2018 Ferrari Portofino

Official video

Exterior

Just like the 812 Superfast and GTC4Lusso, the Portofino gained a bunch of aggressive lines and new features that enhance aerodynamics.

Just like every other Ferrari in the lineup, the grand tourer remains recognizable compared to the outgoing model, but features an almost completely redesigned body. Just like the 812 Superfast and GTC4Lusso, the Portofino gained a bunch of aggressive lines and new features that enhance aerodynamics.

Up front, we can still find the three-vent configuration in the bumper and the sleek headlamps, but all these features sport significant modifications. While the California T had vertical headlamps, the Portofino gained more horizontally oriented units shaped like a boomerang. The full-LED lights also hide an innovative air intake at the outside edges, which draw air into the front wheel arch and exits along the flank to reduce drag.

The new front end is rounded off by a new engine hood that has a big, raised section at the center.

Below, the main grille is wider and features two horizontal slats instead of three. The vertical bars are also larger and more noticeable, giving the nose a sportier look. The larger intakes on each side also reduce drag. The side vents have also been redesigned, while the apron received a black-painted splitter that’s more aggressive than before. The new front end is rounded off by a new engine hood that has a big, raised section at the center. The rearward oriented vents are still there, but they have been reshaped for optimized airflow.

Similar changes are visible around the sides. While the California T’s beltline and character lines are still there, Ferrari reshaped the crease that adorns the front fenders and doors, as well as the side skirts, which are now also black for a striking accent with most light paint colors. The rear haunches appear to be identical to the California T, but that’s actually a good thing as it’s one of the convertible’s sexiest features.

Combined with the larger vertical fins, the new diffuser makes the Portofino look like a full-time race car from behind.

Changes are equally significant around back. Just like the other new Ferrari we saw recently, the Portofino sports a more cohesive design. The taillights have been moved closer to the outer edges of the fascia and are better integrated into the design thanks to the wider spoiler. The latter now extends from one corner to the other instead of being shorter than the cars width. The license plate recess is smaller and more subtle, which gives the bumper a more modern look. Finally, the new diffuser is more aggressive and sticks out of the body by several inches. Combined with the larger vertical fins and the new exhaust pipes, it makes the Portofino look like a full-time race car from behind.

With the roof up, we can notice a few small changes. For starters, the top sits just a tad lower toward the rear of the door, where the window is noticeably smaller. The quarter window is a bit longer though, giving the car a sleeker look when the top is up. There’s no word as to how long it takes to put the hardtop on, but we do know that the California T needed around 14 seconds. And that’s nothing to sneeze at.

All told, while the California T was by no means dated, I have to give Ferrari credit for redesigning the exterior after only three years on the market. With both the 812 Superfast and GTC4Lusso almost brand-new, it’s a good decision because it keeps the entire lineup fresh. And it’s the kind of thing you expect from an automaker such as Ferrari.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The cabin also received its fair share of upgrades, but don't look for anything radical.

The cabin also received its fair share of upgrades, but don’t look for anything radical. Save for some nips and tucks here and there, the interior layout is very similar to the California T. The most obvious modifications lie in the dashboard, which has an almost fully revised lower section. The passenger side includes a thin screen that gives the occupant access to the infotainment system, while the main screen is significantly wider, now measuring 10.2 inches. Below there are two consoles for buttons and knobs, with the smaller one actually incorporating the controls previously placed around the display.

Ferrari also revised the steering wheel, which has redesigned controls, and the instrument cluster, which has a sportier looking hood and new displays. We can also see changes on the driver side controls, as well as new trim for the A/C vents.

There's also a new wind deflector which, when the top is dropped, cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30%.

The 18-way adjustable seats have a new backrest design that enhances legroom for rear passengers, while the new air conditioning system improves comfort both with the top up or down. There’s also a new wind deflector which, when the top is dropped, cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30% and also reduces aerodynamic noise.

As usual, the Portofino is available with a wide range of upholstery colors and materials, extra carbon-fiber elements, and almost infinite options from Ferrari’s customizing division. All you need for that is a big wallet.

Drivetrain

Note: Ferrari California T engine pictured here.

The V-8 suffered many modifications, including new pistons and conrods, and a new intake system design.

Not surprisingly, the Portofino hides the California T’s turbocharged, 3.9-liter V-8 engine under the hood. The twin-turbo unit was introduced in 2014 and it has since prompted Ferrari to use forced induction in other models too.

For the Portofino, the V-8 suffered many modifications, including new pistons and conrods, and a new intake system design. The geometries throughout the exhaust system have also been revised, with the new one-piece-cast exhaust header reducing losses and helping the drivetrain send power to the wheels with zero turbo lag. The reprogrammed Variable Boost Management adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected, enabling the Portofino to offer even higher levels of acceleration in all gears and lower fuel consumption compared to the California T.

The V-8 now cranks out 592 horsepower, a 40-horsepower increase over the California T.

But is it more powerful? Yes it is. The V-8 now cranks out 592 horsepower, a 40-horsepower increase over the California T. Torque has also gone up, but the current 561 pound-feet rating is only four pound-foot higher. Naturally, the Portofino also performs better. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 3.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at 199 mph. By comparison, the California T needs 3.6 clicks and tops out at 196 mph. Granted, these gains are far from huge, but they’re pretty solid for the extra 40 horsepower.

Of course, these improvements are also the result of new technology. Specifically, the Portofino gained Ferrari’s third-generation electronic rear differential (E-Diff3), which has been integrated with the F1-Trac system, thus improving both mechanical grip and control at high speeds. The Portofino is also the first GT to use EPS (Electric Power Steering), which reduces the steering ratio by seven percent for even more responsive steering without a trade-off in stability. The magnetorheological damping system (SCM-E) has been upgraded with dual-coil technology which helps reduce body roll and improves absorption of road surface unevenness.

Overall, the Portofino should be more dynamic and responsive than the California T, while delivering superior ride comfort at all speeds.

Prices

Pricing for the new Ferrari Portofino is not yet available, but it’s safe to assume that it will cost more than the outgoing California T. With the latter priced from $206,473, expect the Portofino to fetch at least $220,000 before options.

Competition

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster

When it comes to grand tourers, there’s no better firm to go to than Aston Martin. Sure, the current Vantage may be a bit old and on its way to a full redesign, but the V12 S Roadster still has what it takes to give the Portofino a run for its money. The aggressive, supercar-like looks, the lush interior, and the massive engine are as appealing as they get and performance figures aren’t bad either. Rated at 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, the Vantage S Roadster isn’t as powerful as the Ferrari though, and this become pretty obvious when you look at the 0-to-62 mph sprint, which is rated at 3.9 seconds. But while the Aston Martin is nearly a half-second slower, top speed is superior at 201 mph. Priced from a little over $200,000, the Vantage S Roadster is in the same ballpark.

Read our full review of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster.

Maserati GranCabrio

The GranCabrio is also pretty old and received fewer updates compared to the Vanquish. However, Maserati’s latest update was introduced for the 2018 model year and brings just enough new features to keep it fresh. The Italian grand tourer remained largely the same design-wise, but the bumpers, front grille, side vents, and diffuser have noticeable upgrades. The same goes for the cabin, which sports new high-fashion stitching for the seats, a revised center console, a new 8.4-inch infotainment screen, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Unfortunately, the 4.7-liter V-8 carried over unchanged, so output is still rated at only 454 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of twist, significantly below the competition. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes around 4.6 seconds, making the GranCabrio the slowest of the pack. On the other hand, it’s also the most affordable with a sticker set under the $150,000 mark.

Read our full review of the Maserati GranTurismo.

Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet

if you’re not a stickler for front-engined layouts, the Porsche 911 Turbo and its rear-engined configuration provides a pretty solid package. Actually, you can’t go wrong with it if you’re looking to buy the fastest grand tourer available. Updated for 2017, it gained a number of revisions inside and out, but the most important upgrade is under the hood, in the form of a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six that cranks out 580 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in Turbo S spec. Equipped with the PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package, the Turbo S Cabriolet needs only 2.9 seconds to hit 60 mph and tops out at an amazing 205 mph. It’s by far the most potent car in this comparison and it’s not as expensive as the Ferrari and Aston Martin, retailing from $203,000.

Read our full review of the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Conclusion

While the GTC4Lusso and the 812 Superfast took me by surprising with their significant exterior updates, the Portofino is far from shocking. And no, that doesn’t mean the update is bland, it’s just that I was kind of expect Ferrari to do an almost complete redesign. And needless to say, the Portofino has what it takes to keep Ferrari enthusiasts excited. The exterior is aggressive and stylish, the interior gets new tech, while the V-8 engine boasts more power and delivers enhanced performance. Ferrari’s lineup is finally complete, with all four models updated over the last 18 months. All Maranello needs now is a successor to the LaFerrari!

• Love it
  • * Stylish new exterior with aggressive cues
  • * New infotainment and technology
  • * Upgraded drivetrain and improved performance
• Leave it
  • * No match for the incredible Porsche 911 Turbo S
  • * Awkward name?

References

Read our full review on the Ferrari California T.

Read our full review on the Ferrari California.