Frankfurt 2017: Ferrari Portofino To Debut – V8 Turbo, 591 bhp

Ferrari’s latest drop-top V8 GT, the Portofino, is all set to make its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show in September. The moniker Portofino, pays homage to the picturesque coastal city on the Italian Riviera, the red highlight colour of the car is also named after the town, dubbed Rosso Portofino.

The Ferrari Portofino will replace California T, as the ‘entry-level’ Ferrari and is both lighter and faster than the model it replaces.

Power comes courtesy of the same turbocharged, 3.9-litre ‘flat-plane’ V8 which now produces 591 bhp at 7,000rpm, an increase of 39 bhp over the California T, and 760Nm (up 5Nm) between 3,000 – 5,250rpm. The increase in power comes courtesy of new pistons and con-rods, a new intake system design and improvements to the exhaust system.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Portofino also gets the third-generation electronic rear differential (E-Diff) which has been integrated with the F1-Trac (vehicle stability) system which enhances mechanical grip and improves on-the-limit handling. The Ferrari Portofino is also the first GT to be fitted with EPS (Electric Power Steering). 

Performance wise, the Portofino is good for a 3.5 second 0-100km/h dash, up to a top speed of 320km/h.

Special attention has been paid to the aerodynamics of the Portofino’s two-box fastback design. The outside edge of the headlight hides an innovative air intake which vents through the front wheel arch and exits along the flank to reduce drag.

Round the back – the tail lights are further apart now, which conceals the rear volume housing the all-new Retractable Hard Top (RHT). The RHT itself features a more lightweight design and can be raised or lowered at low speeds.

The Portofino also receives a new infotainment system, centered on a 10.2-inch touchscreen display. A new air-conditioning system also improves occupant comfort both with the top up or down.

Aside, there’s also a newly designed steering wheel, 18-way electrically adjustable seats with a new backrest design that boosts legroom for rear seat passengers, and a revised passenger display. There’s also a new wind deflector which, when the top is dropped, cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30%.