Marketing of the California was originally planned via a viral website, launching teaser images and details as the countdown to launch progressed. But the these images and details appear to have side-stepped the site.

The model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new 4,300 cc V8 engine, mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position. Power is 460hp.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It'll be equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard will guarantee brick-wall braking.

New images and details will be revealed prior to the model’s official launch at the Paris International Car Show.

Hear the soundtrack of the V8 here