After 9 glorious years of basking in the style of California, the prancing horse has returned home with its preview of the Ferrari Portofino – named after the little haven that is the northern-Italian fishing village.
With the Frankfurt International Motor Show set to begin next week a lot of the manufacturers are starting to tease us with previews of some of the cars we can expect to see, and the car that is generating the most interest is the Ferrari Portofino.
Although not available to drive until next year it is replacing the Ferrari California as the entry-level model. Although don’t be fooled by the words ‘entry-level’, as this is far from basic, with the Portofino boasting a super-lighter chassis with a grunting Ferrari V8 turbo engine which unleashes almost 600 bhp, and races from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds. Add to this that it is also the first GT to be outfitted with Electric Power Steering.
There is also a particular focus on board comfort which is guaranteed by a slew of new features, not least an infotainment system with 10.2” touchscreen display, a new air-conditioning system that improves occupant comfort both with the top up or down, a new steering wheel, 18-way electrically adjustable seats with a new backrest design that boosts legroom for rear seat passengers, and the passenger display. All occupants will particularly appreciate the new wind deflector which, when the top is dropped, cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30% and also reduces aerodynamic noise.
So with the finest sports car manufacturing offering a unique balance of comfort, speed, power and lightweight strength (The retractable hard top is lighter too), and in turn lower fuel consumption, it has everything going in its favour, but is it aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye? You bet it is!
Heavily influenced by aerodynamics it cuts a sleek figure, as it pays homage to it’s namesake harbour village, which offers elegant landscapes, and stunning views full of colour, class, and luxury that attracts a host of celebrity and artistic visitors each year.
The Frankfurt International Motor Show starts September 14th, and for more information of the Ferrari Portofino please check out their official website here.
