Following months -- in fact, years -- of speculation about its existence, Ferrari has issued the first images and details of its keenly anticipated California roadster.

The newcomer is conceived to sit alongside the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the grand tourer segment and take on the likes of the Mercedes SL 63 AMG and Aston Martin DB9 Volante.

Due to be unveiled at October's Paris motor show, the California is a milestone car in several respects. It's the first Ferrari to use a mid-front-mounted engine, as well as being the first to use the company's new seven-speed dual-clutch sequential gearbox.

The California also has the distinction of being the first prancing horse-badged offering to be equipped with a folding hardtop.

True to Ferrari's current construction methods, both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, while power comes from a F430-derived 4.3-litre V8 that features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft.

In keeping with the California's slightly more genteel job description vis-à-vis the F430, its V8 pumps out 339kW at 7500rpm (versus 360kW at 8500rpm for the latter).

It's no sluggard though, as Ferrari is touting a sub-four-second 0-100km/h split and ideal weight distribution -- courtesy of a transaxle layout (ie gearbox housed in unison with the rear axle).

Its maker says the California's new multilink rear suspension system benefits its ride quality, and the car is equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system. This system made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and Ferrari says it has been further honed for the new topless GT.

Stopping power should be up to the mark, as lurking behind the five-spoke rims are standard-issue Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic discs.

"New accessories and equipment... together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down," boasts Ferrari.

Although the car won't make its public debut until October's Paris show, Ferrari says it will issue new photographs and further details over the coming weeks.

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