90 July 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com Charlie Holding Despite the revamp both inside and out, the California T is every inch the Italian stallion that drivers have come to expect from Ferrari. What better place for a ‘Prancing Horse’ to gallop than the Italian countryside? Thanks to its long, winding roads nestled between majestic mountains and vast rolling greenery, Bologna proved an ideal setting to put the Ferrari California T through its paces. If you’re wondering what the T stands for, it’s turbo (because of the new twin turbo-charged V8 engine), and that little letter makes a world of difference to this model. Turbos are designed to make cars more efficient, offer better fuel economy and lower emissions. Now, some enthusiasts may be concerned that this addition will affect the character of the California. Rest assured, it doesn’t! Never judge a book by its cover, so the saying goes, but it’s hard not to make assumptions about this model on first glance because it screams racy sophistication. Its sleek and seductive curves and contours are a work of art, putting this model on par with any famous Italian masterpiece. Both chassis and bodyshell are made entirely from aluminium. This is a lightweight solution with high rigidity; a particularly important factor for a drop-top car, making for better performance and safety. Inside is just as impressive. The well-designed, spacious cabin boasts fine finishes and a new infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display and a choice of both button and touchscreen controls. While looks are definitely important, the real ‘wow factor’ is the performance and this model does not disappoint. Bologna is famous for its medieval towers, antique buildings and churches, all of which are scattered amidst perilously winding roads. This proved to be a fantastic test for the handling on this model as hairpin turns were met with confidence and conviction, even at speed. Thanks to the model’s low centre of gravity, it held the road like glue, which is handy when you’re putting the turbo to the test. The direct-injection V8 can reach a top speed of 316 km/h and the dash from 0-100 km/h is a feat that has to be experienced to be truly believed. It makes the run in just 3.6 seconds, leaving you just enough time to scream “Mamma mia!” It is also more fuel-efficient by 15 per cent compared to the previous California and has 49 per cent more torque in 7th gear. Thankfully, the brakes are just as impressive as the engine. The gear changes were swift and dynamic when cruising in automatic but the real thrill of the ride came from driving in manual and using the paddle shifters to fully utilise the marque’s racing heritage. California Dreaming motoring
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