2015-Ferrari-California-T-rear-side-view-parked

Elsewhere inside the California T you'll notice a few other new touches. The most obvious is the Turbo Performance Engineer, a gauge between the center air vents that displays all sorts of interesting information. It's mostly for the front passenger, though, because it's too far out of your sight line to spend any time looking at it while you're driving. In addition to a straight boost gauge (which curiously maxes at 0.9 bar, or 13 psi, when Ferrari says max boost is 1.2 bar, or 17.4 psi), there are the Turbo Response and Turbo Efficiency gauges (and a clock and outside temperature). The first is essentially a turbo lag meter, telling you how much the turbos are spooled up at the moment. It never seems to drop below 30 percent when driving, and quickly jumps to 100 percent with enough throttle. The second is alternatively an eco gauge and a power gauge. Drive nicely and you'll get maximum efficiency. Drive hard and you'll know how much power the engine has left in it, or at least your passenger will. You cycle between screens by tapping anywhere on the touch-sensitive bezel.

You'll get more use out of the updated infotainment system. Though it looks similar to the old, outdated Chrysler system, it has been thoroughly updated with new graphics and a new user interface that's cleaner, easier to use, and more responsive. It's not the greatest system on the market, but at least it's no longer a leftover from the Dodge Grand Caravan parts bin.

2015-Ferrari-California-T-interior-from-above

The infotainment system sits in a redesigned dash that is similar in design and layout to the old car, but updated to match the rest of Ferrari's current models. The new steering wheel takes on more functions and the gauges are now borrowed from the rest of the lineup with their yellow-backed tachometer. The new seats are a bit more stylish and though they're thinner, they're plenty comfortable for a full day of driving while still being supportive in hard corners.

Overall, the new California T is a highly capable GT car and improved in every measurable way from its predecessor. Even in non-tangible ways, it's better as well. Though I'm one of the few who liked the looks of the old car, I agree this one looks better. It's more comfortable and it's even easier to drive. Almost too easy. In fact, my initial impression of the car was that some of the passion was missing. It reminded me of the McLaren 12C in that it was incredibly capable, but didn't make me fall in love. It was clinical. Where the California T has triumphed in pragmatism, it's failed somewhat in instrumentalism. It's a better GT car. It's a better California. But is it a better Ferrari? I'm not as convinced.

The better question, though, is does it matter? The prejudices I carry with regard to what a Ferrari is or ought to be are not necessarily those of the typical California buyer. If you're like me, you'd be buying a 458. Not because the California isn't a great car, but because it's not what I want from a Ferrari. But the California is a wonderful car for its intended customer, and no matter what we purists think, that's what matters. This California will continue to be Ferrari's best-seller and it has every reason to be.

2015 Ferrari California T
Base price	$198,000 (est)
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door convertible
Engine	3.9L/553-hp/557-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC V-8
Transmission	7-speed twin-cl. auto
Curb weight	3850 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	105.1 in
Length x width x height	179.9 x 75.2 x 52.0 in
0-60 MPH	3.6 sec (mfr est)
EPA city/hwy/comb fuel econ	16/22/18 mpg (MT est)
Energy Cons., City/Hwy	211/153 kW-hrs/100 miles (est)
CO2 emissions, comb	1.06 lb/mile (est)
On Sale in U.S.	September 2014

2015-Ferrari-California-T-in-blue-side-view