Ferrari reveals 592bhp Portofino 23 | 08 | 2017
FERRARI HAS RELEASED its first official images of the new Portofino, the company’s new 592bhp V8 entry-level four-seater model which replaces the California T. The car is set to makes its official debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. (Related: 30th anniversary of the Ferrari F40)
The front of the Portofino is dominated by a new, aggressive front grille, while hovering above it are headlights shaped like those of the 488 GTB, but with picked out by larger black surrounds. Air is vented into the front wheelarches via intakes on the outside edges of the new full-LED headlights.
The new model is also slightly larger than the California, measuring 4586mm long, 1938mm wide and 1318mm tall, which makes it 16mm longer and 28mm wider. It is though just 4mm shorter.
The hardtop can be folded while on the move — Ferrari has yet to confirm how long it takes — while a redesigned wind deflector reduces air flow inside the cabin by 30% when the roof is down. A revamped infotainment system, displayed on a 10.2in itouchscreen, can also be seen in the cabin, which also gets a new air-conditioning system.
There’s also a new steering wheel, and 18-way electrically adjustable seats with a new backrest design that boosts legroom for rear seat passengers
Powered by a 592bhp, turbocharged 3.5-litre V8, and boasting a folding hard-top convertible, the Portofino will hit 62mph from standstill in 3.5secs. Ferrari says it’ll top out at 199mph, which is at least 3mph better than its predecessor.
The engine, which has evolved from that found in the California, now delivers an extra 40bhp. The Portofino is also built around an all-new chassis that is significantly lighter than its predecessor. Ferrari has yet to confirm how much lighter it is, but the new car also enjoys greater torsional rigidity due to new production techniques.
Named after the iconic Italian village, the Portofino is the first Ferrari GT to come with electric power steering. The Italian supercar maker says the system has allowed it to reduce the steering ratio rate by 7% without any hindrance to stability.
Fitted with Ferrari’s E-Diff 3 electronic rear differential, responsiveness and ride comfort has also been improved thanks to new dual-coil suspension with magnetorheological damping.
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Jim McGill