Ferrari’s all-new California T is a stunning topless, turbocharged Italian supercar

By Nick Jaynes February 12, 2014

What you see above is the all-new 2015 Ferrari California T. And it’s significant for a whole host of reasons. Not only is the new model far better looking than its predecessor (the best-selling Ferrari of all-time), it’s also Ferrari’s first forced-induction model since the F40.

The California T is motivated by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 that makes 552 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque. These numbers are quite significant, too. Power is up 62 horses and torque is up 49 percent over the current California. All that power – when routed through the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – is good for a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph.

This isn’t grandpa’s California anymore. The steering ratio is up 50 percent and – thanks to beefier brakes – a slamming stop from 62 mph is accomplished in 111.5 feet. This sort of stopping force is enough to cause you to see through time, albeit for a split second.

The interior is a bit more refined than the last model, too. It features a 6.5-inch touch screen, which will offer Apple Carplay. Notably, Ferrari will be one of the first global automakers to offer the new Apple-based infotainment system.

Also on that dash you’ll see a Turbo Response gauge, which is a bit easier for your trophy wife to comprehend than a turbo boost meter. Also, when you take her out for a top-down shopping spree, the new hardtop folding roof allows for more trunk space than ever before.

Don’t balk at a turbo’d California. Ferrari claims the new turbos allow for a 15-percent increase in efficiency, which equates to a 29.6 mpg rating on the European drive cycle.

Although the official debut of the California T doesn’t happen until the Geneva Motor Show next month, Buyers will be able to place their turbocharged orders starting in March.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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Parental drama aside, the all-new Renault Alpine continues ascent toward 2016 release

Renault Alpine

The Renault Alpine has lived a considerably tumultuous life thus far, which is especially impressive considering the car hasn’t even been finished yet.
Once a joint venture between French carmaker Renault and British track car specialist Caterham, the Alpine is now solely a Renault project, as the two companies ended their affiliation in April.
At the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn told What Car that despite its checkered past, the Alpine is “continuing as planned.”
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Related: Anglo-French alliance ends as Renault takes full control of Alpine sports car
Rumor has it that Caterham wanted to progress the Alpine a bit faster than Renault was comfortable with, but no official statement regarding the catalyst of the split has been made.
Like a child stuck in between bickering parents, the car is what truly suffered. But now, free of transcontinental litigation, the Alpine can finally stretch its legs and grow exclusively under the Renault banner.
“While it would have been better to split the investment with a partner, it wasn’t possible to agree it,” continued Ghosn. “Now it is better that we go alone.”
After everything it’s gone through, we just hope the Alpine is worth the wait.

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Purebred perfection: 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta revealed

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Apparently, ‘aperta’ means ‘open’ in Italian. Does anybody know how to say, ‘Oh my god it’s so pretty can I have one please??’

The purebred beauty you see above is the 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta, a limited-edition droptop celebrating Ferrari’s “most successful award-winning 8-cylinder model.”

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