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.
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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 dampers will be improved as well, boosting their responsiveness when accelerating out of corners. Ferrari says the upgrades result in even sportier handling and better feedback, albeit with a slight cost in ride comfort.
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.
The Sport mode now brings modified gear-shift logic, both for the automatic and manual versions, resulting in “faster and sportier gear engagement” during both up- and down-shifts. The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with modified mufflers that emit a louder sound as the revs build when compared to the standard setup. The exhaust’s new, fuller and richer growl is instantly recognizable as soon as you hit the Start button. The HS-equipped California T makes its debut in March at the Geneva auto show.
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Aesthetic changes are subtle, though the auto does get a new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met, and the diffuser is finished in this colour too, with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes sat either side. A special plaque in the cabin also indicates that the auto has the HS package.
