When Ferrari unveiled the Portofino, the V8 grand tourer immediately captivated hearts with its sleek, curved profile and taut lines. But the stylish convertible is more than an artistic triumph: Oodles of power lie under its bonnet, just waiting to be unleashed.
At the heart of the Portofino is a 3.9L, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Crowned International Engine Of The Year for an unprecedented four years running, from 2016 to 2019, this growling beast delivers 600cv at 7,500rpm, and a maximum torque of 760Nm between 3,000 and 5,250rpm.
Thanks to its raw power and the absence of turbo lag, the car transforms from stunning coupe to thrilling convertible with just a prod of the throttle, achieving a century sprint time of 3.5 seconds. Going from 0 to 200km/h in 10.8 seconds flat, it is one of the fastest convertibles currently available in the Singapore market.
Like all Ferraris, the Portofino is outfitted with Formula 1 technology derived from the Scuderia’s 90 years of experience in racing, and delivers maximum performance in a classy package. Its dual-clutch transmission is designed for rapid gear changes; the F1-Trac traction control system helps the driver tackle all road conditions with confidence; and the carbon-ceramic brakes bring the car travelling at 100km/h to a stop in just 34m.
Then, there’s that signature Ferrari soundtrack. The noble steeds from Maranello are famed for their engine roar and the Portofino promises the same. With an exhaust fitted with electronically controlled bypass valves, the car purrs ever so softly while in Comfort mode, switching swiftly to a loud and stirring growl when the Sport setting is selected on the Manettino dial.
Taking over from the successful model, the California T, is a tall order, but this new Prancing Horse has outperformed its predecessor, thanks to Ferrari’s dedication to engineering innovation.
Named after the beautiful village on the Italian Riviera, the Portofino perfectly balances high performance and versatility to make it a class leader in the grand tourer market, both in terms of driving pleasure and comfort.
Designed to be enjoyed every day, this 2+2 seater transforms seamlessly from berlinetta to convertible, with a retractable hardtop that opens and closes in just 14 seconds, even when the car is moving at low speed. It scores points, too, with 292L of boot space – enough to hold two cabin bags with the roof down and three with the roof up.
Beautiful sculpted lines aside, every single aspect of the Portofino’s body is designed to reduce drag, keeping fuel consumption and emissions low. An example is the outside edge of each headlight, which conceals air intake vents that go into the front wheel arches and exit along the flank to improve aerodynamics.
The selection of material and trim for the Portofino is likewise handled with the meticulous care characteristic of the brand. Owners can also customise their Prancing Horse to their personality and tastes, with a wide array of colours, luxurious materials, deluxe handcrafted finishes and accessories to choose from.
An all-rounder that’s not just a pretty face, the Ferrari Portofino is more than worthy of its Prancing Horse badge.
Ferrari, Ital Auto Pte Ltd, 30 Leng Kee Road . Tel: 6475 1118.
www.italauto.com.sg; www.facebook.com/ferrarisg.italauto