Performance and practicality

The conversion from coupe to convertible takes just 14 seconds, the roof folding in a 'spoons' position so that you lose less than a third of the 340-litre boot capacity.

The hard top is made from extruded aluminium, so it's light lighter, even, than the canvas roof of the F430 Spider.

'The California will catch customers not only interested in performance,' says Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo. 'You still get huge performance, but it's also a car to use every day. That's why we have made it possible to put skis and golf bags in.'

Huge performance? 'At the end of the day, it's still a Ferrari,' says di Montezemolo.