With about 40 million residents, across a massive area of about 163,696 square miles, geographically, California, is the third largest and the most populous state in America, making it quite an important and highly significant state. However, the “California” we are concerned with here has more to do with mechanics than geography. It’s the amazingly gorgeous Ferrari California, a high-performance grand tourer, and the spiritual successor to the iconic 1957 Ferrari 250 GT California.

Unveiled at the October 2008 Paris Motor Show, the entry model of modern California is quite a revolutionary car as it incorporated several concepts that were seen for the first time on a Ferrari road car. The grand tourer was upgraded a couple of times during its production reign that lasted till 2017, and in total, more than 17,000 units of the model were produced in all variants. We are quite thrilled by the awesome Ferrari California, and the amazing attributes we’ve listed here are the reasons why.

10 Powertrain

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via: Facebook

Notably, California came fitted with a 4.3-liter V8 built entirely from aluminum. The engine features direct fuel injection and variable timing for an enviable performance delivery, amazing handling, and an emission level that meets even the most stringent standards.

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via: Miller Motors

Also, the engine adopted regular Ferrari architecture, which positions the two cylinder banks at 90° to each other and using a 180° crank. Maximum output is rated at 460 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, while maximum torque is 358 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm.

RELATED: Automakers History: How Enzo Ferrari Became A Legendary Race Car Driver And Automobile Maker

9 Adoption Of GDI

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Generally, fuel injection is the science of introducing fuel into an internal combustion engine through an injector, while gasoline direct injection (GDI) involves mixture formation for internal combustion engines using gasoline as fuel is sent directly into the intake manifold. The advantages of this system are enormous as it helps return better mpg, higher power output, and leaner fuel mixtures.

Ferrari California
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Also, GDI helps deliver a precise amount of fuel and injection timings while accurately controlling emissions levels. Amazingly, California was the first Ferrari road car to adopt GDI.

8 Performance

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Performance is arguably the most enticing attribute of any car. Often, a guaranteed great performance will surely win several enthusiasts’ hearts over other automotive attributes. That said, California didn’t disappoint performance-wise. Its amazing 460 horsepower-producing V8 helps the car to a top speed of 193mph.

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via: Reddit

Also, the car’s awesome speed prowess is further heightened by the adoption of a dual-clutch transmission, hence, it can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in a mere four seconds. More impressively, these number even gets crazier in the updated versions of California.

7 Radical Design

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Ferrari California has quite an eccentric design courtesy of Pininfarina S.p.A. Purposely aimed at swaying new prospective car owners to the Ferrari brand, the design of the Ferrari California was developed under the supervision of talented Japanese industrial designer Ken Okuyama.

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via: Miller Motorcars

Built as a grand tourer, California is given a marginally higher ride height in comparison to its predecessors. Also, the car features an incredibly strong chassis that was designed and produced by the Ferrari division of Carrozzeria Scaglietti.

6 Comfortable Cabin

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California is also quite enthralling for its highly comfortable interior. The car has a classy interior design, and it has a high in-car comfort standard. The interior was available in two configuration choices of a two-seater, plus rear seats, designed to accommodate two roller suitcases and 2+ configuration fitted with two rear seats, two seat belts, and Isofix attach points.

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via: Mecum

Furthermore, California received a new infotainment setup that features a 6.5” touchscreen, USB port, Sat Nav, iPod connector, and voice command.

RELATED: 10 Fast Facts About Enzo Ferrari

5 Stop/Start Technology

Ferrari California
via: Classic Trader

Another remarkable feature that was configured into California is the stop and start technology. Specifically, this feature (also called the High Emission / Low Emission system) shuts off the engine after a prolonged period of idleness and starts it again when the accelerator pedal is engaged.

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Widely criticized by Ferrari enthusiasts upon California’s introduction, the technology however has immense benefits, as it helps achieve significant tax savings in some governmental jurisdictions. Notably, California was the first-ever Ferrari road car to adopt the technology.

4 Great Handling

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California’s chassis and bodyshell are made entirely from aluminum, and this earns the model an improved versatility as well as great onboard comfort and drivability. Also, the car possesses exceptional handling in diverse road conditions due to its improved static rigidity.

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via: Flickr

Furthermore, California maintained Ferrari’s traditional double wishbone suspension for the front section while the rear section received a new specially built multilink system. In essence, this setup helps the car neutralize noises and vibrations, while also canceling out any unevenness for the smoothest of rides.

3 Retractable Hardtop

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For convertible car fanatics, nothing might be as cool as a retractable hardtop. It’s an automated self-storing hardtop that is more practical in all climates as it offers advanced climate control in comparison to textile roofs. Also, a retractable hardtop offers improved security.

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California is the first hardtop convertible Ferrari with a folding metal roof. The roof is made from aluminum panels, and cast aluminum is used to fabricate the moving masses and weight-bearing structures. Only 14 seconds is required to open and close the entire system.

RELATED: 5 Most Reliable Ferraris Ever (5 That Are Best Avoided)

2 Improved Aerodynamics

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via: Chicago Motor Cars

Aerodynamically, the California is superior to its predecessors. The California’s aerodynamics were developed in synergy with the car’s styling, and this helped Ferrari maintain a considerably low drag coefficient for an appropriate downforce. Also, Ferrari tried finding the right balance between drag and vertical load, leading to the style of the rear diffuser and spoiler added to the front bumper.

Ferrari California
via: Supersprint

These modifications helped California achieve 10% lower drag in comparison with other Ferrari models, making it a more aerodynamically efficient car than its peers.

1 Heightened Safety

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No one wants to feel unsafe in a car they’ve spent a good sum of money to acquire, and this fact isn’t lost on most automotive companies. Hence, Ferrari provided adequate safety apparatus in California for heightened protection.

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These are ejectable roll-bar for adequate protection of occupants in event of an overturn. Also, the car is fitted with onboard safety equipment such as the front airbags on both the driver and passenger sides, as well as airbags in door panels, among others.