'F149' 430 GT California

[RED]

Just found this....


New Models: Ferrari joins folding hard-top gang with 430

Ferrari is to launch a 2+2 coupe-cabriolet with a folding hard-top roof at the Detroit Motor Show next January, according to Italiaspeed.com.

The 'F149' 430 GT California, styled by Pininfarina, has a 450bhp version of the direct-injection 4.3 V8 engine, and the F1 'Superfast' sequential-shift gearbox as in the F430 Scuderia launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, although manual transmission will be optional.

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It is thought to have a new-generation version of the F430 family's aluminium spaceframe, updated and strengthened to accommodate the roof structure and to provide optimum rigidity roof-down, and to even have a small pair of rear seats, thanks to repositioning of the engine - this model is front-engined, says Italiaspeed.

The 430 GT California will be marketed as a rival for the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and will be significantly cheaper than the F430 Berlinetta and Spider - prices will start from €130,000.

Italiaspeed says that this model is not the so-called 'new Dino', however: it predicts that this 2+2 coupe model, to be the cheapest upcoming Ferrari yet, will follow in 2009, with a 350bhp mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6, and a price tag from around €100,000.

[robin]

Thank You Red :-)

[Testarossa6000]

Italiaspeed Rocks! You'd be surprised what you find in there.

[Shahid]

Thanks for the info :-)

Although I'm all for more affordable Ferrari's I would be a little concerned about diluting the brand name

[ferrarichamp00]

Thanks for the info :-)

Although I'm all for more affordable Ferrari's I would be a little concerned about diluting the brand name

I agree, especially because they are already producing cars at capacity, with many models having waiting lists of many years

[RedRebel40]

what about a 2.4 litre V8 Ferrari car which is comparable with an audi A3 BMW 1 series car?

[DinoFerrari]

more infoez
http://www.autocar.co.uk/contentImages/Car/Ferrari/Dino/2597712847.jpg

Ferrari is set to unveil a surprise new car early in 2008 – but it will not be the long-rumoured ‘new Dino’.

According to sources at the company, the new model will be a front-engined coupe with a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox, a two-plus-two cabin layout, a new 450bhp direct injection V8 engine, and a price tag of just over £130,000; in other words, it’ll be a direct rival for the Aston Martin DB9 and Bentley Continental GT.

The Italian DB9 in detail
Some sources say the new Ferrari – likely codename F149 – will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in early January, and may get the iconic ‘California’ name tag when it arrives in the showroom. However, there’s no clear indication on how far away the car is from production.

A 4.3-litre V8 engine will power the new car, which some sources think will be an updated version of the unit found in the current, mid-engined F430 coupe.

It’s likely to be fitted with direct fuel injection and be good for around 450bhp; slightly less than the F430 two-seater, which suggests that the new car will have a more relaxed, GT-like character. It’ll also be a more usable prospect than the F430; the occasional rear seats should provide enough room for children and smaller adults, while a generous boot out back will swallow much more baggage than an F430.

The firm’s F1 sequential paddleshift transmission is tipped to be fitted to the car as standard.

Scooped: an early prototype
Hard details about Ferrari’s new coupe are very sketchy even though it is said to be close to being made public. However, spy shots have been snatched in Germany of a front-engine coupe wearing fake ‘F599’ cladding.

Close examination of the pictures show a car that is notably smaller than an F599, with a rather smaller nose section and a narrower front track.

Although the central section of the new car looks to be similar to that of the F599, both the front and rear sections look to have been re-worked and re-sized.

One source suggests that ‘F149’ will actually be built around an updated, more rigid, aluminium spaceframe chassis engineered by Ferrari and Alcoa.

This could indicate that the prototype caught by Autocar’s spies is actually a very early engineering mule using a new nose section carrying the new-generation direct-injection V8 engine. If so, the new F149 will be noticeably slimmer hipped than the 599.

A change in model philosophy
This unexpected move into a new market segment by the Italians is based on sound logic. One insider suggests the line of thinking is that Ferrari has a gaping hole in its line up which would be neatly filled by a lower-priced front-engined GT car.

Both Ferrari’s existing GT cars – the 599 GTB Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti - are big bruisers powered by large V12 engines. They’re also priced at the top-end of the market, from £172k and £176k.

Sources have suggested that potential Ferrari buyers are looking for a softer two-plus-two GT that’s an everyday driver, pitched at about the same price as the £130,000 F430.

Ferrari sees its iconic brand as strong enough to carry off the smaller GT at a higher price point than cars similar in concept, but cheaper, like the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT and Porsche 911 Turbo.

All these models are relatively new to the market, and are selling strongly largely because they are practical everyday supercars more useable, and possibly less intimidating, than the mid-engined F430, the traditional entry point for Ferrari ownership.

Ferrari particularly has to take heed of the runaway success of Aston Martin. The British car-maker is already selling more cars each year than Ferrari, and the Rapide four-door, due on sale in late 2009, will further widen the sales gap if Maranello doesn’t act soon.

Those close to the company suggest that this new V8 GT model is the first part of a restructuring programme that will see the firm dumping its four-seater V12 model, currently the 612, and replacing its mid-engined V8 model with a more expensive, but no less economical mid-engined V10.

But whatever Ferrari’s long term plan, with the global economy looking set to cool markedly over the next couple of years, it would also do well to rely less on its high-end models. There is currently an 18-month waiting list for the 599; in five years time, there may not be such demand for V12-engined exotica.

In any case, shaving weight back, making its cars smaller and using a smaller displacement engine are the basic principles behind Ferrari’s new engineering direction, which was revealed at its 60th anniversary celebrations earlier this summer.

The company has promised that the average CO2 output of its cars will be just 250g/km by 2015.

[c-man]

http://img205.imagevenue.com/loc365/th_93271_2_f149_spy_ag_122_365lo.jpg (http://img205.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=93271_2_f149_spy_ag_122_365lo.jpg)

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/spy-shots-ferrari-f149-spotted-sans-butt-camo/

[vagos]

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop-460x253/f430_gt_california_2w.jpg

found this looks interesting i cant wait to see the real pics when the model will be unveilled !!

[ali355]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/ferrari-gt.jpg

It's been photographed for months and referred to alternately as Dino and F149, but for now at least, the newest stallion from Maranello goes by the generic moniker, Ferrari GT. Today, the automaker launched www.ferrarigtcountdown.com where the car will be gradually revealed during the runup to the Paris Motor Show this September. Ferrari promises to feed us technical details, sound files and photos of the car between now and Paris. Right now you can see a few teaser images and hear the engine sing its sweet, sweet song as it starts up, runs up and down through the gears, and screams by at full tilt. The countdown timer on the site currently shows 10 days and 22 hours until something else is revealed. Looks like we can put those Dino-branded rumors to rest for good; whatever this car is officially named, it is most definitely a Ferrari. See you in ten days, when the next puzzle piece hits the web.


from autoblog- http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/ferrari-gt-heading-to-paris-teaser-site-launched/

[Tifoso]

http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/ferrari-california-breaks-cover/

:-)

[vagos]

http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/ferrari-california-breaks-cover/

:-)


that is a nice looking car!!!

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/see.htm?locale=en_GB

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/assets/images/downloads/image3-1280x1024.jpg

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/assets/images/downloads/image1-1024x768.jpg

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/assets/images/downloads/image2-1024x768.jpg

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/assets/images/downloads/image7_1024x768.jpg

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/assets/images/downloads/image6_1024x768.jpg

[vagos]

at this site u can hear as well the engine!!!what a thrill if anyone can record them in good quality i would be grstefull i would like to put the third one at my mob when i am receiving a message!!!

[Yazgaça]

I wonder when they'll release the interior shots... Love it already though...

[Liscia]

I'm still waiting for pictures with the top up.- any out there yet?

[RED]

I'm still waiting for pictures with the top up.- any out there yet?

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/7234/f149ac038303ok3bresizeme8.jpg
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/7586/f149ac038362ok3aresizewn6.jpg
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2395/f149ac038419ok2apertarewq2.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7180/f149ac038419ok2gnewresigx8.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2856/f149ac038419okchiusaareuu5.jpg

[Testarossa6000]

Red - you beat me to it. :-)

More pics here (http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/05/california/gallery/gallery.html)

[RED]

Red - you beat me to it. :-)

More pics here (http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/05/california/gallery/gallery.html)

Hehe, I think it looks pretty nice. :thumb

[vagos]

damn this car looks great!!!!

[Yazgaça]

Yes!!! WANT ONE!!!

[c-man]

I am putting in my order today!

[Ste]

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/7234/f149ac038303ok3bresizeme8.jpg
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/7586/f149ac038362ok3aresizewn6.jpg
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2395/f149ac038419ok2apertarewq2.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7180/f149ac038419ok2gnewresigx8.jpg
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/2856/f149ac038419okchiusaareuu5.jpg
Just WOW! :love

I have never been a fan of convertibles. Even my favourite F430 I didn't like as a Spider. When this was release a few weeks ago, I loved it instantly, even with the roof down. I had yet to see pictures with the roof up, and no I have.

What can I say? I think this might be the most beautiful ferrari to have graced this Planet. The side view is to die for. It's really beautiful, and how the roof folds, well, thats fantastic.

I am very happy that they mounted the engine in the mid front position. I feel convertibles look far better when the engine is at the front. The problem, for me, with the F430 Spider was the length after the seats. Because of the engine. So it looks very flat, from there. This however has the roof mounted a lot closer to the rear end, because the engine is at the front.

I am sure Clarkson will absolutely love this car. Can't wait for it to be on Top Gear. Probably Series 11/12.

I'd like to see it in Red with the roof up.

[fastdriver]

Thanks for the info :-)

Although I'm all for more affordable Ferrari's I would be a little concerned about diluting the brand name
Finally! A little closer to the dream of owning one! :bow :clap

[vagos]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/see.htm?locale=en_GB

go to the site and press at the section see there are new additions!!! amazing videos !!!

[Ste]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/see.htm?locale=en_GB

go to the site and press at the section see there are new additions!!! amazing videos !!!
Wow, that video and sound from the 'See' tab is beautiful. :love

[vagos]

i also like the sounds at the hear tab they r just amazing!!!i wish i could have them in mp3 files so i could use them at my mobile!!

[RED]

http://www.carzi.com/2008/06/15/ferrari-california-spotted-in-the-wild-photos/

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/ca3e61c7821cbe378fff5477d54ed62e.jpg

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/bf44692edd1a8b751310af2ef81a90ed.jpg

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/538457ff0b38040312910535e0afc3db.jpg

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/a6a698871732f0618b663c5b98e57151.jpg

http://www.carzi.com/wp-content/uploads/86a26d500ba87a7c6b8eed682b04400a.jpg

[RED]

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/test-ferrari-california_724158.html

Now, I really like it. :thumb

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6718/5806223861fe769039ft7.jpg

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/1094/58062225f37932a5aesu6.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6613/580622370e84d71112fk3.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1024/58062236e94c289d5fif1.jpg

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2684/58062235c59267d902qn9.jpg

[Dino Scuderia]

The California is what happens when the bean counters screw the designers without a condom. bleh.

[Testarossa6000]

Michael Schumacher is currently completing the track and road development stages of the Ferrari California, the new 8-cylinder model due to be officially unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show on October 2nd this year.

The seven times Formula 1 world champion has been involved in the development of the latest Prancing Horse road car since its inception and has worked with Ferrari’s team of engineers, technicians and test-drivers on honing the car in general, but more specifically on optimising its performance parameters.

“I have to say that, as with the 430 Scuderia, participating in the project since the very beginning has been really fascinating and great fun,” commented Schumacher at the end of a test session at the Fiorano circuit. “Although the cars are very different, they both offer absolutely unique driving pleasure
because of the inherently sporty character of all of the cars that come out of Maranello. The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance. However, although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions.”

Schumacher also recently addressed the Ferrari dealer convention in Maranello and explained the differences between the two 8-cylinders: “They were designed to meet different requirements: the 430 Scuderia is aimed at drivers who want the very essence of a Ferrari and will get it out on the track as often as they can.

“The Ferrari California, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver.”

Michael Schumacher’s contribution to the development of the Ferrari California has resulted in a car that delivers extraordinary performance: it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, delivering superb driving pleasure whilst still being exceptionally comfortable and versatile.

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/07/california_schumacher/102.jpg

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/07/california_schumacher/101.jpg

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/ferrari/07/california_schumacher/103.jpg

[Rosso Corsa]

I've tried. God knows I've tried. But I don't like it. All that's missing from the photo's is Paris Hilton sat behind the wheel. And that's a bad thing by the way :-D

[DJTaurus]

autocar.tv Review
http://www.autocar.co.uk/VideosWallpapers/Videos.aspx?AR=235449&CT=V

[vagos]

thanks for the link sakis!!

[vagos]

it is a nice car for sure but i prefer the 430..........or 599.......

[Nova]

When a new car comes out, it takes me awhile to know if I like it...this car is beautiful, especially with the top in place...its hard to gauge the actual size of the car w/out seeing it live..I remember the 1st time I saw a 550..I was surprised at how big the car looked in person...

[kheopsb]

http://www.ferraricalifornia.com/webapp/see.htm?locale=en_GB

go to the site and press at the section see there are new additions!!! amazing videos !!!
...WOW...

[kheopsb]

Wow, that video and sound from the 'See' tab is beautiful. :love
The idiot in me expected to have a California delivered after clicking the "Feel" tab :oops

[kenny]

*driving through tunnel* - "hahahah" :lol

[kenny]

d_qtVgwTPIU

[Ste]

Buongiorno Michael!

Cheers for sharing Kenny - it sure is a beautiful car.

And very sportive! :-D