With 591 horsepower from its twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8, which is shared with the larger and more expensive GTC4Lusso T, the Portofino delivers rapid thrust - Edmunds.com
Engine and Transmission
Powering the Portofino is a 3.9 liter V8 with 591 prancing horses and 561 lbs of torque. The engine feels precisely powered for its chassis, just with the adequate amount of punch. Any further increment in power or even a slight downsurge would have disrupted the sweet romance of the powertrain and chassis.
The raw power of Portofino’s 3.9 liter V8 is under constant surveillance of the Variable boost management system, which ensures a spontaneous power delivery at any point of time.
Complementing the powertrain is the outstanding 7-speed transmission which is not only very smooth in its business, but is also extremely quick. The transmission is so seamless, that you actually don’t even know when did it shift and took you to the next gear.
Models
|
Ferrari Portofino
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
Aston Martin DB11 Volante
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
MSRP
|
$210,783
|
$223,654
|
$216,495
|
$211,300
|
Engine
|
3.9 Liter V8
|
5.2 Liter V10
|
4 Liter V8
|
3.8 Liter V8
|
Transmission
|
7-speed automated manual
|
7-speed automated manual
|
8-speed shiftable automatic
|
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
|
Horsepower
|
592
|
571
|
503
|
562
|
Torque
|
561
|
398
|
513
|
443
|
All the four vehicles in the competition here, share similar intentions. Each one of them carries the racing DNA of their respective brands, albeit a bit toned down, projecting them as powerful sports coupes that can also be used for everyday office commute. Each one of them has a different character and are quite unique in their distinctive way, and they all get their job done. However, the Aston, with its 503 horsepower engine and an 8 speed shiftable automatic, doesn't really have the same flair as the other three.
Acceleration
With a revving limit of 7500 rpm, this might not be the most brute among the Ferrari family, but it still pulls all the way up to the red line with great athleticism. 0-60 miles comes up in 3.5 seconds, but surprisingly, the Portofino feels faster than it actually is. It is certainly invigorating, but not to a point where it gets spine-chilling. The Portofino starts off the line passionately and there is barely any wheel-spin at all.
Models
|
Ferrari Portofino
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
Aston Martin DB11 Volante
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
0-60 MPH
|
3.5 seconds
|
3.2 seconds
|
4.0 seconds
|
3.1 seconds
|
Quarter mile
|
10.9
|
11.3
|
12.1
|
11.2 seconds
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 emissions @ 15k mi/yr)
|
6.4
|
6.7
|
6.5
|
|
Lesser the weight, the better is the performance. This a very common formula among sports cars these days. Manufacturers like McLaren and Lamborghini have been known for their obsession with the formula, resulting in their exhilarating products with extremely efficient aerodynamics. It's not surprising to see the 570s and the Huracan Spyder clocking 3.1 and 3.2 seconds 0-60 miles show. The mid mounted engine in both these cars allows better weight distribution, adding further precision to the theory.
Ride and Handling
One of the best things about the Portofino, is the way it drives. Take it out for a spin, and you will be surprised by the dual character of this beauty. At normal city in normal mode, the suspension relaxes and the Portofino glides with utmost modesty like any normal grand tourer. However shift to the sport mode, squeeze the pedal and you are immediately introduced to its wilder side, with the instant torque throwing you at the back of your seat, the very next moment.
The Portofino might be an entry level ferrari, but the way it blends in everything in perfect proportions in simply amazing. Like every other sports car, this one too has stiffer spring setup, but the precisely tuned optional adaptive magnetorheological dampers ensure its decency on the road.
Around corners, the Portofino is absolute fun. The adaptive dampers with dual coil technology, keeps the body roll under check and a third gen electronic E- diff provides excellent grip and handling, keeping it flat around corners. The positioning of the engine, forward to the front axle also enhances the overall stability.
The electronically assisted steering is a gem in this grand tourer. The adequately weighed steering, never feels ambiguous at all. Its precision and directness is absolutely phenomenal. It steers very quickly, making the Portofino very easy to maneuver around corners.
Another nicely done component in Portofino, is the exhaust note. Even with two turbo’s, there is no mitigation in the engine’s rumble. The tone coming from the V8 is not as strong as the 812 superfast, but it still has a nice barrage, enough to keep you pinching the pedal again and again. Drop the hardtop down and you have better access to the open air amphitheatre.
Braking
The carbon ceramic brakes with 15.4 and 14.2 inch rotors at the front and the rear are very responsive,bringing the Portofino from 60 to 0 miles in an estimated 115 feet. The brake pedal has a nice feel to it and the adequately firm pedal pressure keeps you motivated every time you make a stop.
Models
|
Ferrari Portofino
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
Aston Martin DB11 Volante
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
15.4
|
14.4
|
15.7
|
15.5
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
14.2
|
14.0
|
14.2
|
15.0
|
60-0 MPH (ft)
|
115 (Estimated)
|
NA
|
NA
|
98
|
When in comes to stopping prowess, the McLaren 570s takes the lead again. Although the brake pedal in the 570s is not as enthusiastic as the Portofino, but the carbon ceramics in the Mclaren are more precise in their business. Not every sports car has the confidence of stopping from 0 to 60 under 100 feet.