Many iconic cars have the legendary Cavallino Rampante badge on their hood, but that doesn’t stop Ferrari from producing more.
Even today, the Maranello-based company continues to amaze the market with the impressive performances and gorgeous looks of their cars. Another thing that characterises Ferrari models is their great-sounding nameplates, and the Portofino is one of them.
Named after one of the prettiest villages on the Italian Riviera, the Portofino celebrates the beauty of everyday living. Indeed, this convertible combines ultimate performance and style with usability–a rare combination for a Ferrari. It comes with four seats and is one of more practical models from this brand.
The First Generation of Ferrari Portofino (2017-present)
Ferrari introduced the Portofino in 2017 as a successor to the already-legendary California. Therefore, it's no wonder that it features the same base setup, including a front mid-engine and rear-wheel-drive, which is probably the best setup for a GT car.
The car was available in Australia the same year, and just like in the rest of the world, it was offered in just one version—a hard-top convertible.
Next came the Portofino M, a performance version of the car with all kinds of upgrades, including a new transmission and a more powerful engine.
Design
This model is a direct successor to the Ferrari California, so it has many carried-over parts.
As expected, there are notable updates, including a single-piece A-pillar and a significantly upgraded chassis that uses 12 different aluminium alloys.
According to the manufacturer, the new model has improved structural rigidity by 35% and is 80kg lighter than its predecessor.
When it comes to the suspension, you may count on the same technology used in the California—magnetorheological shock absorbers integrated in the setup.
Still, some revisions were made, allowing even more athleticism, especially in the Sport mode where it becomes incredibly stiff. The same with steering, which becomes more direct and responsive as you select sportier drive modes.
Of course, ventilated ceramic discs are on all four wheels, while tyre dimensions are 245/35R20 at the front and 285/35R20 on the rear end.
The Ferrari Portofino interior features a more modern design than the California, with a new dashboard design, a larger 10.2-inch infotainment screen, and notably improved sound insulation. The cabin is more functional and offers 50mm more legroom than its predecessor.
Dimensions
This model hasn't brought bigger changes than its predecessor in terms of size. It features the same wheelbase but is slightly longer, wider, and lower. It has a 2670mm wheelbase, 4586mm length, 1938mm width, and 1318mm height, and it weighs around 1630kg.
Ferrari Portofino Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2670mm
- Overall height: 1318mm
- Overall length: 4586mm
- Overall width: 1938
- Kerb weight: 1630kg
- Turning circle: 10.8m
- Rear track: 1635mm
- Front track: 1633mm
Engine and Performance
The Ferrari Portofino engine is a familiar unit—the well-known F154—which has been updated and upgraded for this model. The base layout is the same. It features eight cylinders, 3.9 litres in capacity and twin turbochargers.
What’s different about it is the increased pressure in the combustion chamber, revised connecting rods and pistons, and a single cast exhaust manifold. It is essentially the same engine that powers the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T but slightly detuned.
Now, let's talk about the numbers. This engine features a max output of 441 kW at 7,500 rpm, while the max torque goes around 760 Nm at as low as 3,000 rpm.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the same one used in the California but updated to provide slightly faster shifts.
The Ferrari Portofino needs around 3.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h, while the top speed is 320 km/h. What’s more impressive is that despite this powerful performance, fuel consumption remains at a reasonable level. The average fuel economy in a combined ride goes around 10.7L/100 km.
Ferrari Portofino Engine Specs and Performances
- Engine Capacity: 3855cc
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Fuel type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Twin Turbochargers
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT
- Maximum power: 441kW
- Maximum torque: 760Nm
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 3.5s
- Acceleration (0-200km/h): 10.8s
- Top Speed: 320km/h
- Fuel tank capacity: 80L
- Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km (combined)
Ferrari Portofino M
In 2020, the Italian manufacturer launched the Ferrari Portofino M, a high-performance version of the car. We saw upgrades in various aspects, such as brakes and suspension, with the most significant upgrade coming under the hood.
The 3.9-litre twin-turbo has slightly higher output at 456kW but the same max torque, making the Portofino M slightly quicker with notably better overall performance.
It needs 3.45 seconds to hit 100km/h and also has a top speed of 320 km/h. On the other hand, its 0-200km/h spring is notably quicker and takes just 9.8 seconds.
What Is the Cheapest Ferrari in Australia?
The Ferrari Portofino price in Australia starts slightly under $400,000, making it the cheapest new Ferrari you can buy in this part of the world. On the other hand, the used car market is full of various Ferrari models from different eras.
For example, a 10-year-old Ferrari California can be found for around $130,000. Take note that more iconic models like Superamerica will cost even more than a brand-new Portofino, but you can also find cheap Ferraris.
For example, models like Mondial can be found for something like $40,000, while the legendary 348, in a pretty good condition, may sell for less than $100,000.
Are Ferrari Cars Reliable?
Ferrari makes some of the fastest and prettiest cars in the world. Still, are these cars reliable? Although there are no rules, older models are generally less reliable. Moreover, some models like 328 turned out to be a real nightmare when it came to reliability.
On the other hand, some newer-generation models prove to be very durable and dependable. The F360 Modena is one of the best examples. Not only is this model reliable, but its spare parts are also quite affordable since the model was trendy back in the day.
In the case of Portofino, it’s still early talk about specific issues, but the overall reliability is pretty much on par with any other supercar on today’s market.
Are you looking for an engine for your Ferrari California or Portofino? Or are you selling your old Ferrari? You can advertise it on our website and get more interested buyers. Register now to start posting your ads!
By Nebojsa Grmusa