Got feedback elsewhere that the LEDs come on around 4-5K RPM. I may have reached 4K a couple of times in manual mode, but I wasn't going to push it given it has so much power (that I prefer to get used to over time) and we were in relatively busy suburban streets and highways.

To me, aftermarket add-ons are almost a negative: so no credit for those from my perspective. One had a K40 installed. Nice to have it when you need it, but I'm always concerned when the electrical systems have been 'altered'.

 

You obviously like the 599 more then the Cali, but can you be specific on the differences between the two. I have only driven a Cali, Scud and 458.

Sensible and responsible = Cali
Passion and excitement = 599
Laughter and stupid smile = Scud

 

I think I give the 599 a slight nod over the Cali based on torque and engine/exhaust tone as those are the two items that stand out to me the most. The Cali has a more compliant ride around the city and local highways, which is where it's going to spend 99% of its drive time (with the other 1% being rural highways). I'm not looking for a convertible, so it's not necessarily a plus that the Cali has that. I prefer the look of the Cali with the top up, so to me it's almost a negative based on the fact that so much trunk space is lost because of the roof mechanism.

And at the end of the day, the 599 falls into that long tradition of Ferrari V12s. As Clarkson would say: V12 > V8. More is better.

I'm not entirely convinced of that. I'm still including California's in my search and have a few that I've found of interest. I also want to get a better handle on maintenance expectations between the 599 and the California. A few comments have drawn more concern about dealing with issues when they arise on the 599. I'm sure the clutch and brake discs are going to hit harder on the 599. Not sure about other items. I plan on putting 5-6k miles/year on this car (I know that's enormous for a Ferrari, but I'm not going to let it sit 25 days a month). Given those expectations, the Cali feels as though it's the better choice.

But with spy shots of the next Cali starting to pop-up, there's also concern of the next-gen causing more depreciation on the Cali models coming right around the corner.

So...a lot going on to consider. Which is why all of this type of feedback is so appreciated.

 

I would pick the 599 over California. If you want a California I would suggest skipping that and look for a Maserati Granturismo S it's a better car for daily basis(less costly to maintaine) and sounds better. Youtube Maserati Granturismo S, one of the best sounding cars bone stock.

 

I dunno if that helps u in any sense but after the california came out I talked to one of Auto Motor & Sport's top authors and test drivers - he's like a german Chris Harris - and I asked him whether the Cali is still a proper, real Ferrari and he said no, it's not. So, if u plan the step from a Porsche to a Ferrari then I guess u should get a real one. The Cali to me just is not like that and I believe a Carrera S or whatever allover is the better car.

 

I really like the Cali when my friend let me drive it all around town. I could picture myself owning one and really enjoying it. The problem is, that I have experienced the other less tame ferrari's and that feeling is not matched with the Cali. The other models or what some call a real or proper ferrari feel like a raging animal that you are having fun trying to control.
At a track event my wife got to drive a 911 TTS and then a Scud, I asked her which she preferred (assuming she would say TTS). She gave me a look like she just had great sex and said the Scud was so amazing, the TTS was boring in comparison. Was a very proud husband at that moment.

 

+1 for RAC. Most of their cars are customer consignments that they've worked on. They had a couple of 360's w/F1 trans last week. Also had a Challenge Stradale that was being stored for a client.

 

I was in Maranello last month, I test drive Ferrari California for 2 hours, I'm so impressed with this car! I like the gearbox in California, it is so fast. In auto/comfort moded it changing gears in 2000rpm!
I'm also hesitating between 599 and California. Prices for used cars in Europe are almost the same for California and 599.
But for me California is better. California is car is for pure enjoyment.

 

Did you tested refreshed (2012) model?

 

No, this car was Year 2010 with 103970km on clock