Wealth

California knows how to party

By the thinkBIG Team

..and just like a party, the redeeming feature of this $500,000 prancing horse is not its looks, its handling, power, or even its folding roof – it's the soundtrack!

I am convinced that they spent as much time engineering the engine and exhaust note on the California as they did any other part of the car. Words cannot describe how good this car sounds. I'm also sure the only reason the manufacturers made it convertible is so that you can better hear the screaming V8 as you rip through the gears on your way to a limited 310km/h.

The California is a step in a new direction for Ferrari. Designed to be more versatile, with the engine in the front, a boot (although you don't want to be packing more than a briefcase), folding hardtop, plush interior and designer looks, it will go head to head with cars such as the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Mercedes Benz SL600, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet and the upcoming Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible. If you have half a million dollars to drop on a car, the choice has never been better!

Many purists have questioned whether Ferrari, famous for F1 style road cars, can (or should) build a car like the California. Many fear it will lose the essence of what Ferrari is all about. But I think they have done it. It certainly sounds the part, looks fantastic and handles extremely well. It draws plenty of attention as you'd expect. Style wise the California is the first Ferrari I have ever seen where the rear looks better that the front, especially with the roof up.

The engine is a torque-biased evolution of the F430s 4.3-litre  V8 with direct injection, mated to a new DSG-style seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A match made in heaven. When you are accelerating hard, the engine screams that trademark Ferrari high pitched wail, then when you pull the right gear lever to change up, the engine snaps and cracks into the next gear as your rocket forward even faster. It sounds as if the car is ejecting   the gears out of the tailpipes – no longer required – as it   accelerates like the world is about to end. It's that dramatic. Do it in a tunnel, roof off and it will literally make your hairs stand on end.

You will notice that the bonnet is very long, that is because the V8 is mounted behind the front axles for better weight distribution. I don't know how they shoved it in there but they did. The flywheel must literally be underneath the Sat Nav screen. The engine bay is so beautiful – I'm surprised there is not an option for a clear plastic bonnet. I'm sure many buyers would take it.

Oh did I mention that there are rear seats? Technically anyway. They are not practical for adults or long trips but you can shove someone back there. If they sit sideways and you take the roof off, it's not that bad and there were plenty of volunteers who didn't mind the zero legroom. It's all good fun if you ask me.

The back seats are fantastic for luggage, laptop, small kids and the like. This is a hugely practical supercar – something you can genuinely take up into the country for a few days – luggage and   all. Or just use as an everyday car.

Inside, it's as plush as any luxury BMW, Audi or Merc. Looking dead ahead it's all business with a big yellow tacho, sports steering wheel and paddle shift levers. Turn your head to the left and the interior is filled with plush tan leather, comfy electric adjustable seats and brushed aluminium. It's impressive by any standards.

Push the big red START button and the V8 fires up with a deliberate and impressive growl. It's loud enough to scare any bystanders. The engine then settles into a quiet rumble – like a big bear sleeping. Unlike many supercars, the California can be driven in a relaxed and quiet manner around town. Pop   the gearbox into auto mode and so long as you don't nail the   throttle (easier said than done), it will trundle quietly and calmly   around Sydney. The exhaust only comes to life if you want it to.

So who will buy the California? Well rich people of course but more specifically, this is a car that the wife can use to do a   bit of shopping and the husband can use for track days. Then the both of them can throw in some weekend luggage and head up the coast to the weekend retreat. It's the best of both worlds: cruisey, crazy, quiet and refined, fast and exciting. It has supercar looks, designer appeal, hardtop practicality and   convertible fun.

Is it worth $479,000 + on roads? Of course not – no car is. But common sense and value for money has never been a selling feature of the Ferrari. However for those who are cashed up and   have a passion for all things beautiful, it's certainly a good choice.

Thanks goes to the Supercar Club for letting thinkBIG experience the Ferrari California. For a fraction of the price of the California, and without all the maintenance and insurance   hassles of supercar ownership, members can experience some of the worlds most exciting and exclusive supercars. For more information, visit www.supercarclub.com.au