Photo: Guido ten Brink / SB-Medien
While we have seen Ferrari California owners spending track time in their Prancing Horses, we have to admit we're dealing with a rare sight. So what if you don't want to buy a dedicated track car and would like to make the most out of your California T?
Thankfully for those who find themselves in such a situation, or simply want to go all-out while going canyon carving in their junior Fezzas, the automaker is using the Geneva Motor Show to introduce the Handling Speciale package.
Yes, Maranello has done the same with the naturally-aspirated California, whose HS package, which came in 2009, mixed extra power with a small diet.
This time around, though, the Italians haven't done any of that, with most of the changes staying true to the name of the kit and thus targeting the handling side of the Grand Tourer.
It all starts with a stiffer suspension, as spring rates are up 16 percent in the front and 19 percent at the rear. And while the damper setup has also been modified, the ground clearance remains unchanged.
The dual-clutch gearbox has been included on the list of updates, which means the Sport mode changes are now quicker. Speaking of electronic tweaks, the F1 Trac traction control system now ensures you can make the most out of the tail-happy nature of the California T HS - the main aim was to make better use of the twin-turbo torque when the driving conditions aren't optimal.
Since the visual changes are limited (we'll get to that shortly), the easiest way to tell whether a certain California T is an HS or not is by listening to it. That's because the package brings a more vocal exhaust system.
Interestingly, the Italians explain they've also remapped the engine (and let's not forget about the new gearbox software). Well, the numbers remain unchanged.
As a result, 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).
When it comes to the appearance details mentioned above, the California T HS includes a new front grille, which uses a gray finish, a rear diffuser with a similar color, but has matte black vertical elements. Oh, and the tailpipes are also matte black.
P.S.: If you're reading this with a California T key fob in your pocket, the news is less than good - this isn't a retrofittable package.
Yes, Maranello has done the same with the naturally-aspirated California, whose HS package, which came in 2009, mixed extra power with a small diet.
This time around, though, the Italians haven't done any of that, with most of the changes staying true to the name of the kit and thus targeting the handling side of the Grand Tourer.
It all starts with a stiffer suspension, as spring rates are up 16 percent in the front and 19 percent at the rear. And while the damper setup has also been modified, the ground clearance remains unchanged.
The dual-clutch gearbox has been included on the list of updates, which means the Sport mode changes are now quicker. Speaking of electronic tweaks, the F1 Trac traction control system now ensures you can make the most out of the tail-happy nature of the California T HS - the main aim was to make better use of the twin-turbo torque when the driving conditions aren't optimal.
Since the visual changes are limited (we'll get to that shortly), the easiest way to tell whether a certain California T is an HS or not is by listening to it. That's because the package brings a more vocal exhaust system.
Interestingly, the Italians explain they've also remapped the engine (and let's not forget about the new gearbox software). Well, the numbers remain unchanged.
As a result, 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).
When it comes to the appearance details mentioned above, the California T HS includes a new front grille, which uses a gray finish, a rear diffuser with a similar color, but has matte black vertical elements. Oh, and the tailpipes are also matte black.
P.S.: If you're reading this with a California T key fob in your pocket, the news is less than good - this isn't a retrofittable package.
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