By: IOL Motoring Staff
Maranello, Italy - Now you can order your Ferrari California T with an even sharper edge, with the introduction of the Handling Speciale (HS) factory option package.
The mapping for the Cali's front-mounted 3855cc turbo V8 is unchanged (412kW at 7500rpm, 755Nm at 4750rpm) but it gets a new, more authoritative exhaust system dual primary pipes that actually gets louder the harder you rev it.
The gear-shift logic for the seven-speed double clutch transmission has been remapped for quicker, sportier shifts - both up and down - while the traction control logic has been re-written to reduce patter under acceleration out of bumpy corners - always a problem with stiffer-than-standard suspension.
That's because the Handling Speciale package includes 16 percent stiffer front and 19 percent stiffer rear springs, and a completely new set of parameters for the SCM3 magnetically adaptive dampers - particularly when you opt for Sport mode on the manettino switch.
Ferrari concedes in its announcement that the Handling Speciale package entail a significant sacrifice in ride comfort but at a considerable gain in precision feedback and reduced roll, dive and pitch. Like we said, sharper edged.
The Handling Speciale package option also includes a grille and rear diffuser in matte grey metallic with matte black trim and tailpipes, and a plaque in the cockpit confirming that you car does indeed have special handling.
The Handling Speciale package option will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.