New Ferrari California T gets new twin turbo V8 with 49% more torque (+video)

The new Ferrari California has been revealed ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut with a new 552bhp twin turbo V8 with 557lb/ft of torque.

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It’s been a long time since Ferrari gave one of its cars a turbo charged engine, not since the late ’80s and the Ferrari F40, but that all changes – and no doubt points the way to the future – as the Ferrari California T gets revealed ahead of a debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the V8 Ferrari build for the Maserati Ghibli, the California T’s new engine is a 3.8 litre twin turbo with 552bhp and a mountain of torque, 557lb/ft, a massive 49 per cent more than the current California produces.

That improves performance marginally – 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 196mph – but has a big impact on economy; the new California T improves on the current California by 15 per cent, recording official figures of 27mpg and 250g/km.

A bit of extra aural joy comes from the upgraded crankshaft and exhaust manifold to deliver a more potent sound, there’s a set of ceramic discs that haul the California T to s atop from 62mph in 34 metres and new springs Magnaride dampers for improved handling.

The styling update for the California T uses influences from the F12 and FF for a more family feel to Ferrari’s entry-level model, and the trick folding roof remains.

Inside, the California T goes a bit more upmarket with new leather, what Ferrari call the ‘human-machine interface’ incorporates steering wheel controls, the Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) in the middle of the dash with a touch-sensitive surround to scroll through information screens and a new Infotainment system with 6.5″ screen.

It’s a thorough makeover for Ferrari’s entry-level supercar, and should go on sale soon after its Geneva launch. But don’t be surprised if Ferrari take this opportunity to deliver a chunky price hike.