Ferrari Portofino debuts as California T replacement

by Fazeen Abdeen. August 30, 2017.

The Ferrari California T has been serving as the Prancing Horse’s entry model for the last 3 years and the time has come to replace it. This is the all-new Portofino. Based on lighter new chassis, the baby Ferrari won’t be mistaken for a cheaper Maserati any more.

Speaking of performance first, the Portofino uses the same turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 from the California T but with extra oomph worth 40 hp. The power hike is due to the engine modifications that include updated software, an exhaust header cast as one piece, and new intakes, pistons and con-rods. The total output hovers close to 600 hp. This is also assisted by 760 Nm of maximum torque that gets delivered from 3000 rpm to 5250 rpm. This has pushed the top speed upwards to 320 kph. The acceleration times have been slashed as well, with the 0-100 kph run dealt in just 3.5 seconds. The Portofino is built on an all-new chassis which is significantly lighter and more rigid than that of the California T. The weight distribution is 46:54 front to rear.

The Portofino comes with Ferrari’s E-Diff 3 electronic rear differential which channels all the firepower to the rear wheels. It is also the first Ferrari GT car to feature electric power steering. The dual-coil suspension with magnetorheological damping promises to provide a balance between ride comfort and sportiness.

The aesthetics of the Portofino has taken a few cues from the 488 GTB Supercar, especially for the headlights. The overall design is more aggressive than that of the California. The folding hard top of the California T will be retained though. The dimensions of the car have also registered an increase despite the weight savings.

The infotainment system receives an update and it now comes with a 10.2-inch touch screen system. The wind deflector is redesigned in order to reduce wind blast in the cabin by 30% when the roof is down.

Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, expect the new model to come to the UAE, KSA and GCC by the end of the year.