Ferrari Portofino Succeeds The California T As The Entry-Level Ferrari

The Ferrari Portofino replaces the California T as Ferrari’s entry-level sports car. It looks better too.

Named after an Italian fishing town and famous tourist port, the Ferrari Portofino is the brand’s latest entry-level GT car. The launch color too – Rosso Portofino – is in honor of the charming town. Ferrari chose the name as both the place and the car share the qualities of sportiness, elegance and understated luxury.

This sexy convertible blasts out of the gates with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, delivering a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. This is the same engine that was nominated for International Engine of the Year for the past two years.

On the outside, the Ferrari Portofino is longer and more more beautiful than the car it replaces. There is a bit of the 812 Superfast and the GTC4Lusso on the car’s body panels. With a 46/54 percent distribution front vs. rear, the car is undoubtedly Ferrari with sleek twin contoured indents on the front hood. Also, a large radiator grill hits the entire front length of the vehicle and newly-shaped headlights are more horizontal. It’s lighter than the California T and we hear its nimbler and more agile in handling.

The cheapest Ferrari that money can buy today, the Ferrari Portofino replaces the California T as the entry-ticket to the Prancing Horse circle.

Posted by Art of Gears on Wednesday, August 30, 2017

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Under the hood, there has been many efficiency improvements. A new engine with modified pistons, connecting rods and its patented Variable Boost Management system deliver increased fuel efficiency, limiting torque depending on what gear is selected. New pistons, a refreshed intake system and a new exhaust header help to improve the throttle response and produce zero turbo lag.

On the inside, there is ample cockpit space with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, 18-direction adjustable power seats and a rear wind deflector that cuts aerodynamic noise and prevents air from blasting your passengers. There are two small seats at the back which shifts the car to the roadster class. The retractable hard top will keep the sun and rains at bay.

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No word yet on final price, but we guess it to be somewhere in the $200k range which is in California T territory. Look out for the Portofino’s debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Ferrari