MARANELLO, Italy — Ferrari continues to beat the drum in advance of the 2009 Ferrari California's debut at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, now offering up Michael Schumacher's evaluation of the car. The Formula 1 world champion late Wednesday said he gives the Ferrari California high marks for "usability, interior comfort and emotional impact."
The Ferrrari California is set to make its debut at the 2008 Paris Auto Show on October 2.
Schumacher recently completed development testing on the Ferrari California with the corporate mandate to optimize its "performance parameters." The car is powered by a new 4.3-liter V8 engine that churns out 460 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari says the California sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.
Schumacher couched his remarks about the Ferrari California in an unexpected manner, informally comparing it to the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.
"The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance," he said. "However, although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions."
Ferrari in a statement noted that Schumacher recently spoke at its dealer convention here and explained the differences in the eight-cylinders in the 430 Scuderia and the California.
"The 430 Scuderia is aimed at drivers who want the very essence of a Ferrari and will get it out on the track as often as they can," he said. "The Ferrari California, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver."
What this means to you: Michael Schumacher offers up his glowing driving impressions of the Ferrari California, but keep in mind that he is on the Italian marque's payroll. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
The Ferrrari California is set to make its debut at the 2008 Paris Auto Show on October 2.
Schumacher recently completed development testing on the Ferrari California with the corporate mandate to optimize its "performance parameters." The car is powered by a new 4.3-liter V8 engine that churns out 460 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari says the California sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.
Schumacher couched his remarks about the Ferrari California in an unexpected manner, informally comparing it to the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.
"The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance," he said. "However, although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions."
Ferrari in a statement noted that Schumacher recently spoke at its dealer convention here and explained the differences in the eight-cylinders in the 430 Scuderia and the California.
"The 430 Scuderia is aimed at drivers who want the very essence of a Ferrari and will get it out on the track as often as they can," he said. "The Ferrari California, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver."
What this means to you: Michael Schumacher offers up his glowing driving impressions of the Ferrari California, but keep in mind that he is on the Italian marque's payroll. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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schumachergirl says:
06:53 PM, 09/22/2010
I enjoy watching and listening to Michael Schumacher, he is such a charming guy with full loving personality and charisma. he is so knowledgeable about Ferrari cars etc, i have met him 3 times since i have followed/supported him since 1991. to me i will never change my driver to another i will stick with Michael forever.