What's all this about?
Ferrari is offering customers the option to make the California T sharper to drive with the 'Handling Speciale' (HS) option. Choosing the HS pack brings firmer settings for the suspension and a redesigned exhaust system for a more engaging engine note as revs rise.
The Handling Speciale package will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
How does it work?
If you tick the HS option when ordering your California T you'll get firmer front and rear springs. These are backed up by the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers, which have been reprogrammed for the Sport mode to improve their speed of response and efficiency. Ferrari admits that the changes reduce ride comfort, but should result in a sportier drive.
The HS exhaust system features silencers with twin primary pipes and new geometry. It is said to give a note that increases progressively as engine speed rises and to make a noise in keeping with the car's more sporting character.
A further enhancement is faster gear engagement in Sport mode than in non-HS cars. This applies whether in automatic or manual mode.
How will people know I've gone for the HS option?
There are certain styling changes that come with the HS pack. The front grille and rear diffuser are finished in matte Grigo Ferro Met with the tailpipes coloured matte black. It also comes with a special plaque for the cockpit.
John Lambert - 25 Jan 2016