What’s even better than a Ferrari? A lighter, more powerful Ferrari, of course. And that’s precisely what Maranello has announced with a mid-cycle refresh for what is perhaps its least appreciated product: the California.
The upgraded model destined to debut at the Geneva Motor Show benefits from 30 more horsepower and 30 kilograms (66 pounds) less weight. The former, now up to 490 hp, is achieved through the fitment of a new exhaust manifold and tweaking the ECU, while the latter comes courtesy of ever-evolving aluminum manufacturing processes. The result is a 0-62 mph run in 3.8 seconds with a modified torque curve.
Along with the upgrades, Ferrari is also offering a new Handling Speciale package that packs magnetorheological dampers (similar to those initially developed for the 599 GTB Fiorano) that can more rapidly adjust the suspension on the fly, coupled with a quicker steering ratio and stiffer springs.
Decidedly evolutionary as the improvements are, they ought to make what’s already one of the most capable cabrios cruising the boulevard even more so. We’ll be on hand in just a few weeks to bring you more on the updated California live from the floor of the Geneva Palexpo, but for now you can delve into the press release after the jump and the pair of high-resolution images released thus far in the gallery below.