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

First seen in the movie ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ in 1977. Thirty years later, Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht has brought the make belief car to the everyday driver. Known as the “sQuba” it is able to drive on land and submerge at a depth of 10m under water.

The excellence in design has enabled this watertight and pressure resistant car to move like a fish in water without compromising aesthetics. With the look of a sports car based on that of the Lotus Elise, the “sQuba” has three motors located in the rear. One provides propulsion on land and the other two are used for underwater motoring. The engines provide a top speed of 77mph on land, 3 mph on the surface of the water and 1.8 mph underwater. Power to the engines are supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries making the “sQuba” a zero-emission car.

The absense of a roof was for safety so that passengers could escape easily in an emergency. Although this wasn’t the only reason. Having a roof would have increased the weight by two tons to counteract unwanted bouyancy making it a turtle on land.

The current car which will be unveiled at the Geneva motorshow in March this year cost $1.4 million to make. However, Rinderknecht has said that it would cost less then a Rolls Royce when it hits the market so we assume it will be less then $400,000.

Tags: Automotive, Lotus Elise, Rinspeed, sQuba

A far cry from the most famous three-wheeler ever to take to Britain’s roads - Derek Trotter’s Reliant Robin - the environmentally friendly ZAP Alias can go from standstill to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 156mph. That makes it faster than most four wheeled vehicles on the road.

It is powered by two electric wheel motors, one driving each of the car’s front wheels. Unlike a Reliant Robin, made famous by Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, the single wheel is at the back.

The car is being manufactured by the American electric car maker ZAP, which stands for Zero Air Pollution.

The two-seater Alias has a range of more than 100 miles before it needs to be recharged, and its two engines generate 322 horse power - as much as a £60,000 Porsche 911 Carrera.

Lotus, the British car company, is helping with its development. The Alias should be in production next year and will cost around $30,000 (£15,000).

Tags: Automotive, Design, lotus, Tech, ZAP