What?

The California represents a new way of thinking for Ferrari with a lot of firsts for the company. It's the first ever folding hardtop car produced with a Prancing Horse badge on the bonnet for a start. The mounting of a V8 engine in the front-mid position is also new for Ferrari, while the belter of a powerplant itself features direct injection for the first time. Along with performance gains, directly injecting fuel allows for greater efficiency, so this is one Ferrari designed to be a little kinder to the planet. Don't worry: it promises to be as scintillating as ever to drive.

When?

Apparently Ferrari has already started taking deposits, though you'll have to wait a while if you've not already got your name down, as all cars being produced for the next two years are already spoken for. We drive the new California next week, so keep an eye on the Reviews Page.

Verdict?

Obviously we'll hold out on a final judgement until we see the new California for ourselves away from harsh motorshow lighting, but we suspect that, though it's not conventionally pretty, it will grow on us. We'd be very surprised if it isn't crushingly effective on the road too.

More

Full coverage of the 2008 Paris Motor Show.