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Ferrari California T-take two. It's boosted in more ways than one now: a vastly improved car

Good stuff

Masses of easily accessible power, handling and ride, practical-ish

Bad stuff

Steering a bit over-sharp, especially for cruising

Overview

What is it?

The California is Ferrari’s softest car, but the gentle roadster has been given a highly significant kick up the chuff courtesy an all-new twin-turbo V8 that delivers 552bhp and 557lb ft. This new engine suits the car’s easy-driving character, as well as letting you go longer before stopping for fuel. 

New exterior panels shed the awkwardness of the former shape. Other innovations include slightly firmer springs for better handling, with re-tuned adaptive dampers for a better ride. If that's not your bag, spec the £5,568 Handling Speciale pack with even stiffer springs, a nosier exhaust and new gearbox software. However underneath, the California is the same all-aluminium folding hard-top 2+2 as before. 

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Our choice from the range

What's the verdict?

Much-improved (and very fast), it now deserves the badge on its nose.

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