As blags go, it’s a pretty spectacular one — we’ve managed to snag a 2012 Ferrari California for a long-term test drive. And it’s not just any old Cali. This is the rather special, er, Handling Speciale version.
It’s 30kg lighter, noticeably louder when the 490 Cavalino Rampante (horsepower in Ferrari speak) hammer the road and has completely retuned suspension. This is a California turned up to 11.
But believe it or not, there is a serious point to this test. The question that we’re seeking the answer to is, “Can you live with a supercar on a daily basis?”
Maranello certainly seems to think so. The Ferrari brand manager at Al Tayer Motors, who handed over the car, waxed lyrical about how the baby Fezza is a consummate runabout, a mile muncher and a back-road bomber all rolled into one.
But despite its ability to behave like a normal car around town (it’s no more daunting to drive than a Mercedes-Benz SL), the California affords a sense of occasion every time you get behind the wheel and hear that naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8 spool up to an operatic 8,000rpm.
The California is one of the most controversial Ferraris in recent times. The styling has its detractors and the fact that it even exists has purists running around flailing their arms — they believe it’s too soft and too lifestyle orientated to sport the fabled Prancing Horse badge. Sure, it’s not as pointy as a 458 Italia, but that’s the way it’s meant to be — it’s a GT.
And what a GT it is. You can effortlessly pootle around town as the smooth-shifting seven-speed double-clutch auto goes about its business serenely; it’s not as grumpy at slow speeds as the single clutch auto it replaces. You can drive it for hours without fatiguing your spine and it sounds just glorious. More next week.
