Ferrari
Ferrari California: The Folding-Hardtop Grand Tourer
The California was a front-engine V8 grand tourer with a folding hardtop, marking several firsts for Ferrari as a more usable model.
Launched in 2008, the California was a significant new direction for Ferrari: a front-engine V8 grand tourer with a retractable folding hardtop, aimed at a broader, more usable luxury market. It was Ferrari's first front-engine V8 and first folding-hardtop convertible.
Powered by a 4.3-liter (later 3.9-liter turbo in the California T) V8 mounted up front, it offered strong performance with everyday comfort, a 2+2 layout, and refined grand touring manners. It brought new buyers to the brand.
The California broadened Ferrari's appeal as a more accessible, usable grand tourer, blending open-top luxury with genuine Ferrari performance and style.