# Ferrari California

The **Ferrari California** is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer with a retractable hard top, 2+2 seating, and a [V8 engine](https://www.edgepedia.org/v8-engine), built by Ferrari in Maranello from 2008 to 2017 in two generations: the original California (2008–2014) and the turbocharged California T (2014–2017).<sup>[1](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0810/S00081/images-california-comes-to-paris.htm)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide)</sup> It was Ferrari's first GT with a front-mounted V8 and its first model with direct fuel injection,<sup>[3](https://www.autojournal.fr/ferrari/california-ferrari/ferrari-california-premieres-photos-198968.html)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide)</sup> and it was conceived as a usable everyday Ferrari rather than a track machine.<sup>[4](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2010-ferrari-california-1)</sup>

| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production run | 2008–2017; original California 2008–2014, California T 2014–2017<sup>[2](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide)</sup> |
| Debut | World premiere at the Paris Motor Show, 2 October 2008<sup>[1](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0810/S00081/images-california-comes-to-paris.htm)</sup> |
| Engines | 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 (453 hp; 483 hp from 2013), then 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 (560 hp)<sup>[5](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15120526/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review/)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[6](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)</sup> |
| Body | Two-door convertible with power retractable aluminum hard top, 2+2 seating, 340-liter boot<sup>[7](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/california/t-convertible/153202)</sup> |
| Performance (California T) | 0–62 mph in 3.6 seconds, top speed 196 mph<sup>[7](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/california/t-convertible/153202)</sup> |
| Chassis | Aluminum space frame; California T uses 12 alloys and weighs 4,064 lb (1,834 kg) with 53% of weight on the rear axle<sup>[8](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/beauty-brawn-and-brains-the-2016-ferrari-california-t/)</sup> |

## Name and debut

The name revives that of the 250 GT Spyder California, a race-inspired convertible Ferrari began producing in 1958 and named after its best-selling market; only 105 of those "Cal Spyders" were built, twelve of them competition versions with all-aluminum bodywork.<sup>[9](https://www.allcarcentral.com/PB_press_release_2008/press_release_7-7-08.pdf)</sup> The modern California made its official world debut at the Paris Show on 2 October 2008, after web previews and dedicated events in Maranello and Los Angeles.<sup>[1](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0810/S00081/images-california-comes-to-paris.htm)</sup>

## Original California (2008–2014)

The first California paired a 4.3-liter direct-injection V8 with a flat 180-degree crankshaft, a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle operated by steering-wheel paddles, and an aluminum chassis 4,563 mm long on a 2,670 mm wheelbase.<sup>[4](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2010-ferrari-california-1)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[10](https://www.australiancar.reviews/review-ferrari-f149-california-2009-17/)</sup> The V8 sits entirely behind the front axle and the gearbox is a rear transaxle, giving the car most of its weight between the axles and a crisp turn-in.<sup>[4](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2010-ferrari-california-1)</sup> Reviewers described it as the softest, most civil Ferrari of its era: a grand tourer that hits 60 mph in about four seconds and can be driven daily and for long distances.<sup>[4](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2010-ferrari-california-1)</sup>

**Updates.** In 2013 Ferrari raised output from 453 hp to 483 hp (torque up to 372 lb-ft) through revised exhaust manifolds, pistons, and ECU tuning, and cut 66 lb by moving from eight to twelve aluminum alloys in the space frame, including a new aluminum engine cradle.<sup>[5](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15120526/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review/)</sup> A mid-cycle variant, the California 30, lost 30 kg and gained 30 hp.<sup>[11](https://rennlist.com/forums/991/991141-2017-911-turbo-vs-2017-ferrari-california-t-3.html)</sup> The original California was also the first Ferrari with a start-stop system, which Ferrari calls HELE; in that form it produced 490 CV with average consumption of 13.4 L/100 km.<sup>[12](https://elpais.com/elpais/2014/02/13/motor/1392306151_554062.html)</sup> A Handling Speciale package for this generation added a quicker steering rack (2.3 turns lock to lock versus 2.5), springs 15 percent stiffer at the front and 11 percent at the rear, and specifically tuned magnetorheological dampers.<sup>[5](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15120526/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review/)</sup>

The car also served a commercial purpose Ferrari had not recently addressed: in its first three years, 70 percent of buyers were new to the brand, and about a fifth of owners used the car daily, half again more than the Ferrari average.<sup>[5](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15120526/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review/)</sup> Around 10,000 copies were sold in the model's first five years, making it Ferrari's most popular single model to that point.<sup>[13](https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2016-ferrari-california-t-weekend-review-road-test)</sup>

## California T (2014–2017)

The California T, launched in 2014, replaced the naturally aspirated 4.3 with a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 560 hp, Ferrari's first turbo engine since the F40.<sup>[6](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[14](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/ferrari-california-t-vs-porsche-911-turbo)</sup> A variable boost management system was credited with close to no turbo lag, and fuel consumption fell 15 percent against the predecessor.<sup>[6](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)</sup> Ferrari claimed 0–62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 196 mph top speed.<sup>[7](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/california/t-convertible/153202)</sup>

**Chassis and body changes.** The T is a reworked car rather than a facelift: springs are 12 percent stiffer, the magnetorheological dampers gained lower-friction piston rods and a faster control unit, steering is 10 percent quicker, and the engine sits 40 mm lower in the chassis.<sup>[8](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/beauty-brawn-and-brains-the-2016-ferrari-california-t/)</sup> The car shed 35 kg to 4,064 lb (1,834 kg), with weight distribution biased 53 percent to the rear.<sup>[8](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/beauty-brawn-and-brains-the-2016-ferrari-california-t/)</sup> Nearly all body panels were replaced; only the retractable roof carried over.<sup>[8](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/beauty-brawn-and-brains-the-2016-ferrari-california-t/)</sup> The lines, by the Ferrari Design Centre with [Pininfarina](https://www.edgepedia.org/pininfarina), won the 2015 Red Dot Design Award.<sup>[6](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)</sup>

**Practicality.** The boot holds 340 liters with the roof up, enough for two sets of golf clubs, and loses 100 liters with the top down.<sup>[15](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)</sup> The rear seats are nominal: Ferrari calls the car a 2+2, and reviewers found legroom behind a 5 ft 7 in driver barely sufficient for a small child.<sup>[15](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)</sup> The roof operates in about 14 seconds but does not fold while the car is moving.<sup>[16](https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2015-ferrari-california-t-first-drive)</sup> The California was among the first cars to offer Apple CarPlay.<sup>[15](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)</sup>

**Handling Speciale.** In January 2016 Ferrari announced a second Handling Speciale (HS) package, presented at the Geneva Motor Show that March.<sup>[6](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)</sup> It costs £5,568 on a £155,230 car and adds springs 16 percent stiffer at the front and 19 percent at the rear, revised Magneride dampers, quicker Sport-mode shifts, tweaked traction control, and a louder exhaust, with no change to the 560 hp output.<sup>[15](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)</sup>

## Ownership, reliability, and recalls

Service managers and independent mechanics interviewed by *Forza* magazine judged all California variants practically bulletproof, with the most common problem a dead battery from infrequent use; both V8s use timing chains, ending the cam-belt replacement bills of older Ferraris.<sup>[17](https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/233/articles/grab-and-go)</sup> The costliest known item is the seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle shared with the 458, 488, FF, and F12, which with age and mileage is prone to internal oil leaks and solenoid and sensor failures: dealers quote around $55,000 for replacement, while a qualified independent shop can rebuild the unit for $20,000 to $30,000, plus about $13,000 for new wet clutches.<sup>[17](https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/233/articles/grab-and-go)</sup> Early 2009–2011 cars are the ones to check for transmission speed-sensor problems, and the folding hardtop's hydraulics and mechanism are a frequently reported failure area.<sup>[17](https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/233/articles/grab-and-go)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide)</sup>

In 2020 Ferrari North America recalled 982 California cars built between 16 February 2009 and 8 July 2011 (NHTSA campaign 20V-007) for Takata non-desiccated passenger frontal air-bag inflators that could rupture after long exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling.<sup>[18](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V007-2504.PDF)</sup>

## Market position

Ferrari positioned the California in its GT strand, against cars like the Bentley Continental GTC, Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet, and Maserati GranCabrio rather than against its own mid-engined sports cars.<sup>[7](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/california/t-convertible/153202)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[15](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)</sup> In a head-to-head with a Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, *Top Gear* found the California faster than the old F40 over 0–124 mph but less engaging on a driver's road, while conceding that Ferrari knew its buyer well in this sector.<sup>[14](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/ferrari-california-t-vs-porsche-911-turbo)</sup> As of August 2026, well-documented examples were listed at $70,000–$85,000 for the original, $85,000–$100,000 for the California 30, and $90,000–$125,000 for the California T.<sup>[17](https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/233/articles/grab-and-go)</sup>

## References

1. [Images: California Comes To Paris, Scoop News (October 2008)](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0810/S00081/images-california-comes-to-paris.htm)
2. [Ferrari California Buying Guide: What to Check, Performance Car Intelligence](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide)
3. [Ferrari – California – Premières photos, L'Auto-Journal](https://www.autojournal.fr/ferrari/california-ferrari/ferrari-california-premieres-photos-198968.html)
4. [2010 Ferrari California – Ferrari Convertible Sports Car Review, Automobile Magazine](https://www.motortrend.com/news/2010-ferrari-california-1)
5. [2013 Ferrari California First Drive – Review, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15120526/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review/)
6. [California T, Ferrari prospectus (2016)](https://cdn.ferrari.com/cms/network/media/pdf/ferrari_prospectus_-_final_version_-_14.3.2016.pdf)
7. [Ferrari California T convertible (2014–2017), Carbuyer](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/california/t-convertible/153202)
8. [Beauty, brawn, and brains? The 2016 Ferrari California T, Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/08/beauty-brawn-and-brains-the-2016-ferrari-california-t/)
9. [2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance press release: 50th anniversary of the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California](https://www.allcarcentral.com/PB_press_release_2008/press_release_7-7-08.pdf)
10. [Review: Ferrari F149 California (2009–17), Australian Car.Reviews](https://www.australiancar.reviews/review-ferrari-f149-california-2009-17/)
11. [2017 911 Turbo vs 2017 Ferrari California T, Rennlist discussion](https://rennlist.com/forums/991/991141-2017-911-turbo-vs-2017-ferrari-california-t-3.html)
12. [Un nuevo Ferrari para Fernando Alonso, El País (February 2014)](https://elpais.com/elpais/2014/02/13/motor/1392306151_554062.html)
13. [One Weekend With: 2016 Ferrari California T, MotorTrend](https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2016-ferrari-california-t-weekend-review-road-test)
14. [Ferrari California T vs Porsche 911 Turbo, Top Gear](https://www.topgear.com/car-news/supercars/ferrari-california-t-vs-porsche-911-turbo)
15. [Ferrari California T Handling Speciale 2016 review, Motoring Research](https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/ferrari-california-t-handling-speciale-review-2016-first-drive/)
16. [2015 Ferrari California T First Drive, MotorTrend](https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2015-ferrari-california-t-first-drive)
17. [Grab and Go, Forza Magazine issue 233](https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/233/articles/grab-and-go)
18. [Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-007, Ferrari North America / NHTSA (January 2020)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V007-2504.PDF)
19. [Ferrari Portofino press pack, Ferrari](https://www.ferrari.com/content/dam/ferrari-fcom/old/pdf/cs_ferrari_portofino_gbr.pdf)

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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › French and Italian automobile models › Sports cars and grand tourers*

*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*

*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*

License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license