Ferrari Portofino M.
Ferrari has launched the successor to the Portofino three years after it was launched in 2017.
The new convertible is now known as the Portofino M. “M” stands for Modificata, indicating a heavily reworked version of the preceding model to improve its performance and appearance.
The award-winning turbocharged 3855cc V8 engine now produces 620hp at 7500rpm. That’s 20hp more than before even with the introduction of a restrictive Gas Particulate Filter (GPF) to meet new Euro emissions standards.
Much attention has also been paid to ensure the Ferrari exhaust note is maintained despite the GPF.
Also new in the Ferrari Portofino M is the 8-speed F1 gearbox, which replaces the previous 7-speed unit. The additional gear ratio improves fuel consumption and lowers emissions.
Meanwhile, the redesigned clutch pack is 20 percent smaller but can handle 35 percent more torque. The F1 gearbox shifts faster in (new for GT cars) Race mode and uses the latest algorithms to improve drivability and efficiency.
Ferrari’s sixth-generation SSC integrates the E-Diff, F1-TCS, SCM-E and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) control systems. The latest FDE lateral dynamics control system adjusts the brakes on all four wheels to enhance stability only when the Manettino is in Race mode.
FDE is designed to make the car’s lateral dynamics more predictable both through and exiting corners by ensuring the steering wheel and throttle are more intuitive for the driver to use.
The FDE is more a driver’s aid rather than a fail-safe system like the traditional VDC and stability control system (ESC).
Braking performance and modulation in the Ferrari Portofino M is improved compared to its predecessor. There is a reduction in pedal travel of around 10 percent, which helps deliver more precise and instantaneous responses.
To match the Ferrari Portofino M’s new performance, the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers made very focussed styling adjustments to highlight the model’s characteristics and underscore its sportiness.
FERRARI PORTOFINO M: DESIGN UPGRADES
The Ferrari Portofino M features new wraparound front and rear bumpers to make the convertible appear more imposing and aggressive.
Meanwhile, the Portofino’s signature side scallop also finds its counterpart on the Ferrari Portofino M’s front bumper, which has been sculpted to accentuate the car’s dynamic profile. The grille features new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips.
At the rear, the new GPF exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making it more compact. The result is that the rear bumpers are now more streamlined and sculpted.
The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned. It is now separate from the bumpers and can be customised.
Ferrari claims the Portofino M’s performance has been heightened. It clocks a century sprint time of 3.45 seconds and does zero to 200km/h in 9.8 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 345km/h.
Click here to read our Ferrari Portofino review
Or find out more about the Ferrari Portofino M here
