Ahead of Paris, Ferrari Reveals the 2009 California

Well in advance of an official debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, Ferrari dropped a trio of photos of the 2009 California on the Web. Strongly influenced by the V-12-engined 599 GTB Fiorano and the 612 Scaglietti, the aluminum-bodied California sports the company's first retractable hard top.

Beneath the hood, a 4.3-liter direct-injection V-8 produces 454 horsepower at 7500 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The company claims 60 mph will arrive in less than four seconds.

Ferrari calls the California an "original 2+ concept," though two-plus-what remains to be seen.

Photos courtesy of Ferrari.