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2017 Ferrari California T Is So Balanced It Doesn't Need ESC, Says Motor Trend

This is not the only interesting review of the Ferrari California T we've ever seen. Harris, who now works for Top Gear, also did a big-budget take on the new turbocharged sports convertible. However, Jonny Lieberman is always funny, and he's got the California T with the Handling Speciale new package.
2017 Ferrari California T Is So Balanced It Doesn't Need ESC, Says Motor Trend 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
The name is stupid, but you need to have this feature to get the most out of the new twin-turbo V8 Ferrari has developed. It gives you better brakes, tires, and stiffer suspension, not to mention a tweaked ECU.

It does nothing for the engine, so the twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 still offers 553 hp and 557 lb-ft, delivering unchanged performance, namely a 0 to 62 mph sprint of 3.6 seconds and a maximum velocity of 196 mph (315.5 km/h). So, with those facts out of the way, let's see what Ferrari's Model T offers.

Lieberman calls the engine a redhead, and that's because it has a fiery personality. It's got power, but the torque is more amazing, as Motor Trend's editor compares it to a 5.0 TDI found in the old VW Touareg.

Sure, there are a couple of rough sports, but that's to be expected. Jonny points out that the Califonia T has a fat ass because of the folding metal roof that needs to fit in the trunk. Yes, but so does Kim K, and none of her 70 million Instagram followers are bothered by it. At least Ferrari found the perfect pair of pants to accentuate the curves during the California's mid-life facelift.

The interior is also kind of drab, but there's nothing positive we can say about that. If you can afford the car, you can probably ask a leather specialist to change everything. So what have we learned after this quick trip to the Italian Riviera?

Only that the California T is so balanced you can drive it with the ESC off, which is more than you can say about most Italian supercars, and that you need to order the HS pack.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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