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Ferrari California T is a topless turbo turismo

As expected, Ferrari has today officially pulled the covers off the latest version of its front-engined California grand tourer ahead of the car's impending live debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The headline news, again as expected, is a new 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine. Ferrari promises zero turbo lag from its innovative new engine, which is rated at 560 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque.
That's 70 more horses than the last California, which, coupled with its 49-percent increase in torque, allows the new California T to accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds. Fuel mileage is improved by 15 percent, and emissions are down 20 percent. Also, for what it's worth, Ferrari promises "the most exhilarating soundtrack any turbo has ever yielded." Sounds pretty good to us...
There's plenty more of interest besides the new turbocharged engine, such as the retractable hardtop that turns the four-seater into a convertible in 14 seconds, improved steering response, reduced roll and pitch when cornering and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Bonhams is auctioning a genuine, Tom Selleck-driven, Magnum P.I. Ferrari

If you're down at the Scottsdale car auctions this week, and love TV Ferraris, this is your chance to own one of the most famous of all. Bonhams will be selling a 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole that appeared on the detective show Magnum P.I. and was driven by Tom Selleck in all of his mustachioed glory. According to the auction house, this was one of the later models that was used for filming in 1984 and 1985. The car is in superb shape, too. It had only two owners after its time on the show, and its second owner had the car since 1989. It's nearly 100-percent stock, and it even comes with the factory tool kit. The only change was an aftermarket Tubi exhaust. However, the original piping is included with the car. The 232-horsepower V8-powered Ferrari won't come cheap, though. Bonhams estimates the car will sell for between $150,000 and $250,000. According to Hagerty Insurance, that's pretty high for a 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, which the company values at $83,900 for an "Excellent" condition model, and $122,000 for "Concours" condition. However, that's for one that never turned up on TV. And for a wealthy Magnum P.I. fan, you can't do much better than a Ferrari driven by Magnum himself. Related Video:

Marchionne hints at once-'obscene' idea: a Formula E electric Ferrari

Ferrari is certainly protective of its brand image, even if it means coming off as a Luddite. A year ago, Chairman and ( now) CEO Sergio Marchionne said that an all-electric Ferrari would be " almost an obscene concept," adding, "You'd have to shoot me first." So it's surprising to see him tell Auto, the FIA's magazine, that "we need to be involved" in all-electric racing series Formula E. Earlier the interview, Marchionne talks up Ferrari's need for electrification, at least in terms of incorporating more hybrid technology. "Hybridization is crucial to Ferrari," he says, not necessarily in meeting emissions targets, but for performance. Ferrari will use new technology, electrification included, in future models, with a focus on creating an emotional experience for the driver. Late last year, Marchionne said that the brand would leverage hybrid technology to boost production figures and profits, and that every model would offer some hybrid technology by 2019. When asked about the likelihood of Formula E entry, Marchionne says, "It's difficult to say." He then adds, "We need to be involved in Formula E because electrification via hybridization is going to be part of our future." What that level of involvement would be is also uncertain, but he didn't rule out the possibility of a Ferrari Formula E racer, which would by necessity be all-electric. Of course, Ferrari could find a development role in the race series without entering its own vehicle. Regardless of the type of involvement, Ferrari's reputation could stand to gain from representation in the series, especially if it means it's not appearing to fall behind the likes of McLaren, Jaguar, BMW, and Audi, who have all played a part in Formula E. Either way, it appears that Marchionne is warming up to electrification, and that the idea of an all-electric Ferrari – even if it's confined to a single race series — isn't quite as obscene as it once seemed. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: AutoImage Credit: Getty Green Motorsports Ferrari Electric Hybrid Racing Vehicles Sergio Marchionne Formula E