New Ferrari California (UPDATED - new images)

Ferrari has released three enticing photographs of the new California with further details to be drip-fed in the build up to the car's official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show on October 1.

Apart from the exquisite exterior, the specs that have been released thus far point to performance worthy of inclusion in the famous marque's "new generation" alongside the 612 Scaglietti and the 430 Scuderia.

A first for Ferrari, the California's 4,300 cc V8 engine will be mounted in the in the mid-front position. The powerplant features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft, generating 460 hp at 7,500 rpm and achieving 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 4.0 seconds. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission will also reduce fuel consumption and keep emissions to c.310 g/km CO2 according to Ferrari.

Available exclusively as a 2+ seater convertible hard top, the new Ferrari California will also sport aluminum chassis and bodywork, new multilink rear suspension system, F1-Trac traction control system (which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano) and Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material discs as standard.

We'll be watching for more details as they emerge - see the gallery for the remaining photographs or visit the Ferrari California site where you can hear the car from several angles.