446kW Ferrari California matches 599 GTB

Ferrari's sublime California roadster can't really be accused of being a snail -- as one Australian motoring journalist knows only too well -- but of course there's always potential for upping the ante... And here's proof.

Germany's Novitec Rosso has decided the California's free-spinning 4.3-litre V8 needed a bit more in the oomph department, so the remedy was to strap on a mechanical supercharger that huffs out up to 0.4 bars of boost.

The system also includes a water-to-air intercooler, a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. Meanwhile, spent gases are expelled via a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts.

There's also a remapped ECU and an integrated flap mechanism activated by a small switch on the steering wheel (called the 'manettino') to control the ferocity of the exhaust note.

The end result is a 446kW at 7900rpm (versus 338kW for the donor car), while peak torque swells from 485Nm to a far more hairy-chested 603Nm at 5500 rpm.

These outputs are remarkably close to those of the 599 GTB (456kW/608Nm), and it's no surprise that the claimed performance figures are also in the same league. Novitec Rosso boasts of a 0-100km/h split of under 3.8sec and top whack of 325km/h.

Visual/aero-enhancing upgrades include a bespoke bumper/spoiler that's claimed to reduce front-axle lift (and thereby improve directional stability) at high speeds, complemented by new rocker panels with integrated airfoils and black side markers.

Meanwhile, the voluptuous rump is distinguished by a rear diffuser and spoiler lip that are said to minimise lift on the rear axle. A carbon fibre rear moulding adds the finishing touches.

The amped California rides on three-piece Novitec Rosso rims (9x21-inch at the front and 11.5x22-inch at the rear) wrapped in Pirelli rubber that's allegedly custom-tailored to the vehicle.

Sports suspension lowers ride height by 35mm, but there's a hydraulic lift system for the front axle that can raise the nose by 40mm to negotiate steep driveways and large speed humps.

Novitec Rosso can also swathe the cabin in your choice of leather and Alcantara, so there's plenty of scope for personalisation. The only thing the press release doesn't mention is the price... But perhaps they left that part out deliberately.

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