Car lovers around the globe all know that Italians design and make beautiful cars, and it looks like we are in store for yet another marvelous Ferrari. Even though the Ferrari California never attracted many car enthusiasts and received harsh reviews, we believe that this one will be successful. California model hit the streets in 2010, and even though it weighed more than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, it was less powerful and slower than the F430. It did look pretty since it was a hardtop front-engined convertible. When we took it for a spin, we truly enjoyed it, and we believe that it is a fine piece of engineering. And on top of that, the California T was even better. Therefore we think that the real issue lies in people’s perception rather than the actual feel behind the wheel. Ferrari decided to right that wrong with the all-new Portofino!
As you take the first look, you’ll immediately notice how the Portofino looks more dangerous and aggressive than the California. It looks even more menacing than the California T. The Portofino has a fascia that appears serious and aggressive contrary to Ferrari’s entry level grand tourer that looks like it’s wearing a bug-eyed grin. Sharp lines dominate the profile and lead back to the Portofino’s muscular rear fenders and a back end that features prominent circular taillights and quad exhaust pipes. Maybe this time the company went a bit too far with the aggressive look, but we see that Ferrari really wants this car to sell well. All in all, we think that it is gorgeous.
When it comes to power, this Ferrari runs on the upgraded California T’s twin turbo V-8, and it produces 591 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Due to the reduced weight of the chassis, the Portofino can reach 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed greater than 199 mph. Pretty fast won’t you agree? And especially fast if you consider that this car has seating for four. The company also promised zero turbo lag and reworked exhaust that will produce even louder sound under the wide-open throttle.
Even though the Portofino is dubbed as a grand tourer, the company claims that they haven’t neglected the handling. An electronic rear differential is installed, and it will be the same one that the 488 GTB has, and on top of that, there will be dual-coil magnetorheological dampers that will reduce body roll without affecting the driving experience. Oh yes, and the steering ratio has been reduced by 7% so as to increase responsiveness.
Interior-wise, the company, made sure that it is comfortable since this is still a grand tourer. Inside you’ll see a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 18-way electrically adjustable seats, a new steering wheel and new backrests that help the rear seats feel less cramped up in cases that there are persons sitting in them. On top of that, since this car is also a hardtop convertible the company improved the air conditioning to improve the passenger comfort when the top is down. How cool, right? Ferrari also mentioned a new wind reflector that decreases airflow in the cabin by a whopping 30% and thanks to that you’ll also spare your ears some annoying loud noise.
We expect the Ferrari Portofino to make its debut next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Price-wise we still don’t know much, but we believe that it will sell for something over $200,000 just like its predecessor the California T did.
