Ferrari California Concept

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in terms of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with retractable hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminum, in line with the rest of current range. The California will be powered by a V8 engine mounted for the first time in the history of the brand in the mid-front position.

According to the tradition of Ferrari, the new model also features several innovations. In addition to its retractable roof, which include the original 2 + concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The 4300 cc V8 engine features California’s direct fuel injection and a crankshaft “flat”. It generates 460 hp at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

The two sections fold easily into a hollow on the other side, which leaves more space available for the launch, a total of 260 liters, actually. This stowage system is so efficient that even when the top is down, two pieces of luggage can still fit in the trunk.

Direct injection provides better engine performance due to the cooling effect of fuel injected into the cylinder and the fact that the fuel is injected directly into the camera instead of passing through the intake valves. The high injection pressure (200 bar compared to current systems with160 bar) ensures correct spray of gasoline and the combustion mixture to excellent up to 8000 rpm. This in turn boosts performance and reduces fuel consumption by ensuring that the current emission limits are respected.

Direct fuel injection also features a compression ratio of 12.2:1. This is higher than the Ferrari engines with indirect fuel injection. Again the result is better performance and lower fuel consumption. Like other engines from Ferrari, it also has variable timing on both intake and exhaust cams to optimize performance and reduce fuel consumption right across the entire rev range.

Intake and exhaust tracts were designed to provide a high coefficient of efflux and an index of high turbulence. This ensures a good mixing and efficient combustion without interfering with the performance. The exhaust system consists of two metal catalysts matrix (one per cylinder bank), a central pre-silencer and two rear silencers. The goal was to reduce the back pressure, while still respecting the limits of current noise. There are valves in the bypass rear silencers and these are electro-hydraulically controlled by the engine control unit. Adopting a system of secondary air in the cylinder heads means that only a catalyst for the bank is required to maintain pressure to back down even guarantees compliance with Euro 5 standards and very strict lev2 emissions.