Ferrari Adds a Handling Speciale Package to the California T

Ferrari California T with HS package (Credit: © Ferrari)

Since its debut, Ferrari has pretty much left the California T to its own devices, but that all changes soon. Today the Italian automaker has announced that it’ll add a new handling package that enhances the turbocharged prancing horse’s agility, looks, and exhaust note.

This new package, which is known as the Handling Speciale—HS for short—will have a set of special calibrations that the driver can tune to their liking. The enhancements are most noticeable when the California T is in Sport mode, as the suspension becomes noticeably stiffer, feedback increases, and the exhaust note opens up a bit. Ferrari assures buyers that this stiffer suspension will not make the ride unbearable.

In addition to the adjustable dampers, the HS package stiffens up the springs by 16 percent up front and 19 percent out back. These new springs help keep body roll, dive, and pitch in check, making the Cali more agile than ever.

Ferrari California T with HS package (Credit: © Ferrari)

Also included in this package is a revised F1-Trac logic that helps boost traction while exiting corners and on bumpy roads.

The final technical piece of the HS package’s tweaks is a new exhaust system. This new units has revised silencers, two primary pipes, and new geometry to deliver an even more pronounced growl, especially as the driver pushes deeper into the rev band.

Of course, Ferrari couldn’t resist adding a few aesthetic bits to this package. These mods include a matte Grigio Ferro Met-colored grille up front and a rear diffuser in the same hue but with black fins and exhaust tips to contrast this gray hue. Inside the cabin, the HS package gets a special plaque indicating this is no normal California T.

The HS package will officially debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March, and it should be available for purchase shortly after that debut.