Ferrari Press Release
The project, which goes by the internal code name of 660, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations that come into force this year, which include very many new elements. As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, these modifications are the result of the work carried out by the OWG (Overtaking Working Group,) set up by the FIA in collaboration with the teams to produce a set of rules aimed at encouraging more overtaking on track: the front wing, which has a neutral central profile, common to all, is developed mainly on its side elements and is much wider than in the past: the bodywork can no longer carry the slotted apertures that had characterised the Ferrari cars over the past few years.
Other aerodynamic devices are also significantly reduced; the rear wing is higher and narrower than in the past; the diffuser has been moved rearward. The combination of changes naturally led the initial design phase down radically different routes when it came to the side pods and protection components: the apertures have been reduced in size and moved rearward, while the upper and rear elements are larger to aid the exit of air.
The design also takes into account two other significant changes in the 2009 regulations: the possibility of using a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and the reintroduction of "slick" tyres. The KERS on the F60 was designed by Ferrari in collaboration with Magneti Marelli and is centrally mounted on the engine under the rear part of the chassis; its management has involved all departments of the Gestione Sportiva. The return to tyres with no grooves is another element which is down to the work of the OWG, as is the introduction of a flap on the front wing that can be adjusted by the driver when the car is moving.
The software for managing this tool, as well as for the KERS, was designed in Maranello. The transmission has been redesigned to optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. The gearbox casing is again made in carbon and is still positioned longitudinally. The gearbox is fitted with a speed shifter. There is also a new braking system, with callipers designed by Brembo. Other important rule changes for this year stem from the work of FIA and FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) aimed at producing a significant reduction in the teams' operational costs.
Accordingly, the maximum permitted engine speed has been reduced to 18,000 rpm and the distance target for each unit is now around 2,500 kilometres. Furthermore, modifications have been made to the inlet trumpets, the position of the injectors and the configuration of the exhausts. The changes to the regulations mean that, on the reliability front, Shell has played a fundamental role in defining the lubricants for both the engine and gearbox.
As usual, the technical partners have played an important part right from the design and development stage of the entire car. Apart from the aforementioned Shell, a significant contribution has been made by the FIAT Research Centre, especially in the use of its simulation systems and by Brembo, in the development of the braking system. As usual, great attention has been paid to the management and optimisation of the materials used, at the design stage and through quality control, aimed at maximising performance while maintaining the highest possible levels of safety.
Source: Ferrari Press Releases
2009 Ferrari F60 F1 Racecar
Ferrari California (2009-) Review
Summary of the Ferrari California (2009-)
Price Range: No data available
Assets
Speed, handling, noise, resistance to depreciation.
Drawbacks
Very expensive, disappointing looks, joke rear seats.
Verdict
A convincing supercar, coupe and convertible all in one package.
Ferrari California Review
Overview
In recent times, Ferrari has busied itself doing what it has always done best: building ultra-quick, heart-stoppingly exciting cars. And products like the 599 GTB and the 430 Scuderia have shown the proud Maranello marque to be absolutely on top of its game.
But now it's taking a very different tack, abandoning its heartland and going after a more mainstream audience. These customers are likely to be preoccupied with show rather than go and won't look at any car unless it can prove itself sufficiently adaptable to fit their lives. They won't think such a car's failings are characterful, as might a diehard Ferrari fan, nor will they tolerate a lack of comfort and refinement as being a price worth paying.
Ferrari's offering to them, then, is this new £143,320 California. It's a complete departure: not just from any Ferrari you can buy today, but any in the 60 year history of the marque.
Most obviously, it is the first Ferrari to be fitted with folding metal roof. But it also has a V8 motor mounted in it nose where all previous eight-cylinder Ferraris have been mid-engined.
That engine has the same 4.3-litre capacity as the F430 but, says Ferrari, it is almost entirely new and features direct fuel injection, not so much to improve power (its 453bhp is 30bhp less than the F430 engine) but to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Visually the California is best described as 'challenging'. Underneath it all, there's a good looking car trying to get out, but those looks are being suppressed by too many fussy and sometimes ill-advised details such as an awkward crease along the car's flanks. And Ferrari will be neither the first nor last to discover how tricky it is to package a solid roof and rear windscreen into a boot without making the car look a little too amply proportioned at the rear.
