Ferrari shows California early

One of the stars of next month's Paris Show will be the new Ferrari California, but 2,000 lucky guests last night had an early opportunity to view the new car at an early preview ceremony.

Simultaneously, Ferrari unveiled its new folding hardtop at the company's factory in Maranello and at Santa Monica Private Airport, just outside Los Angeles, each location housing 1,000 invited guests.

In Maranello, Michael Schumacher piloted the new California into view, with Ferrari's president, Luca di Montezemolo, in the passenger seat. Ferrari's current Formula One drivers, Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa were also on hand.

Using a new direct-injection 4.3-litre V8, the California covers the 0-62mph sprint in just four seconds on the way to a top speed of nigh on 200mph. Yet the car is also designed to be easy to drive and live with.

The rest of us will have to wait until the Paris Show next month to get a glimpse at Ferrari's new creation, though fans can see more at a dedicated website: www.ferraricalifornia.com.

Shane O' Donoghue