President drives new Ferrari

Ferrari's new California convertible has been put through its paces at the Fiorana circuit by company president Luca di Montezemolo - and we have some new images too.

"I am very satisfied indeed with the work that the women and men of Ferrari have done," declared di Montezemolo.

"The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted with the performance, comfort and driving pleasure it delivered. The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation. Its gearbox, suspensions and chassis are the most advanced possible.

"This is the first dual-purpose Spider/Coupé with a retractable hard top that closes in just 14 seconds. Despite its extraordinary performance, the California 2+ is also exceptionally easy to drive and has a space behind the front seats that makes it supremely flexible in terms of usage."

Launch control

This is also the first time that Ferrari's new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is being used on one of its cars.

The system used on the California apparently cuts the gear shifting time to zero, while commanding the utmost from the car's performance reserves.

Performance is also aided by a new Launch Control button that ensures the torque is put down correctly at launch while preventing wheel spin.

Ferrari has also released new images of the convertible with the retractable hard top. For the first time, we are able to see the car with its top closed. The colour shown, Azzurro California, was also the colour chosen for the 60s spider's New York Motor Show appearance.

The latest incarnation of the Ferrari California will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September.