Ferrari Sending Lighter, More Powerful California to Geneva

We have already reported rumors of a 599 successor at the Geneva Auto Show on March 6, but Ferrari has confirmed that it will have a lighter, more powerful edition of the California there as well. 

The California's 4.3l V8 has been boosted from 454hp to 490hp, and torque grows from 358lb-ft to 373lb-ft. Ferrari says the power bump is due to new exhaust manifolds and engine remapping. All of that is in addition to a 30kg loss in weight, which is due to new aluminum fabrication techniques. 

Ferrari claims a new 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, versus 3.9 seconds for last year's car. 

The California has a new, optional Handling Speciale package that includes magnetic dampers with a faster control unit to allow them respond faster. There are also stiffer springs and a new steering box with 10% faster steering ratio. 

Finally, Ferrari has new paint options on the California for 2012 that includes two-tones and three-layer paints.

Ferrari does not have a specific release date in 2012 for the revised California, but the first models will go to Europe.