Paris Show: Ferrari California HELE gets Stop- Start Tech, Emits 23% Less CO2

Visitors to the 2010 Paris Motor Show may have noticed a rather innocuous looking, black-topped Ferrari California on display at the automaker's stand. This is the Ferrari California HELE, which stands for High Emotion Low Emissions. Think of it as a Ferrari for the environmentally conscious.

Featuring a host of technological jiggery including intelligent fan and fuel pump control, adaptive gear shift and "electronically controlled variable displacement"...air conditioning, the California HELE is said to reduce CO₂ emissions by 23% over its non-HELE sibling.

That's 270 g / km down from 299 g /km. The California HELE also features a stop / start system that can restart the car's engine in an impressive sounding 230 milliseconds.

Ferrari is also introducing some new two-tone finishes - no doubt for the 599 GTO wannabes - and water-resistant leather for its California range. There's no word on pricing or launch dates, or in what markets the California HELE will be sold. No doubt buyers will pay a premium over the non-HELE base model.

By Tristan Hankins

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Anderson Germany Rolls Out 515HP-Tuned Ferrari California Edition

If the factory version of the Ferrari California isn't quite to your liking, then perhaps the tuning folks over at "Anderson Germany" can help you spruce up the Italian hardtop convertible. On the speed side, the California's 4.3-liter V8 gets a 55-horsepower jump from 460HP to 515HP thanks to a recalibrated ECU and new valve controlled stainless steel exhaust system, which can be set to three different sound modes via remote control.

The package also includes electronically adjustable dampers that can lower the ride height by 35 mm or raise it by 40 mm, and a new set of light-weight alloy wheels with the outer rim painted in the color of the car, shod in 255/30 R21 tires up front and 315/22 R22 tires at the rear.

On the outside, it's carbon fiber galore. Aside from the carbon film on the alloy wheel spokes, Anderson Germany offers a bodykit made up of a carbon fiber-finished front spoiler lip, side skirts, rear diffusor, rear mud guard, side air-vents and boot lid spoiler. A dark tint on the panes and rear lights round off the exterior upgrades.

As for the interior, among the many options offered by the tuner is a -you guessed it- carbon fiber trim package for the air vents, radio fascia, center console(s), door handles, rocker switches and steering wheel.

VIDEO: The Fast and Furry-ious Rental Car Advert Starring a Ferrari California, an Audi R8 and Two Bears

Well, we guess that the title says it all, but if it doesn't, this wacky advert showing two men dressed in bear suits having a night of their life after renting a Ferrari California and an Audi R8, was created by Nick Miller to promote the California-based Midway Car Rental company. Watch the three-minute-long video after the break.

- Thanks for the tip Arie!

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California with 500HP and Subtle Aero and Suspension Upgrades

Even the Ferrari California can't escape from the tuning claws of companies like Novitec Rosso that has revealed a comprehensive, yet subtle package for the hardtop roadster. The German tuners offerings include a tasty aero kit, suspension and engine modifications, new interior options and custom wheels.

Novitec Rosso starts under the hood, where it remaps the V8's ECU and adds a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and a flap actuator. With the upgrade, the 4.3-liter V8 engine gains an extra 40HP and 33Nm of torque raising output to 500HP and 518Nm (382 lb-ft). In addition, the engine's redline has been increased to 8,300 rpm.

In the suspension department, the California receives a set of sport springs that lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters while the tuner has developed a hydraulic front lift system that raises the front of the car by some 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the interior to allow drivers to safely navigate parking garage ramps or speed bumps.

The package includes an aerodynamic kit comprising of a front spoiler, rocker panel mouldings, black side markers, a newly designed diffuser for the rear apron and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid. All aero-components are made from lightweight yet high-strength clear-coated carbon fiber.

The tasty exterior upgrades are rounded off by a new set of 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) alloy wheels wrapped in 255/30 Pirelli rubber at the front and 315/25 at the back.

Finally, the tuner offers a several options for the interior including custom-order leather or Alcantara upholstery.