Ferrari California | Test Drive Review

The Ferrari California elicits strong and controversial opinions when brought up. It's either the poor mans Ferrari or the Peoples Ferrari. A downright thrilling experience or an embarrassment to the Prancing Horse badge--dependent on who you ask. We explore the dirty rumor that the California was actually designed to be a Maserati. Regardless of opinion--there is no denying the California is a unique Ferrari. From a number of Ferrari firsts, to being the last front engine NA V8 made from Ferrari--we assess just how the Ferrari California stands up nearly 10 years after ending production. We take the Ferrari California on the road to put it through its paces and determine where all the controversy comes from.

0:28 Poor man's Ferrari
1:05 Test Drive: California
1:48 Design & History
2:18 4.3L V8
3:00 0-60
3:15 Transmission
3:52 Manual Death
4:26 Brakes
4:41 Suspension
5:22 Exterior Styling
5:40 Fake Exhaust?
6:09 Interior
6:34 Rear Seats
6:53 Infotainment
7:39 Ferrari Firsts
8:01 Meant for Maserati?
8:37 Employee Criticism
9:28 EV Ferrari
10:01 Daily Driver
10:27 Highlight: Engine
11:28 Highlight: Soundtrack
12:09 Highlight: Styling
12:34 Drawbacks: Rear
12:58 Drawback: Manual
13:22 Drawback: Tech
13:46 Poor Man's Ferrari?
14:11 Verdict
14:41 Vintage Ferrari
15:17 Signoff
16:11 Bonus