The article was originally produced on May 10, 2010, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Ferrari California

Getting the key with a horse on it as a symbol is probably always filled with the same excitement and quivers in the stomach, regardless of whether your name is Jeremy Clarksson or James Holm. I'm in Malmö at Autoropa and their headquarters and I'm going to pick up a brand new Ferrari California that I'm going to enjoy. Because that is exactly what a California stands for enjoyment to the fullest with the roof down and a symphony of V8 song

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First, a brief review of the most essential, which is of course how to lower the roof. This is done with a simple push of a button and in just 14 seconds you can look straight up at the sun that is shining that day. This is Ferrari's first sheet metal convertible and they have succeeded so well with the shapes that it is at least as attractive with the roof down as it is up. And with the roof up, it's hard to believe it could be a convertible. 

With the roof down, I set the navigator on Ørestad where I intended to go to do the filming, a newly designed environment near the bridge abutment for the Öresund Bridge on the Danish side. Once up on the Öresund Bridge I let the Californian stretch out, it is said that there is a type of free passage law up on the bridge as it is an area between two borders, May this be unconfirmed but a fun thought. In any case, it doesn't stop me from letting the V8 of 4.3 liters and 460 horses spin out on every single gear. The dual clutch box works so incredibly fast and with the Manettino set to sport, the California feels close to an F1 in speed between gears. Manettino is a control that sits on the steering wheel where you choose how the car should behave. Either Comfort, Sport or all lifelines disconnected and then it's best that you know what you're doing.

When I drive into the last part of the crossing to Denmark, which is a long tunnel, I slow down to almost stand still, then I place the gas pedal deep into the carpet and let the V8 rev to the max and completely uncontrolled I sit and giggle and small screams in the race with the overwhelming sound concert that is offered from the four pipes in the back. The sound of a California is, to say the least, outstanding.

The driver's environment in a Ferrari is of course top of the line. Everything fits exactly where it should and the leather work is of the best. And nowadays Ferrari is much better at building cars than 10-20 years ago. Today's Ferrari and the California, for example, can be perfectly used as an everyday car. The good cargo space and the cargo threshold when the tailgate is open are probably among the best.

The California is an incredibly comfortable GT wagon and whizzing down to his house on the Riviera would be anything but difficult. And precisely because it is so practical with its folding tin roof also makes it a very attractive car for people who find their cars in this segment. If I had more than 2 million to spare, California would very much have been my travel companion.

+ Incredibly practical for a Ferrari, the sound.

- If it tastes good, it costs money and a Ferrari is not as reliable as a German car.