When originally unveiled in 2008, the California was powered by a front-mid mounted, rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8.

The car's grand touring personality was emphasized with a slightly higher ride height compared to its more aggressive siblings.

The variable power distribution to the rear wheels allows greater stability and performance in roadway turns.

The result is an average increase of 20% in acceleration when exiting curves (when compared to traditional traction control systems).

What was an option package and called the HELE system (High Emotion / Low Emission) allowed the engine to shut off while at extended idle and start again immediately upon pushing the accelerator pedal.

While this technology was not always well received by many of the Ferrari Tifosi, it did allow for substantial tax savings upon sale in certain governmental jurisdictions.

[1] Although that model was 180 kilograms (397 lb) heavier and 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp) less powerful than the mid-engined F430, the California reached 97 km/h (60 mph) in the same time as the F430 due to the dual-clutch transmission.

[7][8] The new facility was part of Ferrari's Formula Uomo programme[9] that started in 1997 to improve production, safety and employee happiness.

While the Pininfarina design remained, the changes included reducing body weight by 30 kg (66 lb); increased power output by 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp) and 15 N⋅m (11 lbf⋅ft) of torque; reduced acceleration time of 3.8 seconds for 0–100 km/h (62 mph); introduction of a Handling Speciale (HS) package; a redesigned chassis and elimination of the manual transmission option.

The California 30 chassis was re-engineered with structural modifications including new materials and aerospace derived construction technologies.

It is the first Ferrari road car with a completely modular type chassis and was made entirely of innovative aluminum alloys.

It is 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the standard California chassis with no loss in structural capacity providing an extremely high torsional rigidity value.

[19] To give the clients a more dynamic driving experience, an optional HS (Handling Speciale) package was developed as part of the update in 2012 (for the US 2013 model year).

The HS package includes Delphi MagneRide magnetorheological dampers controlled by the ECU with 50% faster response time utilizing a patented Ferrari software, stiffer springs for more precise body control[20] and a steering rack with a 9% quicker steering ratio (2.3 turns lock to lock as opposed to the standard rack's 2.5).

[21] Overall it does away with some driving comfort trading it for reduced body roll, higher-speed cornering, and better handling during aggressive vehicle operation.

Ferrari has historically been very open to working with customers to develop specific model variants or specialized features.

In the program, interested clients work with Ferrari's personal designers in Maranello to assist in decision making throughout the entire process[22] The California 30 was one of the initial models to benefit from this service.

It is also the first Ferrari road car debuting the new Apple CarPlay functionality into its built-in infotainment system – Apple confirmed at the launch of the Geneva Motor Show that Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo would be among the first car manufacturers to bring CarPlay compatible models to the market.

Through the Tailor Made programme, the California T was produced in several special editions and could also be customised to suit individual customers.