Paris Motor Show 2008: Ferrari California is officially unveiled

It goes without saying that it’s fast, Michael Schumacher helping out with the development and putting his official seal of approval on the new car.
Ferrari California (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Ferrari California: click images to enlarge
But it’s also very luxurious, Schumacher himself boasting the California is “designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver.”

GALLERY: New Ferrari California in pictures

But then you’d expect him to say that. So much for the fluff, what about the substance? Well for the first time on a Ferrari we’ve got a folding metal hardtop and the choice of coupe and cabrio in one. It’s also Ferrari’s first dual-clutch automated gearbox, the seven speed unit as fast as it is smooth and driving through a classic V8 motor.
Ferrari California (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
The car was introduced in Paris by Ferrari's boss, Luca di Montezemolo, who began the ceremony by making a touching tribute to his friend and fellow Italian motor magnate Andrea Pininfarina, whose firm designed the California and who was killed in a motor accident in August near Turin.
After introducing Pininfarina's widow and other family members on stage to warm applause from the assembled crowd, Montezemolo turned to the California, affirming that Ferrari intended to preserve its exclusivity and ensure that demand continued to outstrip supply. 2009 and 2010 Californias are sold out, so if you want one you will have to wait or pay a hefty premium to buy from an early owner.

Ferrari California (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
The car features wheel-mounted F1-style paddles, a new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear), the new evolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with carbon ceramic material (CCM) discs as standard. Modded Cars will be heading to Sicily next week to be among the first in the world to drive the new car, so watch this space to find out if Ferrari has made its first hard-top convertible a winner where it really counts - on the road.