the revs rise. The engine management manipulates the maximum available torque, depending on the selected gear. Capable of doing 0 to 100kmph in 3.6seconds, the California T accelerates without relenting. The intensity of the thrust is such that the occupants are pushed deep into their seats. The super car, with a top speed of 316kmph, begs for an open road. The scenery blurs and the car progresses like a locomotive. Exerting a vice-like grip, it feels like it were running on rails. The P245/40 ZR19 tyres at front, and the P285/40 ZR19 tyres at the rear exert a strong grip. There does come a feeling that the rear is ready to power slide out of corners; the California T sure calls for some deft handling.
Verdict
The magnetorheological dampers of the California T use fine metal grains inside the hydraulic fluid and respond to electrical impulses, thus shifting the damping rate or telling it to go softer. To reflect the car’s touring orientation, the springs have been slightly stiffened. The super car tackles the twists and turns without a hint of roll. Surface irregularities are surprisingly well tackled. If the seven-speed auto-box responds well, the steering, lightly weighted, barely loads up in corners. As the horses let loose past 3000rpm, it feels direct. Superbly planted and controllable when running hard, the super car delivers exactly what the driver wants.
At Rs 3.45 crore, it is expensive, but it also makes the right noises and the right moves. Striking a fine synergy between the various elements — the engine, the chassis, the gearbox, the suspension, and the other bits, not to forget the drive modes that tweak the response, the California T is immensely drivable.
