Ferrari has unexpectedly revealed a replacement to
the California T ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, dubbed the Ferrari
Portofino. Revealed as the Italian marque's new entry-level model, the
Portofino is powered by the firm's now-familiar 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, now
delivering 590 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 5,200 rpm. This allows
the supercar to hit 100 km/h in a brisk 3.5 seconds and a top speed of
around 320 km/h.
Ferrari says the V8 now utilizes new pistons and
con-rods and features a redesigned intake. Additionally, there is a one-piece
cast exhaust header designed to eliminate turbo lag and provide class-leading
throttle response. These changes, combined with a new exhaust system and
Variable Boost Management to adjust torque between gears, ensures the
Portofino's engine is more powerful the California T's while still being more
fuel efficient.
Other key mechanical modifications over the
California T include the implementation of Ferrari's third generation
electronic rear differential as well as electric power steering. Elsewhere, the
magnetorheological damping system has been uprated and is now more effective
than ever. Perhaps most significant of all however is the Portofino's use of a
new all-aluminum chassis.
Stylistically, it would be an understatement to say
the Portofino simply looks better than the California T, it actually looks like
a proper Ferrari. Design inspiration has clearly been taken from the 812
Superfast and GTC4Lusso and makes for an altogether far prettier car with an
edgy and aggressive front end. Like the California T and California before it,
it also features a folding hardtop as standard.
Inside, the cabin also appears more intuitive
than the California T and features the same steering wheel as the 812 Superfast
and GTC4Lusso as well as the Lusso's widescreen infotainment system. We'll see more of the Portofino at next month's Frankfurt Motor
Show.
