portofino

It’s a convertible. It’s a hardtop coupé. It’s an elegant cruiser. It’s a hard-edged performance Ferrari. Multi-tasking comes easily to the new Portofino, Ferrari’s successor to the acclaimed California T.

Lighter, more powerful and even more stunning to look at than its acclaimed predecessor, it mades its global debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

From first glance, it’s clear that the new Portofino is a close relative of the benchmark 488 GTB, with the same new generation Ferrari look; aggressive face, narrow LED headlights and a body style of low, angled cuts and lines that create a lean, sculpted profile. The rear diffuser and tail lights are also all-new. Inside, you’ll find the latest Ferrari infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, new steering wheel, new front seats with 18-way powered adjustment (that also create more rear-seat space) and a separate infotainment screen for the front-seat passenger. Another important improvement is the retractable metal hardtop, which can now be raised and lowered while on the move as well as at a stop.

As with its predecessor, the California T, the new Portofino is both a convertible and a hardtop convertible, a winning combination for a grand tourer. It’s the first Ferrari GT to feature electronic power steering, and the suspension has been revised to reduce roll while delivering a supple ride.

The Portofino’s turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 has been comprehensively reworked; result is an additional 40HP, bringing maximum power up to 600HP and delivering a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. The exhaust note has been tuned for extra enjoyment, especially when the hood’s down. To reduce turbo lag to minimal levels and sharpen throttle response, Ferrari’s engineers have designed a new one-piece exhaust manifold. Add in an all-new chassis that’s both lighter and more rigid than the California T, and you have an ‘entry level’ Ferrari (such terms are relative) that’s noticeably faster, keener to turn and more rewarding on track, closing the gap on the mid-engined 488 GTB.

The new Portofino also boasts the latest version of Ferrari’s electronically controlled limited slip differential, called E-Diff3. This is integrated with the company’s F1-Trac system, improving mechanical grip and the driver’s control at the limit. The magnetorheological adaptive-damping system has also been revised and steering is now electrically-assisted.

The California T won a lot of fans for its style, civility and performance, and it’s a measure of Ferrari’s achievement with the new Portofino that it betters its predecessor in every respect. It’s arguably the most versatile of Prancing Horses; a suave beautiful convertible that’s also a true supercar coupé.