Differences between Ferrari California T and Mondial T

Luxury carmaker Ferrari's only model other than the newly announced California T to have 'T' suffix was the Mondial T, which was launched in 1989.

While the two models share the 'T' suffix in the names, the new model is much different compared to the decades-old Ferrari Mondial T. The original "T" suffix stood for the shape of the powertrain and axles which looked like 'T' when looked from above.

But, the "T" in the name of new California car stands for turbo-charging. The carmaker has not used forced induction since the model F40, which was the first car to break the 200 miles per hour road-car barrier in the late 1980s.

The California T has its V-8 engine in front, while the Mondial T had its engine behind the cabin. However, like the new California T, the old T model was also a two-plus-two convertible. In other words, both cars provide space for two adults and two kids. Priced at £154,490, the new California T has 3,855cc twin-turbo V8 engine that can produce 560 horsepower, and a peak torque of 557lb ft at 4,750rpm. Ferrari's latest stability control systems restrict the torque in the earlier gears. The new car also boasts twin-scroll turbochargers, a seven-speed, twin-clutch auto paddleshift, direct injection, and three-piece exhaust headers.

The car also comes equipped with parking sensors, carbon-ceramic brakes, cruise control, automatic wipers & lights, electric seats, tyre pressure monitors, tracking device, satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and DAB digital radio. As per Ferrari's claims, the California T is 15 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor that hit the roads in 2008. The new car's fuel economy has been rated at 26.9mpg with carbon emissions of 250g/km.