2009 Ferrari California , Best Cars of 2008Ferrari's new baby grand tourer - has been the subject of intense speculation throughout its gestation, even as Maranello steadfastly denied its existence. Now, the birth announcement has been made. The car is named California, and the proud parent's pictures show a front-engine, two-plus-two convertible GT. The public will be able to get a look at the latest addition to the Ferrari family in October, at the Paris auto show.
The California is powered by a 4.3-liter V-8, making it the first front-engine Ferrari road car to use a V-8 rather than a V-12. The engine breaks new ground for Ferrari by using direct injection. It boasts 454 hp at an appropriately exotic 7500 rpm and is mated exclusively with Ferrari's first dual-clutch automatic, a seven-speed. Ferrari claims that the combo will zip the California from 0 to 62 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. Backing up that performance are carbon-ceramic disc brakes (which are now standard on all Ferraris) and a chassis that features a new multilink rear suspension.
