FERRARI California Review

When it comes to the Handling Speciale package, don’t expect this to be as complex as the GHTE pack received by the late 599. Do not worry though, there’s enough of a kit here to make a difference. First of all, the spring rates are higher - 15 percent up front and 11 percent at the back. The SCM magnetorheological shock absorbers are mandatory, albeit in a stiffer tune.

The aforementioned body roll issue disappears and the suspension never gets that crashy edge the 458 can show at times, so you could easily opt for the HS package.

This also alters the steering, making it a bit quicker - 2.5 turns instead of 2.3 from lock to lock. More importantly, it adds a bit of extra weight, solving the only complain we’ve ever had with the California’s steering.

And we have the financial side. The Handling Speciale kit will set you back a little over $7,000, while opting for the magnetorheological suspension alone costs a tad past $5,000. Ferrari explains that the option may be pricy, but the dampers have been revised, featuring reduced internal friction and a new ECU.

Especially in Handling Speciale guise, the Ferrari California offers a sharp drive that’s totally worthy of the badge when you’re up there in the mountains. The linear engine adds up to the ultra-precise steering and the brilliant rear diff, generating plenty of precision.

It’s not even difficult to extract the performance. Besides, not having all that much power means you can fully exploit the California.

It’s a pity then than the California is fitted with the “poor man’s Manettino”. The little red switch that could only has three settings here, whereas other Ferraris offer five. Nowadays, any sporty car has an ESP with three settings.

Of course, this is a Ferrari and things go deeper than with other cars, but this still means you lose some of the handling finesse offered by each mode. For instance, when you’re in “CST Off”, the car doesn’t seem to let go in an instant. Insist a bit though and the California slides into sweet, controllable oversteer.