Recently, we were able to catch a strange-looking Ferrari California
prototype testing around Maranello with a strange bulb on the hood and
different air intakes, leading us to think of only one thing: a turbo
engine. At first, we thought that it may be a future GTO or Scuderia
version of the new California, but British magazine, AutoCar, is now
reporting that this prototype is actually the new Handling Speciale
package. This package will offer significant upgrades to the vehicle’s
steering, dampers, and springs, as well as a little power boost.

The Handling Speciale’s power upgrade starts with tweaks made to the ECU
system and the addition of a new alloy intake manifold, which together
add an extra 28 HP and 15 lb-ft of torque. That will leave the
California with 483 HP and 372 lbs-ft for customers to utilize to their
hearts’ content. The new California Handling Speciale will also offer
reprogrammed control software for the magnetorheological dampers and
lower-friction seals in the Delphi-supplied dampers that will allow the
suspension to respond up to 50% faster to bumps.