Dats Cool

NEW FERRARI CALIFORNIA REVEALED: A HUGELY VERSATILE,
INNOVATION-PACKED GT

Press Release

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front
position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down. The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever.

Tags: Automotive, California, Ferrari

BMW has unveiled its M1 Homage Concept and there is nothing to rave on about. The car is ascetically challenged as it attempts to blend retro and modern visual elements. The thin headlights and BMW’s icon grill does not do the car any justice and from front on the car just looks out of proportion. The only good thing that can be said about the car is that its an improvement from the previous M1’s.

Made out of Plywood, Maple and MDF, this wooden supercar designed by Joe Harmon makes it to 0-60mph in just over 3 seconds. Now thats incredibly cool! The amazing thing is that majority of the car is made out of wood, that includes the chasis, the body, the suspension components, wheels and even the gear box.

Harmon said that the objective of this project was to explore materials, learn, teach, share ideas and stimulate creativity.

The wooden supercar is powered by a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine, centrally mounted for perfect balance, and produces 600bhp. This is linked to a wooden 6 speed gear box. The total weight of the car is 1,135kg making it almost 260kg lighter then a stripped-out Porsche 911 GT3.

The car may never make it to production but the sheer fact that its made out of wood and goes as fast as a supercar makes it well worth the mention.