Through a coincidence in time or just luck, I was lucky enough
California is full of firsts: the first-ever front-mounted V-8-engined Ferrari, this is the first use of direct injection in the Ferrari, and Ferrari's first dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This was also the first Ferrari built on modular architecture, and the first built on the new production line really scary in modernity. I can tour the facility last month, and the California production line is clean, quiet, and freakishly automatic. On the one hand, computerized, mass production just makes California somehow, seem less special; on the other hand, this ensures the highest quality level. I think the tradeoff is worth it, especially for the Ferrari which is inherently less special than the others.
Screeeetch - less special? I mean no insult by that of California. That's the most expensive in the Ferrari offers a stable, but that's only part of the reason why. Another reason is that I equate "special" with "crazy." I, automotive certified lunatic, worship F430 to madness. I like the way crackles and barks and screams. I love how the little children fear and adults with an acoustic attack; how accelerated and shift with such violence that makes the hysterical passenger. I like how the residents feel under attack by every pebble on the road after their appeal with the sights and smells of the world's best material.
Some, however, might find F430 slightly more. For these people, Ferrari makes California. California is softer, lighter, less crazy Ferrari. Ergo, it is less specific for crazy people like me, but no less specialized in the real world. A grand tourer in the traditional sense of the word, Ferrari's hard-top convertible soft and luxurious. The level of his voice and a quiet ride by Ferrari standards, and the cabin is elegant and luxurious.
