Vehicle: 2011 Ferrari California
Price as tested: CDN$289000
Performance: Is “entry-level” and “Ferrari” an oxymoron? Is the California a “real Ferrari” by any sketches of standards? We will have a complete answer at the end of this review. 
Along with drop-dead gorgeous lines, it comes with ingredients which are great enough to back them up. As with any Ferrari, this V8 puppy comes with all the latest when it comes to technologies. This is the first Ferrari which mated with front-mounted V8 engine with dual clutch gearbox in this Maranello fun factory’s history. When it comes to engine note, there aren’t anything out there which sound like a Ferrari. Ferrari’s engine note is everything what a driving enthuisast is dying for. A music to the ears. The soul to what a Ferrari is all about. Other than the amusing engine sound, there are enough mechanical goodies to note in the California. Along with the front-mounted application, this V8 has a potent 453 stallion and 358 lb/ft of torque to move this hardtop beast. It is able to top @ 310 km/h when the speed limiter removes. On the other hand, its able to move from standstill to 100km/h in a breathtaking 4 seconds. Amazing indeed. That’s despite this Maranello beauty has to carry 1735kg on her wrist. Its pretty undoubtable that Ferrari engines are known for exceptional low-end, a healthy mid-range and a breathtaking top-end when revving it to the max. All come with that sexy engine note standard. Along with a great powerplant, California also comes with a world-class dual clutch gearbox. It has up to 7-speed in this dual clutch variety. For a pure sunny cruising in a hot summer, you can leave it all at “auto” mode. However, for those purists who want to get the best out of their Ferrari. There is a manumatic mode which is able to operate through the paddle shifters. The gear ratios are perfectly calibrated. While both the up and downshift speeds are nothing short of brisk. Just like driving any Ferrari. All you need to worry is your driver’s licence.
Handling: Before we start singing praises for California’s dynamic abilities, let’s start a bit of tidbits on California’s background. Before Ferrari introduced the California back in 2009, this car originally destined to be the flagship Maserati above the Gran Tourismo convertible. The story has taken a radical change after Ferrari beancounters calculated the cost of R&D California. This puppy needs to wear a Prancing Horse in order to justify its development cost. And so the story begins…:)
For any Ferrari, there is an adjustable damper control on its beautifully stitched steering wheel. In the case of California, it has a choice of “comfort”, “sport” and “CST off”. As one might have expected…”comfort” equals the best of cruising in a hot sunny day. The major difference between “sport” and “CST-off” is latter have the stability control completely shut down without any interference during enthuisastic driving. “CST-off” is best leave for pure track driving, while “sport” is enthuisastic enough for any driving pleasure. The ride quality is equally compliant and sporty with any driving modes. If “CST-off” just makes you feel more roughness and frosties on the road surface. We prefer to leave everything else on “sport” as it offers the perfect bland of a supple ride with sharp handling. The steering, as always, feels sharp and precise. There aren’t anywhere close to as much driving feel and feedback as in a Ferrari. Body rolls are non-existence. The cornering is flat with a sense of roll dials in to tell driver whether its entering the limit, on the limit or even beyond the limit. There are minimal understeer while oversteer occurs for fun, during the sportiest modes. Adds up the near perfect balance of 47/53 with its FR configuration, its hard to fault the overall dynamic equation of the California. When pushed through the roughness and frosties, California exhibits no cowl shakes whatsoever.
Brakes: With Ferrari’s Ceramic brakes and standard ABS, there aren’t anything else that quite stops like a Ferrari. The same goes for the California. Its like stopping on a dime. Even after a couple of harsh stops, the brakes remain fade-free without breaking a sweat. ABS doesn’t have any annoying interference wraps out the whole dynamic equation.
Interior: If there is any pet peeve, its the backseat which is cramped even for a short road trip.
For a hardtop convertible, California has plenty of luggage space. With the roof up, it has 339 liters. It has 240 liters with the roof down.
Slip behind the wheel of the California, you got the same austere yet nicely finished interior. Everything else from the tasty smell of those leather aroma to the nicely stitched dashboard equal the price of class. All the controls are easily figure out, which means its a perfect driver’s environment.
Conclusion: The California is every inch a “real Ferrari”. It all boils down to those passionate engine note, the breathtaking driving experience and a retractable hardtop which would make your neighbor jealous. But it all left us to one important question. Is the price too steep for a Maserati flagship?
Competitions:
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Aston Martin Virage Volante
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Ferrari California
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5