Tuned Ferrari California Makes Big Gains on Dyno
People love to hate on the Ferrari California, but there’s no denying these results.
While turbo motors have their proponents and supporters, there’s one thing that everyone can agree on. And that’s the fact that a little tuning goes a heck of a long way. Thus, the tuner market is chock full of geniuses with laptops, ready to unleash hidden horsepower from your boosted rides. The guys down at BIESSE Racing are some of the best in the business, and they recently proved it by turning a Ferrari California T into a snarling, dyno-busting beast.
Now, there’s no denying the fact that the original Ferrari California, which debuted back in 2004, had its fair share of detractors. After all, who the heck asked for a prancing horse designed for Americans, anyway? Isn’t the appeal of owning a Ferrari the fact that it oozes Italian style, flair, and temperament? Still, the California sold well enough to make it to the current refresh, the California T, which ushered in a new, twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8.
And, as it turns out, that V8 has a good bit of untapped potential. In this case, with a BIESSE Stage 1 remap, it churns out an impressive 678 horsepower and 573 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. For those keeping score at home, it represents an increase of a whopping 126 horsepower and 16 lb-ft over the stock numbers. Not even factoring in drivetrain loss.
So call it a badge-engineered Ferrari, a departure from the brand’s purist past, or just plain ugly. Hate on it because it’s a “downmarket” ride for “commoners.” But next time you line up next to one at a light, don’t sleep on that Ferrari California. Because there’s nothing worse than getting beat by the car you love to hate!
Photos: BIESSE Racing
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