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.
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
UK motoring authority CAR magazine has been one of, if not, the first batch of motoring journalists to sample one of the finest supercars of the year, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia
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Adrian Paton
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