The specs are formidable, so it’s a shame Novitec couldn’t come up with a sexier name for this beast. In roughly the same amount of time it takes you rattle off the official name—Novitec Rosso Race 606 based on the Ferrari California—the car would probably be deep into license-revoking speeds. According to Novitec, the Race 606 can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Credit the supercharger hardware under the hood for the performance boost. The conversion includes a water-to-air intercooler, a new intake manifold with larger injectors, and a “flap-controlled” stainless- steel performance exhaust with sport catalysts. The driver can choose from one of four exhaust notes using the manettino switch on the steering wheel.
We’ve never had any qualms with the performance of the Ferrari California. However, the car’s too-tall rump has been a source of serious debate. Without the ungainly rear there would be no room for the folding hardtop and no place to put your custom-made Italian luggage. While this large rear adds to the car’s convenience and serves an engineering purpose, the California’s lines lack the grace of the 458 Italia and 599 GTB.
On this design note, the Novitec Race 606 offers a marked improvement. A Ferrari in white is normally way too 1980s hair-band for our taste—but don’t discount the Novitec based on its Duran Duran paint job. The swath of clear-coated carbon fiber covering the center of the hood, and the entire folding hardtop, give the car an appreciably meaner (and leaner) appearance. The three-piece Novitec Rosso NF3 wheels also receive a matte carbon-fiber coating.
Sport springs lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 35 millimeters. A hydraulic system can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters for those moments when you feel like taking your $196,450 (base price) Rosso Race 606 off-roading—yes, we’re kidding. At speeds above 50 mph, the car settles back down to its normal ride height.