SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Ferrari California

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Old Jun 1, 2008 | 06:55 AM
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Ferrari California

Well I think most of you fellow members here now knows that Ferrari has a new model, the California. Am not sure if its really head on with the SL63 but the California sure is something nice. Haven't seen in person yet but as of the official picture, it now has a "Multimedia Head Unit" (I don't know how to call it) as opposed to the standard head unit for the radio. The rear is kinda awkward and the exhasut tips resembles the Lexus IS-F and the front is more like a Maserati GranTurismo which isn't bad. Performance figure, the yet I have to find out.

Last edited by SL%%; Jun 1, 2008 at 11:18 PM.
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Old Jun 1, 2008 | 11:18 PM
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56K BEWARE

Just an add on just in case you haven't seen the official pics yet

courtesy of carwalls.com









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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 12:37 AM
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Should be the coolest automotive man-purse for '09....

F's have rather laughably primitive/inept safety strucs/engineering (even the 4300+lb 612 still lacks side/head airbags, as does the allegedly latest-tech Scud), so would suspect F CA will have vastly inferior risk-adjusted perf vs any SL63 030...
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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well I guess this will take some sales from the SL63 assuming Ferrari can cope up with the demands.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 07:38 PM
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Another conservatively styled, contrived effort from the prancing pony.

If it had a BMW, etc badge it would have moderate sales success, but the horsey will have it selling all they can make, and push Ferrari production even further.

It really isn't a price point competition for the SL63, as it is going to cost $~$240K. It was originally contrived as an 'entry' level car, but they decided against that.
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:08 PM
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I got to say, beautiful looking car. But at that price I think I'd go the f430
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 10:36 PM
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I don't really see any comparison except for the folding top.

Ferrari vs Mercedes...
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Old Jun 2, 2008 | 11:30 PM
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the front looks like maseratic GT very much....

it does not look as aggressive as 430 or 599... in other words, it does not look ferrari...

i would wait for 430 successor .. probably would look much better.. and the hard top is really not doing much for me anyway...

my SL has done top down for less than 5 times in 3 years.. all happened during the first 3 months...
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 01:36 AM
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If you take a look at the side view's roof line, it is reminds me very much of the SL. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 08:11 PM
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CLK63 Black Series
Z Series Bimmer?

Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
If you take a look at the side view's roof line, it is reminds me very much of the SL. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Does anyone else see a resemblance to the Z-Series BMW?

This one just doesn't light my fire.

But, a Scuderia 430, now that's a different story. Immediately fell in love with the looks of that car when I saw it introduced at Frankfurt, last year.

Just wished I could afford it!

JDB
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JDB
Does anyone else see a resemblance to the Z-Series BMW?

This one just doesn't light my fire.

But, a Scuderia 430, now that's a different story. Immediately fell in love with the looks of that car when I saw it introduced at Frankfurt, last year.

Just wished I could afford it!

JDB
The 430 is a beautiful car, no doubt.

Try sticking a folding hardtop on it. Good luck.

I kind of like the California. Sure it's no 430 or Aston, but it looks pretty good to my eye. It has a little Maserati Granturismo DNA.

Last edited by JackStraw; Jun 4, 2008 at 12:08 PM.
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Old Jun 3, 2008 | 11:34 PM
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shrug

Its okay ... it after all is a Ferrari.

But it just doesn't ignite a flame for me.
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Old Jun 5, 2008 | 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
If you take a look at the side view's roof line, it is reminds me very much of the SL. I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The front view "smile" of the grille reminds me of the SL also.
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Old Jun 6, 2008 | 09:24 AM
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I wouldnt throw it out of bed if it were discounted (which it wont be) or free but if its my hard earned $$$ Ill take a F430 for a bit more thank you very much.
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