FINDING yourself California Dreamin' (on such a winter's day) is quite understandable in light of the horrendous conditions we've been experiencing here in Blighty.

Well you can forget the sunshine for now because there's a shining light on the horizon for performance car fans in the shape of the new Ferrari California T - and it's an absolute stormer.

With savage acceleration of 0-62mph in a fleeting 3.6 seconds and the potential to scorch on to 200mph, this newcomer from the Prancing Horse looks sure to be a star of next month's Geneva Motor Show, where it will make its world debut.

Beneath the bonnet is a 3.8 litre twin turbo-charged V8 engine developing 560bhp and producing a deep-throated growl through the exhaust system.

The T is due to hit the UK in late summer, hopefully just in time for the Premier League players and self-made millionaires to soak up a few extra rays by transforming the coupe into an open-top spider, a manoeuvre that takes 14 seconds.

As in Formula 1 this season, a turbo is used to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and, compared to the outgoing model, fuel consumption is down by around 15 per cent - despite 70bhp more wallop and a 49 per cent increase in torque. Emissions are 250g/km.

The California also boasts the latest evolution of the F1-Trac traction control system for optimised acceleration out of corners while carbon-ceramic brakes can stop the Ferrari from 62mph in a mere 34 metres.

Two colours will be available from launch - Rosso California, described as an intense, deep new red inspired by classic Ferraris, and an elegant Blu California.

The new model's design comes courtesy of a collaboration between Ferrari and Italian style studio Pininfarina, and is in keeping with the brand's front-engined ethos, while its flanks are inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa's famous pontoon-fender styling.

Inside the driver and passenger can enjoy Frau semi-aniline leather trim and cabin space is flexible so owners can efficiently use the boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the opening between the luggage compartment and rear seats.