Ferrari California up close

In an unveiling befit of a championship racer the Coral Gables based car dealership, The Collection, to show off the latest offering from Maranello. President and CEO of the super car dealership Ken Gorin was all smiles just moments before ordering his men in black to pull back the covers on the 2009 Ferrari California.

Continued after the jump.

The Italian sports car comes with a front-midship mounted 4.3 liter V8, the same power plant found in the F-430 and changes gears thanks to a 7 speed paddle shifted transaxle.

The exterior of the California is stunning, looking better in person than any photograph could ever represent. The headlights make use of numerous LEDs creating a modern image for the classically named Ferrari. Unique to the California are the over under exhaust tips, possibly a design cue for future Ferrari’s.

With the convertible hard top stored securely in the trunk the lights shined down on a 599 inspired interior, nowhere was this more evident than in the design of the seats. Opposite the carbon fiber clad steering wheel you will find the California emblem next to a plaque that reaffirms the Ferrari’s championship pedigree. The most interesting feature in the interior was the floating center console; it was a fresh design that is not often executed so well.

If you missed out on the event, you will most likely have to wait until the California goes on sale in September for another opportunity to see this red beauty in person.