Skip to main content

2012
Ferrari California

Starts at:
$192,000
Shop options
New 2012 Ferrari California
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Photo & video gallery

2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California 2012 Ferrari California

Notable features

Ferrari's first retractable-hardtop convertible
Front mid-engine layout
4.3-liter V-8
Automated manual transmission or conventional manual
Seats up to four

The good & the bad

The good

Gorgeous styling
Quick hardtop operation
Performance potential
Hardtop takes up little trunk space

The bad

Fuel economy

Expert 2012 Ferrari California review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Ferrari’s smallest car, the California, gets its name from the original 250 California Spyder of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” fame. It’s the carmaker’s first retractable hardtop, and like the now-discontinued 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari bills it as a grand tourer — with driver-friendly features like Bluetooth connectivity, iPod compatibility, a backup camera and a navigation system.

Still, the 4.3-liter V-8 and Formula One-derived stability system suggest that, should they wish, owners could fling the California around a racetrack. Competitors include convertible versions of the Aston Martin DB9 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

The California’s grille sits low on the bumper, with a small hood scoop above it. In back, single LED taillights sit above four exhaust pipes — two stacked vertically on each side. Shoppers can personalize their California with a multitude of colors, materials and accessories.

Ferrari says the aluminum hardtop deploys in just 14 seconds — quicker than most folding hardtops — and it takes up just 3.5 cubic feet of the trunk’s 12-cubic-foot capacity. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 20s optional. Behind them, Brembo-brand carbon-ceramic brakes measure a massive 15.4 inches up front and 14.2 inches in back.

The California’s steering wheel includes push-button start and a toggle switch that sets transmission response, stability system intervention and the optional adaptive suspension to one of three settings: Comfort, Sport and Stability/Traction Off.

Typical of Ferrari engines — naturally aspirated, with sky-high horsepower per liter — the California’s 4.3-liter V-8 makes 453 hp at a howling 7,750 rpm and 357 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine sits just behind the front axle and drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission with steering-wheel paddles or a conventional six-speed manual. Ferrari says the California will hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and sail through the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds.

2012 Ferrari California review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

Ferrari’s smallest car, the California, gets its name from the original 250 California Spyder of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” fame. It’s the carmaker’s first retractable hardtop, and like the now-discontinued 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari bills it as a grand tourer — with driver-friendly features like Bluetooth connectivity, iPod compatibility, a backup camera and a navigation system.

Still, the 4.3-liter V-8 and Formula One-derived stability system suggest that, should they wish, owners could fling the California around a racetrack. Competitors include convertible versions of the Aston Martin DB9 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

The California’s grille sits low on the bumper, with a small hood scoop above it. In back, single LED taillights sit above four exhaust pipes — two stacked vertically on each side. Shoppers can personalize their California with a multitude of colors, materials and accessories.

Ferrari says the aluminum hardtop deploys in just 14 seconds — quicker than most folding hardtops — and it takes up just 3.5 cubic feet of the trunk’s 12-cubic-foot capacity. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 20s optional. Behind them, Brembo-brand carbon-ceramic brakes measure a massive 15.4 inches up front and 14.2 inches in back.

The California’s steering wheel includes push-button start and a toggle switch that sets transmission response, stability system intervention and the optional adaptive suspension to one of three settings: Comfort, Sport and Stability/Traction Off.

Typical of Ferrari engines — naturally aspirated, with sky-high horsepower per liter — the California’s 4.3-liter V-8 makes 453 hp at a howling 7,750 rpm and 357 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine sits just behind the front axle and drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission with steering-wheel paddles or a conventional six-speed manual. Ferrari says the California will hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and sail through the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds.

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
2 years
Corrosion
2 years
Powertrain
2 years
Maintenance
7 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Registered within the past 14 years
Basic
24 months
Dealer certification
101-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2012
    Ferrari California
    Starts at
    $192,000
    -
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2017
    Aston Martin Vanquish
    Starts at
    $287,650
    13 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-12
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    5.0
    Ferrari F8 Spider
    Starts at
    $274,280
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2018
    Ferrari California
    Starts at
    $202,723
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    5.0
    McLaren 600LT
    Starts at
    $240,000
    15 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.8
    McLaren 570S
    Starts at
    $184,900
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    5.0
    Ferrari 458 Italia
    Starts at
    $233,509
    13 City / 17 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

No reviews yet

This car doesn’t have a consumer review yet.
Write the first review

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Ferrari California?

The 2012 Ferrari California is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Ferrari California?

The 2012 Ferrari California compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Ferrari California history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"sportscar_standard","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Convertible","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]