2016 Ferrari California

Ferrari’s new turbocharged California T was presented to journalists at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, where, in typical Ferrari fashion, it managed to attract legions of onlookers curious to see it up close and learn about its new hardware. For those that missed our detailed preview, the California T is an update of the currentCalifornia model which first hit the scene back in 2008.

Looking past the beautiful new styling, the California’s chassis has been retained but modified substantially for application in the California T. New springs and latest-generation Magnaride dampers (now more than 50 percent faster), combined with body motion accelerometers, help reduce roll and pitch to deliver more precise handling while keeping the ride supple.

MUST SEE: Transformers 4 Extended Trailer Released: Video

The California T also boasts quicker steering courtesy of a new steering box and new suspension setup, and electronic systems such as the F1-Trac traction control and electronic stability have been upgraded to Ferrari’s latest spec.

But it’s the engine that is the star of the show. It’s a brand new unit, though one based on the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 fitted to the Maserati Quattroporte. The California T’s engine musters up 552 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque, and it also features a flat-plane crankshaft. Drive goes to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Compared to the former California’s naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V-8, the engine in the California T is delivering 49 percent more torque but is using around 15 percent less fuel. EPA fuel economy will be released closer to the sales launch later this year. Owners can expect 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds and a top speed in excess of 195 mph.

The California T’s cabin has also been upgraded with a more ergonomic design and better quality materials. The biggest change, however, is the new infotainment system which features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. This is the primaryinput device for Apple’s new CarPlay system which connects its portable devices (CarPlay initially launches in select Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo models).

For more on the Ferrari California T, check out the videos below. And for more from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show,

Ferrari 458 Italia "Project Black Mist" by SR Auto Group 2016

In August 2012, Canadian tuner SR Auto Group unveiled their latest program for the Ferrari 458 Italia, dubbed "Project Ice Blade". Apparently, we used that word "latest" a little too prematurely because SR Auto Group has a new program for the Italian supercar.

Calling this one "Project Black Mist," SR Auto Group once again used aerodynamic parts from Italian tuner Novitec Rosso. With the help of the Novitec kit - it includes a front lip, a rear diffuser, and a rear aero spoiler - SR Auto Group managed to enhance the lines and curves of the Italian bad boy. From there, the paint was matched to the original exterior, which, as SR describes was the reason why the program was christened ’Black Mist.’

Rounding out the upgrades, as per usual, are a new set of wheels that SR picked themselves. In this case, the chased wheels are 21" (on the front) and 22" (on the rear) modern gloss black PUR NE1 Monoblock wheels.

Suffice to say, it’s another program that SR Auto Group can tuck under their belts. At this point, we’re just happy that they’ve been hitting these projects out of the park.

Ferrari 599XX Die Cast models by BBR

It’s time to take a little break from all the Paris Auto Show related news and talk about something a little more fun: toys! Whether you’re a child or not, we’re pretty sure many of you can appreciate the art behind die-cast models. These small versions of high-end supercars are an adult child’s dream, but this one in particular, a very cool Ferrari 599XX collection developed by BBR, is simply drool-worthy.

These 1:18 scale models are painted in the same Evo Rosso and Rosso Corsa colors used for the real car. Unfortunately, they will be built in a limited run - 50 units painted in Evo Rossa and 25 units painted in Rosso Corsa - combined with a very cool F1 2007 Italian Flag.

The bad news is that these amazing toys are not cheap. Each unit is priced at $475, cheaper that the real car, but still a ton money for a toy.

Ferrari FF Debuts a Glass-Roof in Paris

One of the most important Ferrari debuts at the 2012 Paris Auto Show was the chassis for the upcoming F70 supercar, but while it undoubtedly caught all of the attention in Paris, Ferrari’s stand included a few other very cool vehicles. Visitors have seen cars ranging from the new F12berlinetta to a very special FF that certainly has a feature worth mentioning.

This particular FF was equipped with a new full-length panoramic roof that allows for more light to enter the car. According to Ferrari, this new roof features "a special reflective glass (LowE) that gives occupants a genuine open-air driving feeling, while providing thermal and acoustic insulation."

No other details on this new glass roof were provided, leaving us to wonder if this will be a new feature for the sports car or just an attention grabber in Paris. Production for this feature would be a little controversial considering the added weight a panoramic glass roof would add to the FF, and the effect that weight would have on the performance numbers of the vehicle. The design for the FF is already questionable in many people’s minds; why add another negative by messing with the performance the customer can get from the 660 HP V12 engine?

Ferrari 458 Italia by GMG Racing 2016

GMG Racing is a California-based aftermarket tuning company that caters to some of Europe’s finest exotics. They’re also a multi-series racing team, which only adds to their already impressive credentials.

Packed with a steady combination of resources and industry know-how, GMG Racing took a Ferrari 458 Italia and gave it nice new body paint and some subtle performance enhancements.

Talking about the paint, GMG Racing coated the 458 Italia with a grey shade dubbed "Grigio Scuro." It’s not the kind of grey we’re used to, but the added shine makes it look stone cold awesome. From there, GMG Racing gave the Italian supercar a new aftermarket exhaust, a lowered suspension kit, sports springs from Novitec, and a new set of wheels from TBD.

No mention was made on how much horsepower was added to the supercar. Whatever that number is, we’re pretty confident that the number is north of 600 horsepower.

Sounds like a winner in our book.