Updated news and photos of Ferrari California

Ferrari updated its teaser launch of its new California 2+ model today, May 29, with more photographs and a few more details.The latest photographs of the Pininfarina-styled retractable hard-top spider-coupe show it with its top closed in Azzurro California paint. That was the color of the 1960s spider's reveal at the New York autoshow in 1962. And blue was a favorite with owners of that model too.

The California debuts a seven-speed dual clutch, which Ferrari says cuts shifting time to zero. And the new Launch Control feature allows highperformance starts without tire spin.The car is 182.4 inches long, 76 inches wide and has a wheelbase of 108 inches.The designation of 2+ refers to space behind the front seats, which makes the California "supremely flexible in terms of usage," Ferrari says.

The 4.3-liter engine, with direct injection and a new flat crank, has about 452 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission can move the car from zero to 62 mph in less than 4 seconds, the company claims. The transmission also improves ride comfort, reduces fuel consumption and impr oves emissions. Also helping comfort is a new multilink rear suspension.

The F1-Trac traction control system, also used on the 599 GTB Fiorano, and carbon-ceramic Brembo disc brakes are standard equipment. The "two-plus" configuration is a new idea that Ferrari says will guarantee greater versatility in the rear of the car.