FERRARI California Review

Yet there are two models in Ferrari's range that fall behind the rest as far as the eye is concerned. One is the FF, but its four-person ability at least brings a reason for the altered styling. Which means we down to the California.

There are a few things which do recommend the California though. For instance, we have its links to the 1950s 250 GT California: that generous, supermodel-like mouth. Then there’s classy air intake on the hood, which cools the engine bay.

However, if there’s one part we really like, that’s the packaging. Ferrari managed to make perfect use of the California’s 179.5 inches (5,462 mm) of length. Think about it. This thing manages to accommodate a low-mounted V8, the adults and perhaps children in the back, while stowing its metallic top and still offering a boot that would make a 458 Spider cry.

Moreover, let’s not forget about the brilliant Webasto roof. The thing is smooth in operation and the 14 seconds need for its transition from one state to another pass easily. There is one issue though. You have to stop the vehicle in order to operate the roof. Be prepared to make friends with all the cars behind you. You can even put the car in “Reverse” so you can see them via the back up camera, but only if you have ordered this.

As for what’s under the Ferrari California’s top, we have to start with the access. The relative ease of ingress / egress immediately tells you that this car is a GT more than anything else.

Still, as you settle into the driving position, it all feels poised, a promise for that open road that always lies beyond the leash of the city. The first thing you notice is the perfect fit of the steering wheel. Unlike in the rest of contemporary Ferraris, the light and turn signal buttons are not found on the steering wheel. This is actually a good thing, as it all feels cleaner and takes less time getting used to. What’s more, not once do you feel that your fingers could mistake the wipers for a gearshift paddle. The is the nicest Ferrari steering wheel we have used.