The California has a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph) and it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) under 4 seconds. Although 180 kilograms (397 lb) heavier and 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) less powerful than the mid-engined F430, the California reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in the same time as the F430 due to the dual-clutch transmission.
Ferrari passed over 1,000 hours in the wind tunnel with a one-third-scale model of the Golden State honing its aeromechanicses. With the top up, the Calif. has a coefficient of drag of 0.32, making it the most aerodynamic Ferrari ever made.
The California represents a number of firsts for Ferrari:
* The first front engined Ferrari with a V8 * The first to feature a 7-speed dual clutch transmission * The first with a folding metal roof * The first with multi-link rear suspension * The first with direct petrol injection.
According to some sources originally started as a concept for a new Maserati, the resulting expense to produce the car needed the Ferrari badge to justify the ideal return on the investment. The California represents a new, fourth model range for the company.