With less than two months until its public unveiling, the marketing gurus at Maranello have teamed up with the creators of the Gran Turismo franchise to create a virtual test drive of the all-new Ferrari California.
Sony's Polyphony Digital, creators of the famous Gran Turismo simulation video games exclusive to the Playstation, have rendered a Ferrari California with stunning clarity and definition onto their GT5 prologue platform to create a beautiful 'test run' of the hard-top convertible racing through the virtual racetracks and streets of the popular game.
By the looks of things, it shouldn't be long before gamers will be able to test drive the Ferrari California by downloading the latest patch onto the PS3 but until then, head over to the California's dedicated site to feast your eyes over the latest Italian Stallion in motion.
Despite having retired from the pinnacle of motorsport for close to a season and a half, legendary 7-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher's name remains synonymous with F1 and of course, Ferrari.
So when the time came for the famous Italian marque to fine tune and spruik its latest model, the California GT, there was only ever going to be one man to turn to. As it turns out, Schumacher has been involved in the development of the latest Italian Stallion since its inception and has worked with Ferrari's team of engineers, technicians and test-drivers on honing the car in general, but more specifically on optimising its performance parameters.
When asked about his thoughts on the Scuderia 430, another Prancing Horse fine-tuned by the supremo, and the new California, this is what the legendary speed demon had to say:
"They were designed to meet different requirements: 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. 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."
Ferrari has also released a video of the former world champ with the California.
Michael Schumacher completes development testing on Ferrari California
Maranello 23rd July 2008 - Michael Schumacher is currently completing the track and road development stages of the Ferrari California, the new 8-cylinder model due to be officially unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show on October 2nd this year.
The seven times Formula 1 world champion has been involved in the development of the latest Prancing Horse road car since its inception and has worked with Ferrari's team of engineers, technicians and test-drivers on honing the car in general, but more specifically on optimising its performance parameters.
"I have to say that, as with the 430 Scuderia, participating in the project since the very beginning has been really fascinating and great fun," commented Schumacher at the end of a test session at the Fiorano circuit. "Although the cars are very different, they both offer absolutely unique driving pleasure because of the inherently sporty character of all of the cars that come out of Maranello. The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance. 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."
Schumacher also recently addressed the Ferrari dealer convention in Maranello and explained the differences between the two 8-cylinders: "They were designed to meet different requirements: 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. 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."
Michael Schumacher's contribution to the development of the Ferrari California has resulted in a car that delivers extraordinary performance: it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, delivering superb driving pleasure whilst still being exceptionally comfortable and versatile.
Despite the long wait, Alfa Romeo has done very well to secure a second batch of the popular 159 Ti model for the Australian market with a choice of three engines (two petrol; one diesel) - the 136 kW 2.2-litre JTS, 191 kW 3.2-litre JTS V6 and 147 kW 2.4-litre turbo diesel - in both sedan and wagon guises
The elegant Maserati Quattroporte sedan is light years ahead of the conservative Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series in terms of styling and now looks better than ever for the 2009 model year courtesy of a mid-life makeover
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The gorgeous Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatch is set to turn the subcompact segment on its head when it officially goes on sale around the world and if you still happen to remain unconvinced, we suggest you check out the latest batch of images and the following video clip showing the 8C Competizione inspired hatch in motion
One of the great perks of being a 'VIP' of a particular product or brand means special invites/offers, freebies and what not. When it comes to cars, you might get the odd free floor mats, key chain and umbrella thrown in with your purchase of a Toyota Camry but when you are a VIP of supercar maker Ferrari, you get invited for a spin around the Fiorano racetrack in a 430 Scuderia with no other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher behind the driver's seat
There is still five (long) months to go before the public unveiling of the new Ferrari California at this year's Paris Motor Show but the Italian marque continues to whet our appetites with teasers of the new Italian stallion
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We just can't seem to get enough of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 here at ZCars HQ. Its combination of looks and performance has left us salivating ever since its launch in Geneva earlier this month and it sits firmly in top place on our 'to buy' list if we win lotto in the near future
Now that the majority of motoring journalists and enthusiasts around the world have had their say on the stylish Alfa Romeo Mi.To compact sports hatch, it is only fair that we hear what the Mi.To's head designers have to say about their latest creation
The sexy convertible variant of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione made its highly-anticipated worldwide debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show. Besides showing the stunning car in production form, a beautifully shot video of the 8C Spider attacking a winding road alongside oceanic views was played in front of salivating motoring journalists and enthusiasts
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Adrian Paton
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