Red-blooded Ferrari turns green

published 22 October 2010

Now even supercar makers "have to be seen to be green", says Sam Hardy in AutoExpress. And Ferrari is no different. This new version of the California, launched at this month's Paris Motor Show, may look like any other example of the firm's V8 coup-cabrio, but "a raft of technology makes it the most eco-friendly Ferrari you can buy".

The HELE (High Emotion, Low Emissions) package features stop-start, which automatically shuts down the engine when the car is stationary, a new engine fan which keeps better control over temperature, an intelligent fuel pump which cuts fuel demand, and more efficient air-conditioning. The result is a cut in carbon dioxide emissions from 299kg/km in the standard car to 270g/km, and a 10% improvement in fuel economy to 23.8mpg.

On the road, the car is little different from a normal California, says Steve Cropley in Autocar. The engine starts promptly and smoothly after it has cut out at intersections, and after a while you stop even thinking about the stop-start system. "Greener it may be, but the California's stop-start tech drains nothing of its usability or supercar aura."

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The driving experience is unaffected, agrees Hardy. "That means epic pace and a deep roar from the V8, plus punchy shifts from the seven-speed twin-clutch box." These might be small steps as far as environmentally friendly motoring is concerned, says Chris Knapman in The Daily Telegraph, "but one thing is clear: a greener Ferrari is still very much the real deal".

Price: £144,145. Top speed: 193mph. 0-62mph: 3.9 seconds. Engine: 4,297cc, V8. Power: 453bhp @ 7,750rpm.