2012 Ferrari California goes on diet, powers up

CAR Magazine reports that Ferrari is planning to give the 2012 California a slight update. The refresh begins with an additional 30 horsepower from the 4.3-liter V8, bumping the final figure to 483 hp thanks to revised engine mapping and improved innards. It's worth noting that the extra pep is only available when the tank is topped off with 98 octane fuel, though the ECU will accommodate 95 octane as well.

The new model will also tip the scales at a skinnier weight than its predecessors thanks to a greater use of aluminum alloys in the chassis structure. CAR reports that engineers have managed to cut as much as 66 pounds from the vehicle.

With more power and less weight, the 2012 California should provide increased performance if the report turns out to be accurate. CAR also mentions that the optional Handling Speciale package now features upgraded dampers paired with an ECU that boasts a 50-percent improvement in response rate. Sounds fine by our ears.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/2...iet-powers-up/

 

Hardly can find 98-100 octane fuels here in Vegas.

 

Had a chance to drive a 2010 model. What a thrill, I can only imagine more power and less weight

 

sounds like they just deleted the detune on the 4.3 L v8. Now its the F430 motor straight up. The 458 has won 30 motoring awards so I dont think Ferrari is to concerned with the california stealing the thunder. The FF is getting no love it seems

 

yeah, where do you even find 98 oct of fuel in LA?

 

Agreed...........and I'm starting to believe that the FF is perceived as under-rated.

But imho
It's all good because Ferrari has already more than 1,200 orders for the first year (yet only 800 units can be made in one year of production).

I'd get an FF over a 458 Italia anytime

P.S.
Before that:
Btw, what kind of octane measurement are we talking about here? RON or AKI?

 

that's prob a euro rating which is higher number (not higher octane) than u.s.

 

There are lots of gas stations in the LA & OC area that carry 100 and 110 octane gas.

 

Yeup... @ $8 - $9 a gallon......



~ Joe Z

 

I went to Downtown Carmel a few months ago and saw 4 different California's within a 4 block radius. They don't look that exotic in person.

 

I'd say more High Performance Grand Touring lol