Drive an even sportier California T with HS handling option

By CARSIFU | 23 January 2016


MARANELLO: Ferrari has unveiled a Handling Speciale (HS) option for the California T, designed for owners looking for an even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes.

As is, this V8-engined Ferrari makes 552hp at 7,500rpm and peak torque of 755Nm at 4,750rpm.

The Handling Speciale option offers a series of specific calibrations and a set-up that lends an extra edge, especially in the manettino's Sport mode. This solution incorporates new damper settings and modified springs that make the car stiffer which, although marginally reducing the ride comfort, results in even sportier feedback, aided and abetted by the new engine sound that increases as revs rise.

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The gear-shift logic for the Sport mode has been modified (both in automatic and manual), resulting in faster, sportier gear engagement during both up- and down-shifts.

The HS package also includes 16% stiffer front springs and 19% stiffer ones at the rear with a consequent increase in body control thanks to lower roll, dive and pitch.

The differences in Sport mode are underscored by a new strategy for the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers that increases their speed of response and improves their efficiency. The revised F1-Trac logic helps ensure even better acceleration, particularly when exiting corners and on more bumpy road surfaces.

The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with silencers featuring two primary pipes and a new geometry designed to yield an exhaust note that increases progressively as engine speed increases, with a sound in keeping with the car's more sporty character.

The exhaust was developed in tandem with the engine and gearbox control software, with a more rapid response and improved sound and volume when driven hard.

Ferrari says the exhaust's sound is fuller, richer and more involving at all speeds and in all driving situations.

As part of the HS package’s, there’s a new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the rear diffuser in the same colour with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes. A special plaque in the cockpit also indicates that the car sports the HS optional package.

The new option will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

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