Cars & Bikes – 3 |

The hottest star at the Ferrari pavilion without a doubt was the California-Maranello’s first coupe convertible as well as the first Ferrari to feature a dual clutch semi-auto box. As the first drive report from our colleagues at CAR UK suggests, the California is no poodle. With an enticing V8 growl, the California is a solid performer though not as razor sharp and track focused as say, the F430. It will appeal to the wives of the petrol heads, but as Ferrari boss, Luca di Montezemolo pointed out, they will have to be careful while driving it. Luca also stressed on the fact that there was no chance that the California will dilute Ferrari’s brand values. No more than 2800 of these 460bhp, V8 front engined cars will be produced for 2009 and they will be spread across the world to maintain the exclusivity of the brand and prevent it from becoming ubiquitous. Ferrari, Fiat or Ford , they are all after money, and while the hardcore Ferrari fans may not be too pleased with the California, it makes business sense.