Ferrari California T: specs, history and driving sensations

The Ferrari California T is one of Maranello's most iconic GTs. Produced from 2008 to 2017, it combines the raw power of a naturally aspirated V8 with the elegance of a Pininfarina-designed retractable hardtop. It's the star of the Evasio fleet, and here's why.

Full specifications

The history of the Ferrari California T

The name "California" pays tribute to the legendary 1957 250 GT California, one of the most coveted Ferraris in the world. Ferrari revived the name in 2008 to create a GT capable of appealing to a wider audience while retaining Maranello's sporting DNA.

The California was the first Ferrari to combine a retractable hardtop with a front-mounted V8 engine. This configuration offers a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort, ideal for driving in Paris.

In 2014, Ferrari launched the California T (T for Turbo), which retains the same chassis but adopts a 560 hp twin-turbo V8. It's this more powerful, more refined version that makes up the Evasio fleet. The turbo provides immediate torque from low revs — exactly what's needed for urban accelerations between Parisian traffic lights.

Pininfarina design

The California was designed by Pininfarina, the Italian design house that has collaborated with Ferrari since 1952. The lines are both muscular and elegant: a long ribbed bonnet, sculpted sides and a rounded rear reminiscent of classic 1960s GTs.

The retractable aluminium roof folds in 14 seconds to transform the California into a convertible. The result is a silhouette just as beautiful open as closed — a considerable advantage for photos in front of Parisian monuments.

The interior is trimmed in full-grain leather, with contrasting stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminium paddles for the sequential F1 gearbox. Every detail exudes luxury and Italian craftsmanship.

The 560 hp V8 engine: guaranteed thrills

The 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 560 hp and 755 Nm of torque. The turbo provides torque from just 3,000 rpm, making city driving particularly enjoyable: every acceleration at a green light is a moment of pure pleasure.

The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is controlled via steering wheel paddles. Gear changes are near-instantaneous, giving you that Formula 1 driving sensation that only Ferrari can deliver.

The sound is one of the major assets: a deep rumble at idle that builds in intensity during acceleration, without ever being aggressive. Passers-by turn around, tourists film — it's the soundtrack to your Parisian experience.

Driving the California in Paris with Evasio

At Evasio, the Ferrari California T is available from 101 avenue des Champs-Élysées. The experience begins with a 5-minute briefing with your professional co-pilot, who explains the controls and the route.

The standard route passes by Paris's most beautiful monuments: Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Pont Alexandre III, Invalides and back via the Champs-Élysées. The co-pilot adapts the route in real time to avoid traffic and maximise your driving pleasure.

The California is ideal for a first supercar experience. Its precise power steering, comfortable suspension and compact size make it accessible even to drivers who have never driven a sports car. The co-pilot is always there to guide you.

Ferrari California T vs Lamborghini Huracán Spyder

Evasio also offers the Lamborghini Huracán Spyder V10 690 hp. Here are the main differences:

Many clients start with the Ferrari California T for a first discovery, then come back for the Lamborghini. Both offer radically different and complementary experiences.