Ferrari California T gets a bit sharper with new Handling Pack

Ferrari California T with Handling Speciale option

The Ferrari California T can now be had with the a Handling Speciale (HS) option which comes with sportier suspension and a louder exhaust.

The Ferrari California T arrived in 2014 as Ferrari’s new entry-level model, replacing the original California with a new model featuring a turbocharged engine.

Ferrari anoraks cried sacrilege, but the new California T brought with it an extra 49 per cent torque and power output of 552bhp from its turbo 3.8 litre V8, enough to marginally improve performance and deliver official economy of 27mpg.

What the California T also brought was a new exhaust manifold for a rortier soundtrack and Magnaride dampers for better handling. But now you can go better by adding the new Handling Speciale (HS) option to your California T.

The HS upgrade adds stiffer suspension (and a harsher ride), with modified spring and damper settings for sportier feedback, with the magnetic dampers getting more responsive to boost their performance, particularly out of corners.

The gearbox on the T has been modified for quicker shifts, and the exhaust has new piping that increases the sound as the car accelerates.

Cosmetically there are a few tweaks with the HS option, with the grill and rear diffuser in Grigio Ferro (which sounds better than Grey Iron), matt black exhaust tips and an HS plaque on the inside.

The Ferrari California T with HS option will make its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.