2020 Ferrari Portofino

Compared to the outgoing California, the Portofino is more grown up in length and it incorporates Ferrari’s updated design cues. It looks absolutely stunning with its sleek and aggressive exterior sheet. The aluminum frame is completely new and is now 6% more aerodynamic, 35% more rigid and 175 lbs lighter, all reciprocating into a snappier performance down the track.

The Portofino is also better race-tuned than California with more balanced suspension setup, sportier and driver convenient cabin aesthetics which are now more track-oriented. And above all its high on practical quotient as well with a generous boot and pass-through rear seats and a drop-top that retracts in just 14 seconds.

With its well-balanced prepositions of an everyday sports car that can even tame the tracks with ease and a fair rationale price tag, the Portofino is a compelling tallboy that can take on the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, Aston Martin DB11 Volante and the McLaren 570s spyder with ease.

Exclusivity is the term here. Replacing the California, the Portofino brings in, the best of both worlds. Put the hardtop on and you have a sleek and stylish coupe. Drop it down and the open air fun is all yours. Needless to say the Portofino is a standalone product with no other variant or sibling. At least as of now.

WE recommend

Since the Portofino is a standalone product in Ferrari’s portfolio, there's only one variant available for grab. This stylish machinery is a brilliant amalgamation of several elements of Ferrari’s sporty craftsmanship. However, if this exquisite italian artistry is still not pleasing enough, you can customize it according to your taste with the Ferrari configurator.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Substantiating its stake as a daily driver, the Portofino delivers better mpg figures than its predecessor. The feat is achieved by shaving off 177 lbs, smoother and quicker transmission, and better aerodynamics. As a result of all these new applications, the Portofino delivers 18 mpg combined, which is considerable for its class.

However, the portofino is not the most sparing among its rivals. That reward goes to the Mclaren 570s, thanks to its 19 mpg combined gas output. Extensive use of carbon fibre and a lighter chassis, resulting into an extremely lightweight body at just 3302 lbs, is what turns out to be handy for the McLaren.

The Portofino offers luxuries such as leather seats and a 10.2-inch infotainment display; rear seats are standard but aren't humane places to park passengers - CarAndDriver.com

Seating and comfort

The interior presentation along with the 10.3 inch infotainment screen is borrowed from the GTC4Lusso. The beautiful layout is quilted in carbon-fiber, leather and aluminium, and it has a luxury vibe and feel to it. However, the aircraft turbine like rotating AC vents and avid instrumentation keep you reminding that this is a Ferrari.

Speaking of seats, the portofino has four seats, however fitting adults in that cramped bench would be a hefty task. The leather upholstery is very smooth and the front seats are very well padded. Those front seats are 18-way power adjustable and are heated as well. However, it's better not to look around for some estately room. Sports cars like the Portofino are not meant to serve that purpose. With the hardtop roof up, average heighted occupants might fit in the rear back, but only for short trips. However, you always have the freedom of dropping the hardtop, to open some extra room. 

Infotainment

Most of the information you need while cruising around in the portofino, reaches you via a 10.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is intuitive to use and it responds with eagerness. 

Interestingly, there's also a second screen for the front passenger that shows real-time information and it can also be used to control most of the creature amenities. The instrument cluster houses a yellow themed analogue tachometer, which is flanked by two digital displays. 

Both the screens in the instrument panel, apart from displaying vehicle stats, also allows the driver to adjust the engagement and dynamism of the car.

Interior Features

• Satellite radio
• 10.3 inch touchscreen infotainment
• Apple CarPlay
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
• Aluminium footrests
• Contrast stitching
• Carbon Fiber Central Bridge
• Full Electric Seats
• Alcantara leather upholstery
• Wood and carbon-fiber inserts
• Fixed center armrest

Cargo

Being the most market researched Ferrari ever made, the Portofino not only shares its architecture but also ambitions. With an intent of hooking fnew buyers to the Ferrari brand, this Gran Tourer focuses more on everyday driveability, rather than weekend track skirmishes. 

Having said that, benefitting from its increased length, the Portofino offers a generous 10.3 cu-ft of cargo space, double than the competition. 

Another thing to consider is the fact that the Portofino houses a front-mounted engine, allowing for a conventional car like dynamics. In contrast the “Spiders” have a mid mounted engine that places the cargo bay to the front, shrinking its size.

It’s faster, lighter, wider and lower than the cars it replaces and the look -- oh, man, the look of the thing will make grown men swoon and young women weep - Autoweek.com

Design and dimension

The Portofino is an absolutely gorgeous looking machine and is certainly the best looker among its competition. An aggressive front end, sleek side profile and a clean yet sophisticated rear, gets the job done for Ferrari. The front is dominated by the wider grille, slim horizontal LED headlights and numerous air-intakes. What's interesting though, is the beautiful placement and alignment of these air-intakes to aggravate the furiousness.

The side profile gets the familiar curvy roofline, common to coupes. However the long bonnet and the low height gets more pronounced when viewed from the side, and in a very good way though. Whats most interesting, is how beautifuly the hardtop harmonizes with the overall proportions. With the roof up, it looks like a proper two door coupe. At the rear, the tail lights are pushed further to the sides, that not only provides better aerodynamics, but also make it look wider, when viewed from the rear, and the massive rear diffuser adds up to the contentiousness.

All the cars in the ring here are sports cars with immense potential for sure. However, when it comes to looks, Portofino and the DB11 Volante follow a different design language as compared to the other two. The Ferrari and Aston have a more humbled and daily driver approach in contrast to the Lambo and McLaren’s, fast and furious stance.

 Exterior features

• Daytime running lights
• Dusk sensing LED headlamps
• Hands-free entry
• Heated mirrors
• Carbon fiber fear air ducts
• Heat-Insulating Windscreen
• Aluminum Brake Calipers
• Sport exhaust Pipes
• Black exterior A Pillars
• Anti-Stone and front bumper Chipping film
• Two-Tone Body Painting

Safety and Reliability

It's a Ferrari after all, and one which carries the legendary racing DNA along with a sense of versatility needs to check several boxes at the same time. Needless to say, to keep its various characters under check, Ferrari has equipped the Portofino with several advanced safety features.

Safety Features

• F1-Trac with E-Diff 3
• Parking Cameras
• Adaptive Front Lights
• ABS and stability control
• Carbon ceramic brakes
• Alarm and immobiliser

Ferrari Portofino vs Lamborghini Huracan Spyder

Like the Portofino, the Huracan Spyder too, is one of the least expensive sports cars in the Lambo chart. However, unlike the skillful Portofino, the Huracan Spyder is more oriented towards performance, with the orientation being very evident. It drives perfect, has enough power under the hood, is lightweight, has a mid mounted engine, and is quicker than the ferrari. Even the interior dressing and appointments are inspired by race cars and are more on the drivers convenient side. 

With such thrust on performance comes a stiffer suspension and the ride quality is harsh compared to the suppleness of the Portofino. The Huracan Spyder is also not as utilitarian as the Ferrari, with a smaller trunk and chopped off rear seats.

Ferrari Portofino vs Aston Martin DB11 Volante

Unlike the Portofino, the DB11 Volante is not a standalone product. What you get with this Aston is an added open air driving emotion based on the hardtop coupe. The Volante is aptly powered, it looks stunning and has a premium fit and finish as well. But where it lacks is the driving pleasure of the Portofino. The engine in the Aston does love to be revved, but the 8-speed shiftable automatic, is not as quick as the other three cars in the lot. Another aspect where the Volante disappoints is the ride quality and handling. It seems confident around straight lines, but the story is not the same around corners, where body roll from the rear end gets visible enough, with a loss of traction. 

Ferrari Portofino vs McLaren 570s

The 570s means serious business, with the business being track slaying. It is a car ideally designed for enthusiasts who would probably take it out to weekend track events, rather than everyday shopping to the nearest mart. The 570s is very fast, sounds amazing, has an incredible transmission, is very well put together and is certainly the lightest among the competition.

However, with such concentration on performance, comes a handful of let-downs, when you try to fit it in the ‘daily driver’ frame, where McLaren tries to place it. The ride quality is unsurprisingly on the harsher side, and even the interior is not as well put together as the Portofino. Also there is a tiny boot space that you get because of the mid-mounted engine and yes, forget about the rear seats though.

Practicality is a term which one could be able to associate with very few sports cars. The Ferrari Portofino is one of them. If you are looking for a convertible sports car that does not loses out on style and Performance, the Portofino is the perfect fit for you. It looks amazing, can change its character instantly on your single command, offers brilliant ride and handling and yes, its versatile enough to fit your kids at the rear seats and your shopping carts in its decently sized boot.