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Despite its position as the 'approachable' Prancing Horse, Ferrari's new California folding hardtop is a heck of an impressive drive all the way around. However, that hasn't stopped some quarters from suggesting that it's a bit compromised and a bit too effeminate to be a proper Maranello supercar. While we think that's nonsensical, we admit a little toughening up couldn't hurt to silence the doubters.

Enter German tuner Edo Competition, which has just taken the wraps off of their own fettled California. Looking suitably foreboding in black with larger matching alloys, Edo has tweaked the car's 4.3-liter V8 engine to deliver 500 horsepower (+40). That nice, round number arrives courtesy of a remapped ECU and a pair of high-flow cats that feed into a new cockpit-adjustable exhaust system. The engine's torque level doesn't swell quite as much, peaking at 369 lb-ft (@ 5,200 rpm), but nevertheless, EDO says the car is good for a 0-62 mph run in 3.9 seconds and a top end of 315 km/h (196 mph). Oddly, Ferrari says the box-stock Cali will get to 60 mph in "under 4 seconds," so there's probably not much of a difference between the two on the low end, although Edo's top speed is 5 kmph faster than when it left the factory.

Commendably, Edo has resisted the need to fit a lairy body kit, although the company says it will be happy to trim-out your droptop with lowering springs (-35mm), a full-on sport suspension system with adjustable damping, or your choice of 20- and 21-inch wheels. They'll even redo the interior for you, although we find the standard car to be quite wonderful in this regard, and might recommend leaving well enough alone.

[Source: Edo Competition]

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edo competition California Spider - something really special

The Ferrari 599, 612 and 430 have had offspring. The open two-seater, dubbed the California Spider, with its retractable aluminum hard top is the new entry level model among the sports car offerings from Maranello. Having been introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show last October, the California Spider can now be admired on our roads, too.

For those who wish to further personalize the appearance and performance of this exceptional sports car, edo competition is now offering very special accessories.

Newly-developed wheel/tire sets in 20 and 21 inches are guaranteed to draw amazed looks from passers- by. The wheels are available in several attractive designs. Customers can also opt for a lowered ride height or the addition of a sport suspension system. The sport suspension is adjustable in both compression and rebound damping, allowing for a custom tailored ride for cruising, spirited driving, or competition.

To make sure the performance of a vehicle as special as the California is up to par in all aspects, edo competition also offers custom ECU recalibration. After reprogramming the production ECU, the 8-cylinder engine now generates 367 kW (500HP) and 369 ft-lb of torque at 5,200 rpm. In addition to the recalibrated electronics edo competition can install a newly-developed high performance exhaust system featuring adjustable butterfly valves and custom designed high flow catalytic converters with a 200 cell per square inch metal core.

This well-matched combination enables the engine to develop its new-found power in an impressive manner. The treatment also provides a torque increase that is particularly noticeable in everyday driving. As a result, the performance figures of the edo California Spider are improved as well: It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a phenomenal 3.9 seconds and the top speed is an impressive 315 km/h (196 mph).

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers' imaginations. Special interiors or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

edo Tuning Program California

Increased performance up to 500 HP with

* 2 x Sport catalyst 200 cell
* 2 x control units- modification

Loudness of the exhaust adjustable at the touch of a button

Sport wheel set 20 and 21 Zoll with

* Front: 245/35 ZR 20, Rear 285/35 ZR 20 or
* Front: 255/30 ZR 21, Rear 285/30 ZR 21 or
* Front: 255/30 ZR 21, Rear 295/25 ZR 21, ex
* On request alloy rims can be painted in various colors

KW/edo racing chassis

Racing driving technology for the street with adjustable compression and rebound damping. These are separated and independent of each other. Adjustable compression and rebound damping really permits individual customized driving. The unique technology makes it possible with its 3 level control systems allows you to set the compression damping at low speeds and almost finest comfort at high speeds.

edo sport spring set

* Lowering via sport springs at 35 mm front and 35 mm rear