Ferrari Portofino - The City Drive Convertible
Ferrari has been producing high performance machines for its ultra - rich customers, every car made at the Maranello factory since 1940 is designed and built to a level of perfection. In 2018 in its line-up, Ferrari introduced the successor to the famous California. To replace the iconic convertible, the Portofino was born which is a hard-top convertible GT car. Rivaling against Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, Jaguar F-Type Convertible and Mercedes AMG GTR convertible, though the Portofino enjoys the loyal fan base of Ferrari, it still has big shoes to fill. Available in only one variant at a price of ₹3.5crore ex-showroom Delhi, let us see if the prancing horse lives up to its name?
Engine and Technology
The Portofino comes with the same engine as its other cousins, the 3.9L V8 Twin-Turbo petro engine which produces 600hp of power and 760nm of torque paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) which results in 0-100km/h in 3.5secs with a top speed of 320km/h and an absolutely amazing exhaust note. Not much has been changed from the California T but the Portofino is 0.1secs faster. It also comes with a RWD, an electronic differential and an electronic steering wheel, Compression ratio of the engine is 9.45:1 and an ARAI claimed mileage of 9km/l which is less according to Indian standards and high fuel prices but hey, you don't buy the mileage, you buy the experience.
Design
The Portofino is more of a Grand Tourer than a track car which means it is designed for more comfort and convenience, hard-top convertible roof which goes up in 14 secs flat. Complete boot opens up when pulling the roof, this mechanism looks like the car is starting to transform into something else. 4.58m length, 1.98m width and 1.32m height, the wheelbase is 2.67m but most of that is taken by the huge front hood covering the 600hp engine. Continuing with the perks of a Grand Tourer, the ground clearance is more as compared to other Ferrari models, this means the Portofino does not need a lifting system, it can cover normal speed breakers. For better aerodynamics there are cuts and vents on the bonnet and wheel arches which cuts the air and flow it out through channels, adding to the aerodynamics is a tear drop design when roof up. Both the front and rear bumper have diffuser for better downforce which aids in grip and handling of the car, 20-inch alloy wheels with front 245/35 and rear 285/35 tyres. Available in 7 color options - Nero, Blu Pozzi, Giallo Modena, Rosso Mugello, Bianco Avus, Rosso Scuderia and Rosso Corsa which is the iconic Ferrari Red.
The interior of the car is plush and fancy with carbon fiber everywhere, dashboard, center console and paddle shifters. Those who have been following Ferrari know that the brand was started by Enzo Ferrari for the purpose of racing in Formula 1 and other racing events, to fund the race car, Enzo Ferrari had to start producing cars for the people. Every Ferrari car has elements inspired from a Formula 1 race car to give its owner a sense of driving on the track. The Portofino and other Ferrari variants currently carry the idea of button loaded steering wheel to continue that sense of race specific car, these buttons are for engine start/stop, headlight and viper adjustments, suspension settings, Bluetooth and connected call buttons on bottom center and 3 mode select - Comfort, Sport and ESC off, along with these buttons there is a RPM indicator on top center. It's a 4 seater convertible but the rear seats do not fit people comfortably, it is best to use it as extra luggage storage space or to fit people for short and emergency situations only. Everything is customizable as per individual taste and preferences of the customers, from stitching and multiple color options seats to seat belt colors and the Ferrari logo on the tyres.
Features
It gets a 10.25inch infotainment screen which supports Apple Carplay, there is also a passenger screen which comes as an option, this is horizontal screen on the dashboard on the passenger side which display music information, car performance numbers and navigation. The front seats are 18-way electrically adjustable with an option of heated and cool seats, and last but not least there is a reverse parking camera which comes with dynamic lines.
Verdict
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Last year, Ferrari launched an updated version of the Portofino called the Portofino M, with major changes in exterior and a tweaked engine producing 620hp with 8-speed DCT but the torque remains same. There has been no official announcement of the Portofino M to appear in the Indian market and makes Portofino the only GT convertible offering. With a high performing engine and a user friendly, convenient drive approach, the Ferrari Portofino is the best everyday Ferrari and can be used to run numbers in style.