Ferrari California (2008–2017) Overview: Generations and Specs
A guide to ferrari california generations, covering the 2008–2017 cabrio, its 460–560 hp range, and which versions stand out.
The Ferrari California is a cabrio produced from 2008 to 2017, with power outputs ranging from 460 to 560 hp. For anyone comparing ferrari california specs, it comes down to one generation and its restyling: a front-engined convertible grand tourer that suits drivers who want everyday-usable Ferrari performance with an open roof.
Ferrari California generations
1 generation (2008–2014)
The first-generation Ferrari California was built from 2008 to 2014 as a cabrio with rear-wheel drive, in four modifications spanning 460 to 490 hp. Buyers could choose between an automated manual and a manual gearbox. The Ferrari California 4.3 DCT (490 hp) uses a 4297 cc engine with the automated manual transmission and accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with fuel consumption of 13.1 l/100 km. The Ferrari California 4.3 MT (490 hp) pairs the same 4297 cc engine with a manual gearbox and is quicker still, at 3.8 seconds.
1 generation, restyling (2014–2017)
The restyled Ferrari California was produced from 2014 to 2017, again as a rear-wheel-drive cabrio, but with a single modification: the 3.9 DCT with 560 hp. Its 3856 cc engine and automated manual gearbox deliver a 3.6-second sprint, making it the most powerful version of the model by a margin of 70 hp over the pre-restyling cars.
Which Ferrari California to buy
- 3.9 DCT (1 generation, restyling): the strongest and quickest California, with 560 hp and a 3.6-second acceleration time.
- 4.3 DCT (490 hp) (1 generation): the mainstream choice of the 2008–2014 cars, combining 490 hp with a 3.9-second sprint and the automated manual gearbox.
- 4.3 MT (490 hp) (1 generation): the rare manual-gearbox version, matching 490 hp with a slightly quicker 3.8-second run to 100 km/h.
On the used market, the 2014–2017 restyling is the simpler proposition: it exists in a single 560 hp modification, so there is nothing to mix up. The 2008–2014 cars come in four modifications, so checking the exact version before buying matters more there.
Which Ferrari California to avoid
Among the documented versions, none is strictly dominated: the 4.3 MT (490 hp) gives up nothing in power to the 4.3 DCT and is quicker at 3.8 versus 3.9 seconds, while the 3.9 DCT leads both on power with 560 hp and on acceleration at 3.6 seconds. The choice within the first generation is between the gearboxes rather than between a stronger and a weaker car.