Exotic convertibles
a fast cruiser, a comfortable grand tourer, and well-rounded vehicle in Ferrari’s lineup
Performance
The Portofino is a two-seat hardtop convertible powered by a roaring V-8 engine in the front and a four-speed automatic transmission in the back. The new 2019 Ferrari model was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show and will be available in the US in 2019. Portofino M has been renamed and upgraded for 2021. Other exotic convertibles available include the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and Aston Martin Vantage Volante. The Portofino’s twin-turbo V-8 engine is quick and smooth, and it’s fun to drive. Those used to Ferrari’s more focused models will notice a slight lack of sharpness in the body control. However, if the top is down and the wind is blowing through their hair, many Portofino drivers are unlikely to be bothered.
Models
Ferrari’s Portofino is a unique vehicle in that it has seating for four people, though the back seat is only suitable for transporting small children over short distances. Aside from that, it’s a fairly expensive vehicle, and that’s before you factor in the options that you’d expect to be standard at this price point.
Technology
Every Portofino is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes standard navigation capabilities. Apple CarPlay is an expensive option, which is disappointing at this price point, but it’s hard to imagine a Ferrari buyer spending six figures on a car being disappointed. Adding a passenger display to the dashboard, if 10.3 inches isn’t enough screen real estate, will allow your road trip companion to see vehicle performance, navigation, and media information.
Rivalry
The Portofino is a two-seat hardtop convertible powered by a snarling V-8 up front and with power sent to the rear wheels through a torque converter. As a replacement for the California T, Ferrari introduced a brand-new model for 2019. It has been renamed the Portofino M and has been given more power for the year 2021. It goes up against other exotic drop-tops, such as the Aston Martin Vantage Volante, Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, and Porsche 911 Cabriolet, in a competitive market.
Feature
the experience is with us
2021 Ferrari Portofino
Although not as purpose-built as Ferrari’s F8 Tributo or 812 Superfast, the Portofino is a highly usable daily driver that is worthy of the prancing horse. We only spent a short amount of time in the latest Portofino M, but we were impressed by its acceleration, despite our displeasure with the unpleasant exhaust note produced when driving in top gear at 60 mph. When driving an older Portofino, we found it to be a pleasurable experience, even when we were far away from a racetrack and traveling at a moderate pace. It’s a fast cruiser, a comfortable grand tourer, and perhaps the most well-rounded vehicle in Ferrari’s lineup.
The twin-turbo V-8 engine in the Portofino delivers satisfying performance and low-speed refinement. Although the body control is excellent, those who are familiar with Ferrari’s more focused models will notice a slight loss of sharpness. Many Portofino owners, on the other hand, will probably not mind if the top is down and the wind is in their hair.
Systems
There is a sense in which the Ferrari Portofino M is a midcycle refresh for the hardtop roadster. In addition to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the previous car’s seven-speed, the power has been increased to 612 horsepower, the exhaust has been tuned, and there are some minor styling changes. An all-new twin-turbo V-8 with 612 horsepower powers the new Portofino, which replaces the previous model’s 591 horses. There is 561 lb-ft of torque on tap. A total of 640 horsepower is directed toward the back tires of the car, which Ferrari claims can accelerate from zero to sixty-two miles per hour in less than three seconds and reach a top speed of more than 199 mph.
Substitute
Is the Ferrari Portofino the most affordable Ferrari? Yes, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a bargain. The base price of a 2020 Portofino with no options was $218,750, and we don’t expect the 2021 model to be any less expensive. However, when compared to the $277,480 Ferrari charges for a 2020 F8 Tributo, the price isn’t too bad either.
