What is it?
Ferrari's attempt to prove the California T can be a proper sports car, as well as a Mercedes SL-style, GT-into-roadster, folding hardtop, high-speed cruiser. We've been here before, Ferrari offering a Handling Speciale package for the original normally-aspirated California back in a 2012 facelift that upped power 29bhp to 483bhp and stripped 30kg out of the aluminium structure.
To make good on this improved power to weight ratio the Handling Speciale option offered the choice of stiffened up springs, quicker reactions for the adaptive magnetorheological dampers and a 10% faster steering ratio for those looking to explore the full remit of the California's 194mph top speed and sub-four seconds to 62mph performance.
Since then the California has gained a new twin-turbo engine with 552bhp and a massive jump to 557lb ft of torque from the normally-aspirated car's 372lb ft; mid-range punch has been transformed and the changes broadly welcomed.
Now the California T is established in the range Ferrari is again offering a Handling Speciale option, upping spring rates by 16% front and 19% rear, adjusting damping to match, tweaking the F1-Trac stability control software and modifying the exhaust to unleash more sporting character. A new matt silver grille - Grigio Ferro Met if you prefer - and rear diffuser with black 'fences' and exhaust tips mark the HS out from standard Californias and there's a little plaque on the centre tunnel too.
What's it like?
Fast, for starters. Entry-level Ferrari or not this is, fundamentally, an extremely rapid car that deploys that huge turbocharged mid-range with devastating effectiveness. Like all Ferraris the steering is fast and light and the gearshifts from the transaxle-mounted dual-clutch gearbox anything from automatic smooth to whip-crack fast according to whether you choose auto or manual shifts.
The standard ceramic brakes are mighty too and easily modulated, meaning you can use what feels like a huge range of the available performance at any time you please. It's all very easy, though; if you're looking for a demanding, traditional 'driver's' Ferrari, this isn't it.
The Handling Speciale modifications certainly make the California more gregarious company, the new exhaust system underscoring your every move whether you want it or not. Fun on a blast, it's borderline intrusive when you're not in the mood though the whistles and whooshes of the forced induction add a level of sophistication and involvement.
Much the same can be said of the ride - around town you trade some composure over sharp-edged bumps and potholes for better body control and higher limits at speed. The range between Comfort and Sport modes is now much wider than in the standard California T, effectively giving you two cars in one. But with the Handling Speciale package, the California T takes a decisive step away from its GT roots and into a more overtly sporting arena.
Should I buy one?
'Entry-level' or not, the emotive pull of the Ferrari badge will be enough to seal the deal for many considering a California T over rivals like the Mercedes SL63 AMG or Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. The Germans are more technically advanced, have more luxurious cabins and have much slicker infotainment systems but the Ferrari lives up to the brand image of being a more exciting steer and plucking the heartstrings more convincingly.
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The change to turbos is not
Don't like this car at all, but are the SL63 and 911 turbo really more technically advanced with more luxurious cabins.
Why not have a sports car in the first place?