At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Italian brand presented its new creation in society: the Ferrari Portofino. It is a vehicle that comes to replace the California T, which was until now the most economical model of the brand.

The California was born in 2009 and was the first Ferrari to feature a retractable hardtop, Start & Stop, dual-clutch gearbox, and most importantly, a turbocharged engine, never seen in Ferrari’s modern era. This decision to include turbocharged engines in a brand that boasts its naturally aspirated V8 and V12 did not sit well with the most purists.

Little by little, the turbo engines were gaining followers among the brand’s buyers. For this reason, Ferrari has decided to follow the same path with the new Portofino.

Design

Spectacular, that’s the word that defines the new design of this Ferrari. The leap he has made with respect to California is enormous. At 4.59 meters in length, the Ferrari Portifino is 19 centimeters shorter than the California. The difference in size is noticeable as soon as you see it. It has more compact and sporty proportions.

At the front we find a smaller nose than in the California, with a hood with two vents. The headlights are sharper and more aggressive than the model it replaces.

The side view is where its compact measurements are most noticeable. The design of the hood is very successful, we could not say if we like it more with it on than with a convertible. It is a very nice model and when it is with the roof up it is not appreciated that it is a convertible.

At the back there is a large black back piece. It has four tailpipes and very successful minimalist-style pilots.

The whole of the vehicle has very clean lines ; impressive, but without exaggerated forms in any of its pieces. Ferrari’s latest additions are sleeker cars than previous generations.

Inside

Unlike the 488 GTB or the F12, the Ferrari Portofino does have a “traditional” 10.2-inch screen positioned in the center of the dashboard. It is a very technological and modern interior. Not as radical as the interior of the 488 GTB and with a quality of finishes almost at the level of the F12 (it costs almost € 100.00 more than our protagonist).

The screen is positioned a little down to handle it without looking too far away. The air conditioning controls are located below the screen.

The steering wheel, very similar to all Ferraris, houses the car’s on and off button. In turn, it also has a control with which we can select the driving mode.

The seats are first class, with wide adjustments and a lateral support at the height of the set. The two rear seats are very small to accommodate two adults, leaving only for emergencies or small children.

The boot has 292 liters, a very good figure for a car with these characteristics. A Porsche 911 has 115 liters. It is a very usable boot, similar to that of a utility vehicle, although with less regular shapes.

Dynamic

With a chassis made of aluminum and a very balanced weight distribution between the two axles, this Ferrari Portofino is up to the task.

The brand has equipped the Portofino with electric steering, and they guarantee that it has 7% less gear ratio than that of the California, which was hydraulic. In addition, they have incorporated a new electronic rear differential, called E-Diff3.

With a lower center of gravity than the previous model, less weight and a stiffer aluminum chassis, the brand guarantees better cornering and greater agility in quick changes of direction.

Motor

Although it shares the same block as the California T, it has many improvements over its predecessor. It is a 3.8-liter V8 Biturbo placed in the front position that develops 600 hp of power to the rear wheels. For this reason, it yields 40 hp more than before and has greatly improved the internal friction to improve consumption and emissions.

With this, it manages to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 320 km / h. Although they are figures of heart attack, they are not very striking if we compare them with those of a Porsche 911 Turbo. The German is capable of lowering the acceleration mark from 0 to 100 km / h in half a second, and that has 60 hp less power.

conclusion

With a price yet to be confirmed by the Italian brand, this Ferrari Portofino has all the ballots to improve the acceptance that the California T had at the beginning of its life. It has corrected many of the shortcomings of the previous model and comes with a more elaborate and elegant aesthetic.

Only time will clear us of doubts about the reception it will have among the Ferrari public. In any case, if you are part of that audience you give us a lot, but a lot of envy.