Ferrari really made a smart move when they upgraded the Ferrari California to the Ferrari California T.
That car was really received well and even though it was the first turbo-powered Ferrari in a long time
we've all gotten accustomed to it.
I know the car really well, I've driven it for quite some time this summer whilst comparing it with the Mercedes-Benz SL
And it has become a car which I truly appreciate. I really enjoyed driving it!
The first California then. It might not have had the greatest reception but the sales were amazing.
A lot of California-buyers chose the HS-package. HS means Handling Speciale.
It makes the car even more sporty. 20% of the California buyers said "I'd like to have that please."
So, Ferrari thought it'd be a good idea to reintroduce the HS-package on their new California T.
The car will get a little bit sportier, stiffer and a tad more extreme, and then it's the question of how it compares to the normal California
and to it's direct competitors.
The Handling Speciale isn't a stand alone model like the 458 Speciale. The car also doesn't have an increase in power, just the standard 560 hp
from the 3,9 V8 biturbo
It does come with a stiffer suspension, different dampers, a double clutch-gearbox which changes gears 40% faster
and a new, louder exhaustsystem.
Additionally, the traction control-software has been improved, which improves grip on bad roads.
Right, the basics are clear then. But how does it drive? Remember, this is the 'starter'-Ferrari, the cheapest,
the slowest. But that doesn't mean the California T is a lazy car. On the contrary.
It's really quick. Very sporty for a GT. It doesn't really feel like a GT to be honest. It's very agile and light, and you feel that in the ride.
it really melts around you. You can have incredible fun with this thing. It doesn't feel heavy at all!
So it doesn't mean that if you WANT to drive this Ferrari, you'll have to go with the HS-package. Absolutely not.
It really depends on the person. If you're used to a SL63 AMG, a 'normal' California will prove to be a big difference.
due to less comfort, more noise and more emotion. That's why you buy a Ferrari. But if you're used to a 911 Turbo S Convertible
you might miss a little edge on the car. Then the HS-package might offer the solution.
And what Ferrari has cleverly done, isn't improving the car, because that's a judgment call, but extend the California-range.
You can compare it with the Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S. That's almost the same situation.
When it comes to the ride, it's less comfortable but the body also rolls less, and when it comes to tackling hills and such,
I start to notice more direct steering, and when waving from left to right there is less roll. That contributes to more driving pleasure.
So if that's what you want to do with this car, the HS-package is a must! But if you buy the car to go fast and drive on boulevards,
you really don't need the HS-package. When it comes to the price it doesn't really differ, it's about the same.
It all depends on the way you drive whether you need the HS-package or not.