California HELE (Italy, 2010)

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show Ferrari presented a greener version of the California. This version of the California is equipped with the HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) system, developed to reduce the environmental impact, while still boosting performance and driving pleasure.

The HELE system incorporates an engine fan and fuel pump control, electronic air-conditioning compressor displacement control and a gear-shift pattern that adapt to driving style. The Caifornia HELE has its fuel pump capacity controlled by the engine CPU in order to limit power demands on the alternator. The air conditioning  system has become more efficient with the amount of torque absorbed by the system being cut by 35 per cent, not affecting the efficient cabin cooling. The Ferrari engineers also achieved a reduction of current absorption and cut the cooling system’s weight by over 2 kg. The aerodynamic drag was reduced by 5 per cent at high speeds.

The California is the first Ferrari to feature the Stop&Start system, which restarts the car in just 230 milliseconds. The system was designed specifically to allow the driver to restart the engine not just by releasing the brake pedal, but also by using the accelerator pedal or the UP paddle mounted on the steering wheel.

The technology reduces CO2 emissions of the Ferrari California from 299 g/km to 270 g/km, which represents a reduction of 23 per cent over an urban cycle. While at the same time, the California disposes of an extra 25 Nm of torque which boosts its responsiveness.