California dreaming: Ferrari California 30 now in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Autostrada Motore, Inc., the Philippines’s official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines is celebrating Christmas extra early this year as they launched a new and faster variant of their award-winning Ferrari California just last week: the Ferrari California 30.

Thirty is the operative number of the Ferrari California 30 as the car is 30 kilograms lighter and 30 horsepower more powerful than the standard California, hence the unique name. The California 30’s 4.3-liter V8 engine is now rated at 490 horsepower and 505 Nm of torque thanks to a new exhaust manifold and engine mapping. In addition, the California 30’s torque curve has been modified and is broader throughout the engine’s rev range. As a result, the California 30 can accelerate to 100 kph from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds.

Despite being lighter, the California 30 remains structurally rigid thanks to cutting-edge aluminum fabrication techniques and construction technologies done to its chassis by Scaglietti Centre of Excellence. In fact, the California 30 benefits from a new casting process called CORDIS core technology.

The California 30 joins the California which was first launched in 2008. By itself, the California features many Ferrari innovations such as a mid-front engine placement, direct-injection for increased fuel efficiency and higher power output, folding metal top, dual-clutch transmission for a smoother and more direct driving experience, and a multi-link rear suspension which maintains excellent handling while improving ride.

“The Ferrari California is very agile and easy to drive hard. The Ferrari bloodline ensures exceptional performance, as well as the California distinction of comfort and practicality in a Grand Tourer,” said Autostrada Motore, Inc. Chairman and President Wellington Soong.

In fact, the Ferrari California separates itself from the brand’s other top-down sports car, the Ferrari 458 Spider by being more comfortable especially during longer journeys. Aside from the mid-front engine/rear-wheel drive layout (which increases available passenger room), the California boasts of a larger trunk and can be ordered in a 2+2 set-up whereas the 458 Spider is a purely two-seater affair. Plus, the California 30 can be ordered with the optional High Emotion Low Emissions (HELE) package which allows for automatic start/stop, allowing the engine to shut off when the car is stopped and to restart when it moves again. The HELE package is features an adaptive transmission which optimizes shifts when driving in the city, which saves fuel.

The new California 30 as well as the rest of the Ferrari line-up may be viewed at the Autostrada Motore, Inc. showroom at 32nd &4th Street in Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City. For inquiries, you may contact the showroom at +632-856-CARS (2277).