CloseVisited a dealer in Tokyo - on business yesterday and he said that the delivery on a California is still not 'overnight' but one could get a car within a few days in Japan - lots of stock around and from order to delivery a maximum of 6 months for any combination! How does that compare to Europe and the USA I wonder....
It is almost a true story in Japan.I've heard these quick deliverly from salesperson and my acquaintances.I suppose that Japanese dealer should buy prospective stockpiles from Italy.Last year,also have seen several 612 in the dealer's showroom. I wondered and asked my salesperson,he said we've bought stockpiles for the depression of North American Market.
nberry:
It is as I predicted. The California from a sales standpoint will crater. Once the initially enthusiastic orders have been filled, Ferrari will have to twist arms to get buyers.
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You could be right - this is not the first time that this has happened though.
The California is a bit Jappy for my liking - good car but too much of a cross between a Maser, Lexus and Aston. BUT, I do feel that Ferrari needs to create all sorts of cars for all sorts of people and THEY feel that this is wanted. In addition, over the years, cars like the California have always been available - 330 being one example - not a huge success as well...
Sep 29, 2009 4:08:54 AM
I have to disagree with the overly-exagerated sentiment that the Ferrari California is going to be a sales disaster - no way, no how. The performance figures are right on par for where they should be with the niche Ferrari is trying to fill. The styling may not be to everyone's liking, but it's not overly controversial either. It's has the Ferrari nameplate, and people will buy it, rest assured. Granted, the volumes may not be as high as Ferrari would like, but every exotic car manufacturer is experiencing a period of tough sales. Just look at the Scud as an example, it was supposed to be all sold out and completely impossible to get your hands on just one year ago. Fast forward to today, and you can pretty much pick any Ferrari dealer in the US who will likely have a Scud in stock and available for sale.
2009 Porsche Turbo Cab - Cargraphic exhaust, HRE P40's charcoal
Oct 6, 2009 12:24:29 AM
A comment form one of the readers of Car and Driver highlights the California GT problems;
Wow! A Ferrari with a huge rump, an automatic transmission, useless taillights, and fake exhausts. Can I get a vinyl roof, too?
A year form now this car will have trouble selling. I strongly suspect Ferrari will have its dealers make new customers looking to buy the 458 must first buy the California GT.
Oct 6, 2009 2:48:30 PM
Again, I ask why do people continue to bash the California? It's a NEW car filling a NEW niche for Ferrari. The comment above from the Car and Driver reader just goes to show how ignorant most people are, as the reader lambasts the auto transmission, which has been lauded by every major car magazine out there. Everyone I have spoken to who actually owns a Cali loves the car. I've driven it myself and was indeed pleased. The auto transmission is superb and engine sound and performance is great. It's no Scuderia, but it is not trying to be!
2009 Porsche Turbo Cab - Cargraphic exhaust, HRE P40's charcoal
Oct 8, 2009 7:10:15 AM
I think the California has been earned high evaluation as the Ferrari itself or GT car.If we should find out a weak point by all means,it would be a resale value that alone.I don't know the conditions of secondhand Ferrari market all over the world,in Japan,added rear seat and front engine Ferrari must be sure to decrease its resale value immediately in comparison with mid-rear engine Ferrari.
imho there would have been a fairly strong market for the Cali had it been for sale during the same type of times in which it was created. Against the high end SL's, 65's, etc. it would have done well but high end sports car market has been turned upside down.
I'm seeing a substantial turn around in business but worried we'll be seeing a W recovery instead of a V. Inflation, etc.
I'd have to agree that after the initial first year or 2 it's going to be tough for Ferrari to sell a large # of Cali's even if the economy continues to improve. imho even the 458 after the first year or so is going to be easy to buy for 1st time customers in the once hot US markets where you couldn't touch a new 8cyl without buying something else first................ I wished that I fell in love w/ the 458's looks but I'm disappointed.
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08 PORSCHE Turbo Cabriolet, 06 Ferrari F430, 04 Durango HEMI, 04 Harley Davidson Screamin Eagle, 93 Harley Davidson Nostalgia
Oct 19, 2009 6:24:41 PM
Shawminator:
I have to disagree with the overly-exagerated sentiment that the Ferrari California is going to be a sales disaster - no way, no how. The performance figures are right on par for where they should be with the niche Ferrari is trying to fill. The styling may not be to everyone's liking, but it's not overly controversial either. It's has the Ferrari nameplate, and people will buy it, rest assured. Granted, the volumes may not be as high as Ferrari would like, but every exotic car manufacturer is experiencing a period of tough sales. Just look at the Scud as an example, it was supposed to be all sold out and completely impossible to get your hands on just one year ago. Fast forward to today, and you can pretty much pick any Ferrari dealer in the US who will likely have a Scud in stock and available for sale.
Your Scud example only makes the point further that the Cali is going to be a tough sell, no?
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08 PORSCHE Turbo Cabriolet, 06 Ferrari F430, 04 Durango HEMI, 04 Harley Davidson Screamin Eagle, 93 Harley Davidson Nostalgia
Oct 20, 2009 11:16:58 PM
2009 Porsche Turbo Cab - Cargraphic exhaust, HRE P40's charcoal
Oct 21, 2009 7:49:35 PM
I saw a Ferrari California for the first time driving past me on the road as I was walking home - FWIW the only fleeting impression I formed was that it made an attractive sound but that it was a lot of noise for a car that wasn't accelerating away from me as fast as the sound would imply.
Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection
Oct 22, 2009 12:34:32 AM
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