During a parade lap at the Italian automaker’s Ferrari World Final, CEO Luca di Montezemolo managed to get a new Ferrari California stuck in a gravel trap on the track in Valencia, Spain. Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were on board waving to the crowd as Montezemolo randomly turned the steering wheel and ended up in the gravel pit.

Embarrassing? Yes. Nonetheless, Ferrari had another California waiting for Montezemolo to continue his parade lap.

Click through for the video.

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- By: Kap Shah

For those of you that admire Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, you probably knew that yesterday was the premiere of Top Gear Series 14. We’ve just found some YouTube videos cover a segment of the show where the Top Gear crew drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Ferrari California and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder through Romania.

We recommend watching these videos right away since YouTube might yank them after BBC gives them a call.

Click through for the videos.

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- By: Kap Shah

Watching some of the world’s most exotic supercars falling into the hands of people that can’t drive them doesn’t even surprise us anymore. This week, check out two friends racing their Ferrari Californias in the streets of Sofia, Bulgaria.

“They were speeding around corners when one of them lost control, clipped a car, and crashed into some construction equipment,” according to the folks over at WreckedExotics.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WreckedExotics

It’s not as if the Ferrari California isn’t already one of the sexiest and most powerful cars on the road; however, Hamann felt it could do a little more with some modifications.

The designers added some visual upgrades including a carbon fiber hood, a new front spoiler, new side skirts, a back spoiler, a three-part rear diffuser and 21-inch HAMANN aluminum wheels. Hamann is also offering numerous interior modifications to have your California fit your taste.

Power comes from Ferrari’s 4.3L v8 engine with output increased by 20 percent for a total of 525-hp.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Hamann Ferrari California:

Press Release:

Refining super sports cars is more than just business for the company HAMANN Motorsport. Their passion for detail, for something special and unique is the main incentive for extraordinary modifications. The latest stroke of genius once again confirms this. The HAMANN interpretation of the Ferrari California with its exclusive and extensive refining programme does not only make the hearts of real Ferrari fans beat faster.

Most of all, the car body kit proves that HAMANN does not only focus on changing the visual appearance. Apart from design elements such as a bonnet made of carbon fibre, specific modifications at the front, sides and back boost the aerodynamics. Thereby, the front spoiler reduces the lifting forces of the California which significantly improves the handling and agility. Moreover, the unobtrusive side skirt set calms the airflow between both axles. And moreover, a back spoiler increases the contact pressure. Here, the HAMANN engineers agreed on a small wing profile which considerably enhances the car body design. As the combination with the perfectly integrated and three-part rear diffuser renders enough grip for the road. Mainly on country roads with many curves, the HAMANN aerodynamics kit unravels its power and generates pure driving pleasure.

The extra agility and handling gives room for more performance. Also here, HAMANN-Motorsport contributes its know-how. An adjustment for the motor management is in preparation and a sport exhaust system will also be especially engineered for this sports car. This combination will advance the performance of the serial 4.3 litre V8 engine with 460 hp by up 20 percent.

Another technical highlight in the offered tuning programme is the multi-part HAMANN aluminium wheel called EDITION RACE. The black varnished rim star and the titanium bolting of the high-gloss polished rim flange emphasise the racing character. As the wheel is produced in forged technology, it is extremely light. This reduces the unsprung masses which noticeably improves both the acceleration and the braking response. The recommended wheel-tyre combination measures

9.0Jx21 inches with 245/30ZR21 tyres for the front and 12.5Jx21 rims with wheels measuring 345/25ZR21 are fitted at the back. The wheel-tyre combination is perfectly enhanced by the suspension which is used in order to lower the sports car.

Also in the interior, HAMANN has a lot to offer to its customers. In addition to the serially offered interior, HAMANN Motorsport offers an extensive programme, ranging from personalised floor mats to a perfectly finished complete leather interior.

- By: Kap Shah

There are a certain number of rules we follow when we receive a new press car for the week. Obviously safety being our first concern, we try not to get out of control when testing a new a car. However, with high-performance models, its a bit difficult not to loosen up a bit and push the limits of the car (especially if it’s not your car).

An Australian journalist was caught driving a Ferrari California at 144 mph – prompting the police to charge him with reckless driving, issuing a huge speeding-ticket and impounding the California under the so-called “hoon legislation” for seven days.

The Ferrari California is one of the only two in Australia and was being driven by Financial Review auto writer Rod Easdown.

2009 Ferrari California:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoCar

One of the most outstanding attractions at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the Sunday Times Supercar Runs. Ferrari announced today that its Scuderia Spider 16M completed the 1.16 mile hillclimb in an incredible time of 59 seconds.

Ferrari has released a video of the Scuderia Spider 16M doing its lap at Goodwood 2009 along with videos of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE package and the Ferrari California.

Make sure you turn up the volume before watching the videos.

You can check out all the videos after the jump.

Ferrari at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009:

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at Goodwood 2009:

Ferrari California at Goodwood 2009:

Ferrari California at Goodwood 2009 in car:

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE at Goodwood 2009:

Press Release:

FERRARI SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M COMPLETES THE SUPERCAR RUN IN UNDER 1 MINUTE AT THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Ferrari showcased three of its latest supercars in the Sunday Times Supercar Runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: the innovative Ferrari California, the remarkable 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package, and the limited edition Scuderia Spider 16M. To the appreciation of packed crowds which lined the hillclimb under gorgeous blue skies throughout the weekend, Ferrari fans were thrilled by the distinctive growl and bark of the V8 and V12 engines that make the Prancing Horse cars such a fan’s favourite at this event.

In a remarkable demonstration of driving finesse and incredible agility, the Scuderia Spider 16M completed the 1.16 mile hillclimb in an incredible time of 59 seconds – and a video of this astonishing drive is available for download. It makes compelling viewing.

Also available for download are similar videos of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package and the Ferrari California, with an additional “over-the-shoulder” shot of the California which demonstrates the latest addition to the Ferrari range is every inch a true thoroughbred Ferrari. These videos are broadcast quality files which are available free of copyright for editorial purposes only.

In addition to the videos and images attached to this release, a further selection of images of all the Ferrari cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed are available from the Ferrari North Europe press office, including the three Ferrari cars participating in the Sunday Times Supercar Run, the Championship winning 2008 F1 driven by Marc Gene, and all the historical and classic cars on display or participating in other hillclimb categories.

- By: Mo Eladawy

Remember the first unit of the 2010 Audi R8 V10 and the Ferrari California that were being auctioned at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance in Florida? Wonder how much each unit went for?

Host, Howie Mandell helped auction of the first unit of the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI for a total of $500,000. That is well above the car’s sticker price of $180,000 (we’re not sure if that is official price set by Audi for the US-spec model). The Ferrari California, on the other hand, didn’t bring in much selling for total of $350,000, which is $125,000 over its $225,000 sticker price.

Together both cars helped raise more than $1 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro:

Source: AutoWeek

While the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI isn’t confirmed to come to the stateside, the first unit of the car will be auctioned off at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. The new V10 powered R8 will be joined by the first unit of the Ferrari California (for the U.S. at least).

Despite the current economic situation, both cars are expected to draw a significant bid. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Deal Or No Deal and Howie Do It star Howie Mandell will be on hand to auction off the two cars and we expect him to say “deal or no deal” at the end of the auction.

Check out the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance site for more info.

Refresher:
2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI: Power comes from a 5.2L V10 producing a total of 528-hp. Mated to a R-tronic transmission the R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro goes from 0 to 60 mph comes in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.

Ferrari California: Powered by a 4.3L V8 making 460 horsepower mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-60 comes in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 193mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery of both cars.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro:

Ferrari California:

Trying to figure out what to do during the last few minutes before you log out and head home? You’re in luck. Ferrari has just launched its online configurator for the new Ferrari California.

The Ferrari California comes in over 27 exterior colors, 12 different leather options, three different wheel styles and five difference brake caliper color choices. There are over 4,860 combination choices.

Head over to the Ferrari California site to play around and let us know you favorite combo in the comments section below.

Still bored – check out our photo gallery of the Ferrari California from the 2008 LA Auto Show after the jump.

Ferrari California – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

• •  You’ve probably seen it countless times on eGMCarTech.
• •  4.3L V8 making 460-hp and 357 lb-ft torque; 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• •  0 to 62 mph in less than 4 seconds; top speed of 193 mph.
• •  Drops its hard-top in just 15 seconds.

We hate to think you’re getting sick of reading about the Ferrari California, but since we’re providing you live coverage from the 2008 LA Auto Show and Ferrari held a press conference for it, we feel the need to bring you the pictures and the info.

Info? The Ferrari California is sold out for the next to years. Pricing starts at over $250,000. Oh and for you fuel-economy conscious readers, the Ferrari California gets a combined fuel-economy of 18 mpg.

Follow the jump for high-res images from the 2008 LA Auto Show.

Ferrari California – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

Here it is – the first video review of the new Italian stallion, the Ferrari California. Check out the video from AutoCar (after the jump), as they give us a closer look at the new 2009 California inside-out.

Refresher: Power comes from a 4.3L V8 producing 460 horsepower engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-60 comes in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 193mph.

Follow the jump for the video.

2009 Ferrari California:

2009 Ferrari California:

Don’t get too excited – this is not a video of Michael Schumacher taking the Ferrari California around the Nordschleife. This short clip shows Ferrari’s main man showing off the new California at Ferrari Racing Days at the Nurburgring.

Michael Schumacher attended to present the Ferrari California to the audience on a rainy day and then took it around a short circuit. Schumacher played a very hands-on roll in the development of the new California working out the technical details while testing it on the track and the roads.

You can check out the video after the jump.

Michael Schumacher shows Ferrari California at Nurburgring:

Video: Schumacher shows Ferrari California at Nurburgring:

2009 Ferrari California:

Source: Jalopnik

We’ve seen countless photos of the new 2009 Ferrari California, but what better place to see the new Italian stallion than in the Golden State itself.

Check out these new images of the sold out 2009 Ferrari California driving the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge.

Refresher: Power comes from a 4.3L V8 producing 460 horsepower engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-60 comes in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 193mph.

Click through for more high-res images.

Ferrari California:

Source: autoblog.it

What financial crisis? Ferrari is expecting record sales in 2008 and at its Ferrari California debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show today, the Italian automaker said it has sold out of the convertible until 2011. Ferrari has sold the entire 2009 and 2010 production of the $246,724 hard-top California.

According to Ferrari’s boss Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, 60 percent of buyers who have ordered the car have never bought a Ferrari. Montezemolo said that Ferrari will not be increasing production to meet demand and will continue with the 2,800 units planned for 2009 and the 3,000 planned for 2010.

Refresher: Power comes from a 4.3L V8 producing 460 horsepower engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-60 comes in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 193mph.

Live from Paris 2008: Ferrari California:

Ferrari California:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

The new 2009 Ferrari California won’t make its world debut until the 2008 Paris Motor Show but it was unveiled to a lucky few last week on Thursday. Ferrari held a star-studded event in Maranello and in Santa Monica, California ahead of the car’s scheduled launch on Oct. 2nd.

The Santa Monica event also featured a charity auction where the first Ferrari California was sold for $520,000. That’s a whole lot of money and double what the expected retail price is going to be for the new Ferrari.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand to except the charity on behalf of After Schools All Stars, a charity which helps under-privileged school children.

Click through for high-res pictures of the Ferrari California.

2009 Ferrari California:

Source: WhatCar

Ferrari is holding the world premiere of the new Ferrari California today right before it shows it at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The premiere will take place in Maranello and will be shown live online at www.ferraricalifornia.com at 22:00 Italian time.

The event is being held live at Ferrari’s new assembly line and celebrities like Michael Schumacher will be attending and helping Ferrari unveil the California. Ferrari will also show its latest Italian stallion in California at Santa Monica Airport, just outside LA.

There’s less than 2 hours to go so if you want to catch the world premiere head over to www.ferraricalifornia.com

Click through for our high-res gallery.

2009 Ferrari California:

The 2009 Ferrari California is ready to make its public debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show this October. We’ll get our first stateside look at the 2008 LA Auto Show in November. But before the Ferrari California hits markets next year, Ferrari will add some options.

According to EVO magazine, the 10 percent of Ferrari customers still want a manual transmission – so of course, Ferrari will offer its customers what they want. Before the California goes on sale next year, Ferrari will add a manual option along with a new HGTC handling package that is offered on the 612 Scaglietti. Th HGTC handling package will give the 460-hp Ferrari California lightweight wheels and upgraded suspension.

Hmm, we’re wondering what a Ferrari California Scuderia will look like.

2009 Ferrari California:

Source: EVO (via AutoBlog)

Besides the photo galleries that keep popping up of the new Italian stallion, we’ll have to wait until the 2008 LA Auto Show to get our first, in person look at the new Ferrari California. Fortunately, AutoCar was invited down to get a closer look at the new California and packed up their video cameras to give us what could be the first ‘real’ video of the car.

Refresher: Powered by a 4.3L V8 producing 460 horsepower engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-60 comes in just under 4 seconds with a top speed of 193mph.

Click through for the video.

2009 Ferrari California: