Used 2011 Ferrari California Base for sale 

The Ferrari California is available as a single trim option only. It features a 4.3L V8 engine that performs seemingly well. The California is channeled as a rear-wheel-drive variant. Basic features available with the Ferrari include HID headlights, heated mirrors, and leather-wrapped steering wheels

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The Ferrari California is available as a single trim and that is our only recommendation. Its potent engine is powerful enough and it has a number of utilitarian features on offer that make the car functional and practical. At $192,000, the hardtop roof of the Ferrari California feels refined and is a major selling point.

Ferrari’s idea of introducing the California in an exotic sports car segment always meant that the car would miss out on those additional horses. But even so, the 4.3L V8 engine that sits peacefully under the hood of the California produces 453hp of engine power and 357lb.-ft of torque. 

It comes mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission and is channeled as a rear-wheel-drive variant only. The engine on duty races the California from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 4 seconds and records a top speed of 192 MPH. While there are other cars that perform better, the California feels adequately powerful, given its segment.

In comparison, all three cars make use of a distinct transmission and engine setup. While the Audi R8 Spyder uses a V10 engine, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante is equipped with a V12 unit. In the acceleration to the 60 MPH mark, the R8 Spyder is the fastest clocking a time of 3.7 seconds, while the DB9 Volante takes 4.3 seconds to achieve the same feat. In the quarter-mile run as well, it is the Audi that emerges victorious, making it both the fastest and quickest car in the segment.

Despite its luxurious features and specifications, the Ferrari California continues to be a sports car at heart and as a result, the fuel efficiency is bound to remain low. However, it is not a deal-breaker. The California manages to average mileage of 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. 

Combine the driving antics and the California manages 15 miles per gallon of fuel, which is also the highest in the segment. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 20.6 gallons and can cover a total distance of 267.8 miles while cruising through the city and 391.4 miles when unleashing the 450 horses on the highway.

In comparison, the Audi R8 Spyder manages similar fuel figures as the Ferrari California. However, its fuel tank has a capacity of 23.8 gallons which is the highest in the segment and it also covers a higher range of 285.6 and 452.2 miles in the city and on the highway. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante on the other hand is the least efficient car on the block averaging a combined mileage of 13 miles per gallon of fuel.

The idea of the Ferrari California being exotic and opulent is evident in the way the cabin has been created. There is a lot of attention that has been paid to details apart from the usage of top-notch material that will bring a smile to your face. The use of leather seats and logo badging on all seats seem quirky. Between the driver and passenger vanity mirrors sits a console that houses the button to retract the hardtop. The information screens, speedometer, and tachometer that sit behind the steering wheel look typically Ferrari and add to the overall cabin experience.

The seats on offer on the Ferrari California feel comfortable, even longer rides. The car does boast of an immaculate ride and handling quality. The California as standard can seat two passengers; however, an optional rear seat can be added to seat additional passengers but is best suited for kids only. While the passenger space for the California is not known, its cargo capacity puts its streets ahead of its competitors with a total trunk volume of 12 cubic feet.

In comparison, theAston Martin DB9 Volante is the only car in the segment that can seat four passengers. It has a total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 36.3/54.8/43 and 31.5/47.2/26.5 inches for the front and rear passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, both the Aston Martin and Audi R8 feel inferior having total capacities of 4.8 and 3.5 cubic feet respectively. Some standout interior features include:

• Dual-color interior with Daytona seats
• Handy fire extinguisher
• Full electric seats
• Passenger compartment mats
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the infotainment system in the Ferrari California?

The Ferrari California’s infotainment system is heavily equipped and innate in its usage. As standard, the Ferrari California features an AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, and MP3 Player. With the optional features on offer, a rearview camera and parking sensors can be added to California, which makes it more functional and practical. Other salient infotainment features include:

• USB Connection
• Premium Sound System (Optional)
• Entertainment system
• Hard disk drive
• Auxiliary audio input

The Ferrari California is eye-candy and with its top retracted, it feels all the more in its element. The designing characteristics of California seem distinctive and aerodynamic with the front grille looking imposing and the 19-inch performance tires grant an athletic stance. However, it is the rear end where the design starts to become polarizing. 

While for some the tail lights feel bulging, for others they seem to fall in line with the overall design strategy of Ferrari. The Ferrari California has a total and has a wheelbase that is 105.1 inches long. It is 74.9 inches long and 51.5 inches wide. The Ferrari California is 3825 lbs, making it the lightest car in the segment.

In comparison, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante is the heaviest car in the segment having a curb weight of 4000lbs. It is the longest car in the segment, while the Audi R8 Spyder is the widest car in the segment. In terms of wheelbase, the DB9 has the longest wheelbase measuring 107.9 inches while the Audi lurks at the bottom of the table. Other standout exterior features include:

• Scuderia Ferrari shields on fenders
• Carbon fiber engine compartment
• 20-inch diamond finish sport wheel
• Black exterior A-pillars
• Alloy wheels

The Ferrari California’s cohesive unification of luxury and sports does not come at the cost of its safety. California comes equipped with a number of active and passive safety features which make the Ferrari dependable and reliable. Some basic features include 4-wheel ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and traction control. Other safety features include:

• Electronic Stability control
• Tire Pressure monitoring system
• Emergency trunk release
• Child seat anchors
• HID Headlights

The Ferrari California, like the state, is a people pleaser. Its engine feels robust and powerful while maintaining best-in-class fuel efficiency. The interior is finely crafted and there are ample passenger and cargo space on offer. Its hardtop retractable rooftop might leave you drooling, and offers all-season durability. While its price sticker might be higher as compared to the competitors, it's worth every dollar you spend on it.