Worthy of the Badge? The Ferrari California T, Reviewed At Last

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Today I review for the first time the Ferrari California T. Having driven both this car's predecessor and successor, I finally get the turbocharged California T on the channel.
At its launch in 2014, this was a big deal - the first turbo Ferrari since the F40. But it was in the car most people were least excited about. Today the California T is overlooked by many, but by some considered the ideal first Ferrari - which is it?
#Ferrari #CaliforniaT #V8
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@Punisher9419]

I wish the California was more un-loved so I could pick one up for £10k.

[@daltonsikhosana8275]

Not happening if James keeps making videos

[@jamhot8243]

😂😂😂😂

[@michaelhughes6189]

Nah, you don't. I've see what happens when cars get down that far - effectively where they're bought by people who can just afford to buy them, but don't realise they can't afford to run them. So they run them for a bit until they just disintegrate.

[@alancrisp1582]

@@michaelhughes6189 🤔👍 Best comment, and you are absolutely right. But let's not let the truth get in the way of a good story ?. These very expensive cars, we're never made for poor people, or dreamers !.......

[@ABQ87]

I wish it was hated, so insurance was £1k

[@sp00ky1969]

I have always liked these, and I think they were somewhat misunderstood, and unfortunately compared to other Ferraris, instead of being judged on their own merits. It’s a fabulous, hardtop convertible with style that seems to have aged very well, room in the back for the dog and sufficient luggage room.

[@stevecballard]

used to have an original california a few years ago and have just bought a T from Edinburgh, drove back to Brighton and managed 29mpg overall with cruise control on, around my home roads having fun it's really great, very pleased with my purchase and also the review..keep it up Jay 👍

[@computerhelpcc]

Please give us more details of virtues and vices of original and then the T…. build quality? 911 manual and Lexus GF

[@sarastroaster2457]

Guys I owned a California NA, an FF, an F12 and a CaliT. The T in the end is the most enjoyable one. FF is great but in the end you don't understand if you have a special car for weekends or a normal car for everyday. F12 is fantastic but coupe only, Cali NA was too noisy honestly for long trips. CaliT is a great blend... Cheers

[@MrSkykay]

That is why mine is comming next week....

[@stevenfarrington2361]

I’ve driven both the early California and the T version and I much prefer the latter model. The NA California has a older less appealing interior and mouse faced looks which clearly reflect the Ferris Beuler 250 GT California that inspired it; a car I’ve never been particularly keen on myself. The California T though feels like a very different car - larger inside and outside, a far more modern interior and styling inspired by the 365 GT4 Daytona Spider which I thought was achingly beautiful and which I had a poster of on my bedroom wall as an 80s teenager. Any time you slide behind the wheel of a 2010s generation Ferrari and experience the ‘no stalks/all controls on the steering wheel’ ergonomics makes it a special event in my opinion. Make my Cali T Nero Daytona with a tan leather interior and Daytona style seats along with the optional Diamond cut alloys. I also like the shift lights in the steering wheel. Great video btw and thanks Chris for submitting your car for consideration 👍

[@vinaychauhan7936]

Looks like a Daytona (also one of my favourites)? I can’t see that at all

[@chris8535]

The real shame is that the car really really shines like no other in the final year as the Handline Speciale model. Completely transforms the car into a great Ferrari IMO.

[@thamil1365]

The California T looks so good in black🔥🔥

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I've talked to one owner and they used the rear seats as storage on road trips. If you fold them down there's a space between the seat back and the bottom cushion where you can stash small items you don't want to be seen. This also creates a shelf to put bags instead of placing them on the leather upholstery.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Owned a Cali T for 3 years now and it’s been faultless other than a random MAF sensor which was the result of some dodgy French petrol. Lovely GT sports car, but not a track car as roof weight is a dumbbell, but also have a GR Yaris and Macca 570 for that. Long road trips are a joy in this car as extra space is welcomed by my wife and all her tons of gubbins and clothes…🤦🏻‍♂️ I’ve looked at Roma but the inside leaves me cold with that naff iPad screen as it looks like it’s from Radio Shack and an afterthought.

[@JK061996]

When the California T was introduced I thought it was an improvement over the previous model but in hindsight the original California has aged much better. Still, the Portofino easily beats both in the looks department

[@Emira_75]

You think so? Fair enough. I've always thought the Portofino is possibly *the* most ugly and hateable Ferrari. I lovee the original California.

[@ianc8999]

@@Emira_75 I can't stand the front or rear of the Roma, it's hands down the worst looking Ferrari of recent times - but at least there was something for everyone, before they stopped making to Portofino. I'm hoping prices on all of them drop a little. 6 figures is hard to justify.

[@Isalei84]

I agree, it's pretty clear that the original California, with its Pininfarina design (one of the last designed by them) is more timeless and it's aging much better.

[@greek2mee]

Excellent review James and as a 2010 Cali owner ( thanks to your original Cali review ) I agree with you on the sound of the Cali T being a bit soft and to me not Ferrari-like. I also like the retro look of the original Cali and time has proved the so called purists wrong. Mine is a Tour de France Blue with tan interior which makes it the perfect look for me. In the USA the price difference between the Cali and T is about $50K on average for similar mileage cars. I have extensively driven other Ferraris but for the price point and that big smile that is on my face every time I drive it, you can't beat the original Cali for your first Ferrari or your only Ferrari.

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

I have to disagree. I used to love the original Cali but now that time has passed it just one of those cars that seems like it didn’t age well. Luckily Ferraris don’t appreciate past a certain point so these cars have held there price well over 6 years. Cali t is a definite upgrade in every aspect. I want the portifino but if I was driving the first gen cali I would just feel like I’m driving big an old car. Get the t!

[@nickchatburn]

Never listen to the haters… who have never owned one. this car is epic. Drive/own one before commenting. I absolutely loved mine.

[@Isalei84]

There are still haters out there but less and less over the years because it became more affordable... It is a great Ferrari that can be daily driven, and one of the most reliable.

[@captgutter]

They are a beautiful car. I, too, prefer the look of the earlier. I'd still go for an Aston Martin Vantage V8 convertible.

[@john1703]

or if you value reliability, a Porsche

[@q3aryoko]

I bought a 2016 T April 2023, very much for the reasons you explained. My first Ferrari; Entry level, sweet spot for comfort vs performance vs price. I can say it is the best sports car i have ever owned. I have always liked the NA California..and almost bought one of those...but when i saw the T i knew that was going to be my first SF. I do not regret it for a second. I am a car enthusiast in general, have several sports cars. I always tune them to enhance performance. With my T, i tuned it to almost 700HP and something like 690lb torque. The Car has 488GTB performance now and it is an absolute joy to drive. I have tracked it a few times, never saw any engine errors or catalyst issues. It has 24k miles now, bought it with 18k so im not sure about that..Either way? Ill never sell it or get rid of it. Best advice, as said in the video, buy it from a Ferrari dealership. Get the warranty (though i never had to use it).

[@toms_garage]

great video, I can't believe these are 2016. Time is flying by so quickly

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

These are proper car reviews. Keep it up!

[@eddieyates2915]

Interesting video which answered some thoughts that had crossed my mind. It confirms for me that the 4.3 30/30 Cali is the sweet spot. Keeps that wonderful noise & do I really need, or am I capable of using, that extra 60bhp ?

[@JGH1708]

I drove a Ferrari California that was my clients in Melbourne Australia back in 2010. It was like driving a very expensive HSV Commodore.

[@FrogdogAndStinkypiss]

Hey bro excellent to se you and this gorgeous car it's 1 of my favourite ferries

[@chriscomparescars4416]

Yeees! Just re watched your other California video last night!

[@AudiophilMD]

Fantastic car channel! As a BMW E89 owner the roof mechanism looks very similar. I think this will be my first supercar. Two metal folding roofs in the driveway. 😁

[@kyronrc]

I agree with you, the earlier Cali looks better than this. Heck, i thing it looks more classy than the Portofino even!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video & I love that shirt!!

[@marklee7545]

Great review James. This is on my list as a first Ferrari and one I can use as a daily GT car for longer trips but which has the benefit of a folding hard top. Definitely prefer the looks of the T. The early Cali was (to me) great from the rear but I can’t get on with the front.

[@zelipapa84]

Just ordered a lovely example last night and picking up in a week . Ferrari has been a lifelong dream for me , so I can't express how excited I am .

[@minxlabrada]

Cool car. Be fun on Pensacola Beach not for the roads. But to prance the pony and just show off. Have to go with the parchment or other light color interior as the sun, even in Northwest Florida gets brutal.

[@SH-xq4dq]

Nice review I bought a Cali T 2015 model after 5 years Porsche 997 gen 2 . I miss the Porsche engine noise on full chat BUT the Cali T I find a far better Car with a gt offering . No warning lights and an enjoyable drive with two years main dealer warranty. The only thing I find is with the air diffuser in the driver seat doesn’t go back far enough which leads to leg discomfort. Overall I really like my white car with black roof challenge is what next as anything better is something like £35/40k more. I guess I paid top dollar at main dealer and have taken a bit of a bath on price over last 18 months but I suppose that doesn’t matter if not going to change . Like the 488 or the 458 spyder but don’t know if the extra dosh is worth it or I’d just invite more depreciation. Will decide at the two year point when I’ve to find another warranty 😳🤷‍♂️

[@elkillerx]

I had the opportunity to drive a 2017 California T and I have to say it's an amazing car! It's very fast, handles amazing and it got plenty of attention. The one I drove had a modified exhaust and it sounded so good

[@robertmorgan8581]

I’ve had various Ferraris and I absolutely loved my California T, it’s everything you need and still feels special. Personally I cant live with the looks of the original California but that’s personal taste

[@techvidz4451]

which ones have u owned

[@robertmorgan8581]

@@techvidz4451 355, 360, 599, 458 Spider, 458 Speciale, 488 Pista, 575, 308, FF, Lusso T, 812 Superfast, 812 GTS, and California T

[@Isalei84]

Of course you don't because you are biased for having been an owner of the Cali T. It's your personal taste for sure, but the timeless Pininfarina design is proving to age better.

[@bastard748]

You have the best and most generous friends ever.

[@19poundpound94]

Looking forward to your review of the 296. Please give us the date!

[@longtailgt]

I think your closing comments perfectly match my thoughts. I wasn't a huge fan of the California T for a pretty long time but in recent years it has grown on me quite a lot and I think it's a lot better and more sensible than the Portofino too. However, with that said, it's the original California that still wins it for me. Unlike the T, I've loved the looks (minus the exhaust) of the '08 California since day one and I think its design has aged the best out of the three. Given a blank choice between that or the T, I'd choose the original California. But the T sure is a very nice car.

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

I think the original didn’t age well. Even the leather and the old tech and how slow it is is just simple a car to try and forget but this cali t actually has power nice leather up to date looks and because the first cali is holding its price so will these

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

I remember the first Cali selling for the same price they do now 6 years ago so there holding nice bit that really helps the t so u get way better bargain and more Ferrari and it doesn’t looks like u cheaper out and bought an old one

[@Isalei84]

No doubt the original California with the NA engine is aging much better, in fact Pininfarina still made the difference in making it timeless, compared to the following ones desinged by centro stile Ferrari... And the Cali sounds much better, which is the main selling point of a Ferrari for sure.

[@carguytom]

I owned a NA California (first version with 460 EU-PS). Now I have a Portofino. The California had a better sound but it also had many problems, e.g. with the roof, the elctronic, etc. I sold it quite frustrated about the poor quality. The Portofino is another world and of better quality as e.g. the 992 of my wife.

[@richardcarter1000]

I like em. I've driven lots of 911s. Not a patch on the Ferrari. A nice Cali in a good colour, is a lovely thing

[@steffydog]

Wahoo the music is back 👍👍👍

[@durrantalan]

I have one. Rosso California and Cuoio leather. It’s utterly fabulous. Makes me feel utterly special every time I sit in it. So easy to live with and it’s more than quick enough for anything that any normal person could ever want. Would it have been better with the original naturally aspirated 4.3 V8? In my view that would have been perfection but this is very close. Don’t worry about the armchair reviews about this not being a “proper Ferrari”. They are mostly from people who’ve never sat in one let alone owned one.

[@buzznl5070]

Great video! i am lusting after my first Ferrari, and it has to be a daily/liveable (but only max 10k miles a year) but i am drawn towards a 599(or even an F12 budget permitting) and do i keep or trade in the Giulia Q, it is the more capable track toy/daily driver....lovely dilemma to have

[@JayEmmOnCars]

A lovely dilemma indeed!

[@benpugh1986]

I personally would keep the Alfa but,as you said,a fabulous dilemma to have.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

I bought a 911 Turbo S convertible but for sure the California T was on my short list, in the end I am more a soft top guy and the back seats are absolutely useless when the kids can enjoy those in the 911, but an incredible car for the money and a great way to enjoy the road.

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

I seen pretty big guys still got in the Cali t. Also soft tops are just a lazy convertible too there never as good. Hard top always takes it

[@theesitchaowalittawil1935]

911 TS got better ride than Cali T for me.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

@@JoelStoeber-yt2sd at some point I was thinking also about the 911 Targa, had the opportunity to spend few hours with one and I ended up disapointed: the Targa looks soooo much better either the roof open or close, it's really a pretty car when my soft top 911 is just OK. But... on the Targa the faster you are going the more and more wind noises you get when in that specific regard my soft top 911 is way more enjoyable with that "wind deflector" on the back seats, I spent hours on the highway with the top down which I wouldn't do with the Targa version, Targa is quieter once the top is closed but the gap is not as huge than the one with the top down. And then there is the extra weight, you can really tell the difference, the soft top is lighter with harder shocks settings which make the car sportier. So IMO the soft top is the winner when the Targa is the looker and the most quiet once the top is closed m

[@Isalei84]

I drive daily with my 5 years daugher and take her to school since she was born. The Cali back seats are usable until the kids are about 6-7 depending on their hight.

[@avmelidor]

Trying to make up my mind on which California to get. This helps

[@SandyCow]

I’ve always thought these were criminally underrated (especially in ‘t’ format) I honestly think they’re one of Ferraris better designs recently, far better than the portofino and dare I even say the Roma too… I may also add, albeit with minor discomfort, a few years ago as a teenager in the region of six foot I was able to fold myself into the rear seat of one with an equally tall person in front of me! So don’t write off those rear seats too quickly 😁

[@Hali88]

Personally I think the original NA California is the more tempting option at around £60k. On British roads 450hp is already more than you can really use and it looks slightly better and sounds a lot better than the T

[@justsomeguy1141]

Nah California T is design is better tied together. Old one is starting to look plasticky and cheap.

[@SenszR]

@@justsomeguy1141yea California T is a much higher quality product

[@JoelStoeber-yt2sd]

The original is just too slow and the tech is too old. But they hold there value well which means these cali t models can’t go lower than those so these are a great buy. Drive this car for 4 years and it’ll still be worth close to what u payed

[@Isalei84]

@@SenszR Said who never owned the original Cali. Too slow" Motortrend 0-60 test results: Cali 3.6s Cali T 3.3s what are you talking about? There is nothing plasticky in the Cali, full Italian natural leather and aluminum, and carbon fiber makes it even better. The press reviews are there for everyone to prove you wrong, since every reviewers appreciated the fit and finish and high quality materials. The Cali T actually looks a bit more bland.

[@Punisher9419]

That is the problem I have with really fast cars mine included being an XKR, yea they are all fast and some are faster then others but on the public road it comes down to whichever person doesn't care about keeping their driving license the most or which person doesn't care about their own life as much.

[@Isalei84]

I totally agree with him, the original California is the way to go: a big part of the Ferrari ownership is the engine and exhaust sound. And the original California is way better than the Cali T on that. The performance off-the-line is very similar (3.6s vs 3.3s as per Motortrend tests results) and they are both grand tourer, so the performance shouldn't be the primary reason for the choice (for that you should go for other more race-oriented models). I alsoprefer the Pininfarina design of the original Cali, that takes inspiration from the 250 California of the 60s and it's more peculiar and timeless and it's aging very well.

[@bonwatcher]

The warning lights at the end of the video were just the perfect warning to those looking to buy their first Ferrari. 🤣

[@avmelidor]

I always liked your videos

[@robsmith1a]

Lovely car but I think the Portofino my favourite Ferrari, especially in Red or Metallic blue

[@Bob-in4eh]

Got Rid of my 21 Vett , the Vett is a great value and equally quick but not remotely close in fit and finish . I could care less about some persons opinion who may or may not ever driven the car . In my opinion it’s an awesome car, fun to drive , comfortable , good design , and when in manual mode and sport exhaust sounds great to me . Not interested in some 1/2 million dollar car that might get me someplace 6 tenths of a second faster not to mention tickets and insurance costs in the US . To each his own but I think it’s a great car.

[@Bobblenob]

It maybe the entry level Ferrari, but it is still a Ferrari.

[@joehssu77]

Hi Jay, how does it compare with a Mclaren 570s Spider? i know it might be hard to compare, but with similar HP/TQ/Price, what would you pick? Thanks

[@paulfrere7902]

Glad that you reviewed the T, I enjoyed this vid. 👍 What was your opinion about the exhaust? Didn’t sound terribly inspiring on your drive. I always wondered if the first California was a development originally destined for Maserati at the time, to go alongside the GranTurismo and a replacement for the Coupé / GranSport? Cheers.

[@Isalei84]

No, that is a misconception: the GranTurismo and the California are different and don't share much other that they are both grand-tourers and their engine block is the same (F136) but everything else is different: the platform and chassis, engine displacement, crankshaft, injection, suspensions, brakes, transmission, control units, internal and external parts, etc...

[@garsimmulholland4984]

My neighbour has one as a daily driver, very reliable even at the mileage he puts on.

[@whartonbizzo]

I'm going to find a Ferrari California for a good price like you mentioned and buy it! Can you review the Roma and Portofino as well?

[@adambrodowsky6104]

Can you please tell me what the knob is on center of dash? Thanks

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Front engined Ferraris are my favorites.

[@eze8970]

TY 🙏🙏

[@timbushby]

Anyone of a certain age will have clocked the birds flying overhead in formation at the start, straight out of Outrun 2. Quite apt given the content!

[@DavidDatura]

The original Cali from 2008, I thought looked awful. The following iterations though, including this one, were big improvements.

[@andygtv]

One of the better Ferrari modern designs

[@Cam-pe3nd]

I don't super love Ferrari... but I strangely love this one.

[@GShockWatchFan.]

Is the Roma under the 488 GTB?

[@apachehelicopterah64]

FANTASTIC Dick Dasterdly reference!!!! That’s the BEST!!!!

[@reality-cheque]

Having had a bad experience owning a 456M GT, I’ve ignored Ferraris but was tempted by the original California. I met an owner at the Hurlingham concours and asked to see the boot, to check for size. It was tiny and there was, what looked like a sleeping bag in there, and when I commented on this, he said it was a waterproof cover to put over the car if it rained when the roof was down and the mechanism failed! He also mentioned the double tail light bodge. When first introduced into …California, it failed the DOT certification because the rear lights were not on fixed bodywork! They were on the boot lid, which is illegal in California because they don’t point backwards when the boot is open - as it might be for a breakdown or tyre change. Ferrari quickly fitted repeater rear lights on the bumper to meet the standard… Not for me, but the Portofino is very tempting.

[@AntoniusTyas]

Is it just me or does it sound a bit like Ford Focus RS Mk.3 below 4000-4500rpm? Either way, it's actually a good-looking car in bright colour, surprisingly. I've seen ones in Rosso Corsa and Giallo Modena, they actually looked rather nice.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I can see where you're coming from

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Yes, the typical „farting“ sound.

[@jonathangillbanks3891]

Yep - I had exactly the same thought. Really not a sound I would want to live - well, not for £80k

[@AntoniusTyas]

@@jonathangillbanks3891 should not be too difficult to rectify with Novitec exhaust, methinks. Well, relatively speaking anyway. 488 and Portofino proves you can make F154 sounds great.

[@jonathangillbanks3891]

You make a fair point there actually- though suspect the Ferrari factory exhaust on the Portofino will cost a fair bit less - thats if it fits a Cali T of course, which isn’t a given. Worth looking into though

[@whartonbizzo]

I didn't know about the relationship between the California, Porto Fino, and the Roma, except that they were all designed by the same person. I would drive all three!

[@christopherrichardson5652]

Driven a somewhat tired example of one of the on a supercar track day a fantastic drive

[@flybobbie1449]

Almost the same roof mechanism as the Z4 E89. Hope the wires are better quality.

[@garethkimber10]

Is the 250GT California not 'the original' California?

[@barsaf9989]

I've always secretly liked the California and portofino series hehe 🤭🤫

[@PADABOUM]

I did a 7 weeks family Tour de France holiday between 2 jobs with my wife, my 2 daughters (3 and 6 yo) in this car, I took a buggy, their scooters, my golf clubs, tennis rackets, and many toys and it all fitted! Main issue is that it is a luxury car with a big engine, more than a sports car. I was running an Evora at the same time and would always take the Evora on my own but the Cali for family and longer trips.

[@hbmustangs]

no way does the boot have enough space for a buggy, scooter and gold clubs

[@PADABOUM]

@@hbmustangs it does, the buggy was one of those foldable Yoyo, the scooters once folded can fit on the side in the wings and for the golf club I fitted them at the top of luggages and then the bag is a fabric lightweight one that can be folded/shoved. Once you putt a large luggage and some bags, there is till space if you are good at Tetris.

[@hbmustangs]

@@PADABOUM dang that’s crazy I didn’t think that much would be possible. Is there enough room in the back comfortably for your two children mine are two and four.

[@PADABOUM]

@@hbmustangs mine were 6 and 2 at the time ans they loved it. When I left the UK, the eldest cried because we were selling the car.

[@nickchatburn]

The engine warning light is almost always down to the vacuum pipe that controls the exhaust valve. It’s really feeble. Just unplug it or blank it off for extra noise ! Buy yourself a £50 OBD reader and reset it.

[@nigel.w]

I agree 100% with this review. The high-end sound is the biggest downside of the T for me. I like its clean looks, but I prefer the looks of the non-T, including the stacked exhausts. You're typically paying mid-60s for a good non-T, whereas you're typically paying mid-80s for the equivalent T, and I think 20k is likely significant for those who are choosing these cars because of their budget. You can get a good daily driver for 20k. Then again, the T would probably make the better one-car garage if you must have a Ferrari and it will be your only car. I also agree that a 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is probably the better all-round car, but just isn't anywhere near as special, and that the main alternative is probably a 911 991.2 Targa. However, I disagree that the 911 Cabriolet doesn't look right; IMO, it has looked right with the top up since the 991, and looked good with the top down since the 997. Anyway, when considering alternatives, I think the R231 SLs are what you consider if you can't afford a California. But if you want something more special than a 911, and want a premium convertible, you're probably also considering an Aston Martin Volante, unless a major appeal of the California is the hard-top, as it is for me. You can get a DB11 V8 Volante from 90k that would be directly comparable with a Cali T for that money. Otherwise, for 75-80k you're probably looking at either a V12 DBS or Vanquish Volante. I can see many people choosing a DB11 V8 Volante over a Cali T for 90k, but the soft-top and AMG V8 are significant downsides for me, although I think it's a genuine rival. While the V12 in the older DBS and Vanquish cars appeals to me, I think their cabins are less nice and less premium than the Cali's and also have aged less well. And, for me, no matter how elegant and iconic the Astons are, they just aren't as special as a Ferrari, and they don't have a trump card to play in either the performance or reliability areas , either. Fact is there are a lot of good cars that can be had in the 60-90k price bracket. For me, it would be a California or a 911 991/992 Cab, or possibly a Targa, or even a Boxster 25 Years. A DB11 V12 coupe for mid-70s could also tempt me to forgo a convertible. For 100-110k I'd be very tempted by a 991.2 Turbo S Cab. But for mid-60s, a non-T Cali is very hard to beat for value!

[@neptune45]

Everybody gets bored with something at some point. I got bored... I know, I know, with Ferrari 458 after 6 years of driving it. Super great car and greatly missed as is my 550. So I got a 2015 California T, something softer on the back, decent sounding exhaust, etc. But after a few weeks I discovered it was not the car for me. Too much body roll. That was the only thing. I could not live with a ferrari with that much body roll. I live in the mountains and every road out of town is up and over mountains. I sold it after about 3 months. Neat car, very usable, if I lived in a regular city it would be great. In the steep sharp curved mountains not a real dream to drive. You can feel your body trying to stay in the seat. I live about 72 miles from the legendary road called the "Tail of the Dragon".

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It wouldn't be a car for the dragon

[@Xolition]

Also near the Tail of the Dragon. What's your weapon of choice?

[@neptune45]

The 458 was fun, the most fun is in the Abarth 500, The cayman R is fun. Hard to get the 458 out of 2nd gear same with the 550 maranello @@Xolition

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

... and now I'm off to the Ferrari classifieds to search for a California to relive the TDU2 intro in reality.

[@BigTwat]

You are being very kind to it. If it had a Maserati badge on it, I would understand, but not with a Ferrari badge... Had one for just three weeks.. big disappointment after coming out of a 911.. The Cali T has little to no torsional rigidity with the roof down and it's less than confidence inspiring. Traded it back in after just three weeks and got an F12 instead. Nice to look at though, in the right colour combo. My fault for not trying one out for longer.

[@Isalei84]

It is a disappointment for you because you "had one for just three weeks". Your comment is the one of the typical hater, especially the Maserati one...

[@BigTwat]

@@Isalei84 Well.. the fact it flexed more than a soggy shoe box in corners with the roof down was enough for me to 'hate it'.. I drive my cars properly.. the 911 I ordered from new had done 12k in my ownership in under 2 years.. let's not get started on the sound.. it's a pile of shit.. ps. I've driven 224 biturbo, Shamal and a latter day Quatroporte.. they're all shit! Come at me again if you want.. my pov won't change.. The F12 I had after it.. that was good!! The Hurancan EVO rwd I had after it.. even better as an ownership proposition. My mistake was.. should have driven the Cali T extensively first.

[@bussterdouglas]

Great car, definitely deserves The badge. That being said it sounds more like an AMG than a Ferrari.

[@simonfish26]

Not true re the E90 series M3 DCT gearbox. You can set all the sportiest settings and have it in auto also.

[@MoaningGit]

Beautiful car but i would have an older f-type svr or v8s over it

[@jaysmartin]

That is a lush shirt 👌🏼

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou!

[@jaysmartin]

@@JayEmmOnCars no thank you for all of your excellent content 🤙🏼

[@rajjy1976]

Hardly any buffeting despite lack of wind deflector 👍🏽 (unlike that stupid looking one in the new Roma Spider)

[@saphirerose5031]

What's a black box

[@rotty66]

Loved mine, I think it was a mistake calling it the Cali T as the earlier Cali wasn't that good

[@Isalei84]

I actually prefer, like Jay, the original California, for its sound and its desing. But, to each one his own. Just don't hate.

[@lorddoosworth8175]

14:12 that was scary lol

[@ruk2023--]

Living in cheshire surrounded by people with a lot more money than me I quite often see an SL or 911 with the rear seats used for child seats. Not seen one of these yet but there's clearly a market there.

[@paulthomson9014]

Yeh but this or an aston dbs volante ? The only.reason to choose the ferrari would be for the badge

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The DBS (both early and late) is a very firm car compared to this, and the early one's gearbox does not compare

[@paulthomson9014]

@@JayEmmOnCars OK 👍 think I've just got my heart set on a dbs and nothing comes close in terms of looks for me

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@paulthomson9014 The DBS is absolutely the looker, but for me to say the Ferrari has nothing more than the badge going for it, having driven both, is just not true

[@paulthomson9014]

@@JayEmmOnCars haven't driven either tbf buy wanting a dbs and personally it only the badge in the ferrari that would tempt me away. So out of aston dbs , ferrari california or a 911 (991) turbo which would be the ine to go for in this price range ?

[@panoscoach310]

Can't count how many different models mentioned on this video. What about the California T? Did you enjoy the car? Is it nice overall as a vehicle alone and not against the entire sport segment after Enzo Ferrari passed away?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes I did and it's a fine vehicle

[@andydayes6624]

I'd have a DB9-era DBS Volante 11 times out of 10 over a Cali T. Near enough the same price of entry these days, drop-dead gorgeous, and sounds a million times better. Sure, it's more expensive to maintain and run, but for me it's worth it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I get totally why anyone would say that - it is a prettier, and better sounding car - BUT the California is infinitely better to drive

[@andydayes6624]

Thanks, James. I’ve not driven any flavour of Cali so I couldn’t say, but I do like a hairy-chested car so it’s the DBS for me. Cheers.

[@hexgraphica]

Hi James, have to correct you on the pronunciation of Speciale 😬 I remember James May got it wrong first on top gear for the 458 Google translate says it right, if YT allows me I'll link it in a reply

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You're sounding like a Porsche owner now

[@hexgraphica]

@@JayEmmOnCars but Porsche owners became annoying after Ferrari owners

[@FrogdogAndStinkypiss]

The newest model car is one of the prettiest car's I've ever seen

[@heiner71]

The 296? Agreed.

[@3ducs]

Or, for a lot less money, a Jaguar F-Type. Even the 3.0 S sounds better than the blatty V8 in this car. But it's not a Ferrari so you won't have to pay as much to keep it on the road, and where's the fun in that? A mistress should be high maintenance, people should know what you're going through for that hot thing by your side.

[@williamegler8771]

Because if you want a Ferrari you want a Ferrari, not a Jaguar!

[@3ducs]

@@williamegler8771 True. I wanted a Ferrari in the '80s, had to settle for a Maserati Ghibli. But now I have a Jaguar F-Type 3.0S manual coupe and no desire for a Ferrari, unless it was made in the '60s. I have an aversion to screens and electronic nannies.

[@PADABOUM]

That is just not the same market. A bit surprised that you would like the jaguar noise better.

[@3ducs]

@@PADABOUM As stated, I have an F-Type, a 2016 3.0S, it sounds wonderful on the loud setting. The recent Euro regulations strangle exhausts. The '69 Ghibli I had was a 4.7 Euro spec model, it had a magnificent sound.

[@itc9251]

You can pick up the cheapest portifino now cheaper than the most expensive Cali t The Cali props up the t in price then the t props up the portifino then that in turn the m if you can afford then the portifino m is the way to go as the Roma as the horrible fabric roof

[@Gk2003m]

The T is a slightly better looking car, though one certainly does not need the extra 100hp provided by the turbos. But it’s waaaay overpriced, considering that a gently used convertible Mustang can be had for less than $30K. You’ll get 95% of the experience, at 25% of the price - with far less expensive maintenance going forward.

[@sidrens1047]

I really dislike the Roma front and rear - the light configurations look odd. The design language of the Portofino models were far superior!

[@proffpuff]

A modern day mondial

[@craig2100]

Monta bella

[@brianjames5685]

I think warning message should read " Your Dealer is having an extension fitted on his house, please return to dealer and give him a thousand pounds.

[@Hope4NewDay1]

The People: "I want a modern Ferrari but the pricing is a bit unrealistic. I wish there was a cheaper option that's easy to handle, updated creature comforts and gives me options between daily, weekend and track driving." Ferrari: "Hmm perhaps. Here is a considerably priced option that's front engine, very solid flat plane crank TTV8 with 500+hp that can be daily driven with decent MPG or track driven if you so choose." Ferrari Owners: "This is a stain on our history we can never wash off..."

[@nagylevi3827]

I don't know. A drop top without the signature Ferrari howl? Sacrilege! If I were in the market for a starter Ferrari, I wouldn't think twice about choosing the regular California over this one, regardless of the performance chasm between the two.

[@jtreut]

As we know, automotive journalists always write 100% truthful things and are never influenced by the fancy hotels and delicious meals brands pay for :)

[@Schcarraffone]

Yes like those that hidden the abgasskandal of german cars for years...

[@RobinCapper]

A very pragmatic choice but, for me, the styling just doesn't inspire like a Ferrari should. It's that 'hide the roof' rear bulk.

[@garrettsc]

"that ferrari is beyond my budget" "so ill buy this one instead" woweee. what a problem to have

[@davocc2405]

I always thought this was a strangely successful and balanced design - it shouldn't work as well as it does but there it is. I love seeing them on the road, I'd DEARLY love something like this... I think dropping the folding hard top in the Roma is a pathetic move that Mercedes Benz and BMW also made. Stop going backwards people!