2009 Ferrari California Flips Lid in Paris, Hardly Noticed

2010 Ferrari California

October 2, 2008

2010 Ferrari California

True, the Ferrari press conference has yet to take light--and yet with the unveiling last night of the fabulous Lamborghini Estoque concept, the fat-rumped California hardtop convertible from Italy's other supercar maker looked decidedly frumpy on the Paris show floor. And alone. Very alone.

The new California is a small GT car developed with the Porsche 911, Aston V8 Vantage, and the Lamborghini Gallardo in its sights. Ferrari promises the new car will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure.

How certain of that you can be, we're not sure. The California will be the first Ferrari to offer a retracting hardtop; it's crafted from aluminum, though, which could keep the weight down in the new convertible.

A new 4.3-liter V-8 powers the California, and Ferrari promises it'll develop 460 horsepower and have "a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari." Teamed to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the engine will push the California to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

A multilink suspension is in place underneath the coachwork, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes will be standard.

We'll have more details later on the California, but in the meantime, please to enjoy these live shots from the show floor: