The Ferrari California is designed to appeal not only to traditional Ferraristi looking above all for performance, but its charm, exclusivity and performance attract also the interest of those who have not yet approached Ferrari and are appealed by a "grand touring” type of vehicle. It is a perfect fusion of advanced technology, exclusivity, practicality and ease-of-use. It is the first Ferrari ever to feature a folding hard-top roof. It is also the first Ferrari to combine supreme performance with the experience of the open air and space to carry sports equipment and luggage. It is also a Ferrari capable of delivering a softer, more fluid touring drive when the occasion requires it. 

The F1 gearbox is instant and precise and can also function as an automatic. The California features a dual clutch transmission with seven gears and maintains the traditional F1 controls on the steering wheel. The manettino features three settings: comfort, sport and CST, allowing the driver to control the chassis behavior. The multi-link suspension guarantees a greater level of comfort while increasing the capacity of the drive wheels to transmit power output to the ground. The California features carbon ceramic disks as standard to ensure shorter stopping distances and significantly improved resistance to fade thanks to the higher thermal distribution.

The 4.3-liter V8 engine is mounted in a mid-front position for excellent weight distribution and it is linear, revs with an intoxicating energy and smoothness, and serves up genuinely remarkable performance. Top speed is 193mph with acceleration of 0-62 mph accomplished in just under 4 seconds. The California chassis is superb and it moves with stunning move poise and precision. The California has a marvelous interior design quality. It is supremely comfortable, with excellent seats and logically arranged controls. The instrument panel features both analogue and digital dials; the central rev counter dominates with the LED display within it. 

The California is incredibly flexible in terms of uses you can get from it. Apart from the pleasure of owning a hard-top that stows away gently in its housing, leaving the passengers with a much-envied sports car, there are two seating configurations available. The first one is with seat belts and room for four people; the second is the "bench” version, where elegant straps are arranged for securing suitcases and other object you’d like to carry in the cabin. In both cases, it is possible to house large or lengthy items thanks to the opening of a generous passage that connect the passenger compartment to the trunk.  The Ferrari California has its own luggage set specifically made for this model, that can be ordered in the same color as the interior of the California.