Ferrari's entry-level open-top GT has finally found its sweet spot; more engaging than a Bentley, more refined than a 911 Turbo, there's little not to like -
The interior changes aren’t as comprehensive, with new seats improving the driving position and allowing you to sit lower in the car while feeling you are sat in it rather than on it. They now also include that air scarf system that breathes warm air on your neck for when the roof's down in cold weather.
The Roma’s more sweeping and tech-heavy dash hasn’t been installed, with only a new touchscreen infotainment system part of this upgrade. It’s okay, but it will frustrate anyone expecting smartphone levels of functionality and useability. What you will notice is the new Manettino control on the steering wheel, which now includes a Race and ESC OFF setting accompanying Wet, Comfort and Sport. Race features a toned-down version of Ferrari’s Slip Slide Control - called Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer - that is designed to provide the Portofino M with an increased level of precision at the limit.Dig deeper beneath the new body and you’ll also find a new eight-speed gearbox replacing the existing seven-speed unit. The first seven ratios in the new box are four per cent shorter, with number eight providing the cruising legs for improved efficiency.On the subject of improved efficiency, much of the work carried out on the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 has been done to improve just that. The work includes the fitment of a particulate filter, which robbed the flat-plane crank motor of around 20bhp, therefore detailed modifications were made to engine’s internals not only to make up for the lost power but to find some more, too. So with new inlet and exhaust valves, modifications to the turbochargers and optimisation of the exhaust system Ferrari found an additional 40bhp , which is how the Portofino M produces 612bhp. Revised spring and damper settings and new bushes accompany the adaptive dampers to provide a ride and balance to suit a GT car rather than an out-and-out supercar, although the rear spring rate remains higher than that of the Roma due to the increased weight over the rear axle with the Portofino. Not that this hampers its GT credentials, with the roof up there’s a calming ambiance to the interior that allows you to relax and fall for the Portofino M, making you want to take the long way to anywhere you’re going.The V8 responds with a measured finesse rather than a frantic jolt when you summon up the torque reserves to pick off the miles and pass slower traffic, with little need for the eight-speed auto to shuffle down more than a ratio when more go is required, although the downshifts aren’t particular fast if you leave the modes in Comfort and auto. Turn the dial to Sport, depress the magical bumpy road damper button on the steering wheel and select manual for the gearbox and the Portofino M begins to fizz between your fingertips. It was never short of grunt but its responses when pushed are now genuine Ferrari in how it gathers pace and how quickly it does so, your preconceptions of this being a Ferrari-lite left someway behind as you summon another gear to extinguish the shift lights. Its chassis can handle it, too. It corners with a flatness that belies its shape - from some angles it has a look of a car that’s more likely to roll around a corner rather than cut a clean path through it - and it summons levels of grip and precision that are wholly unexpected. There’s a quickness to its steering that some might find both unexpected and hard to judge, but with time and miles behind the wheel you learn its rate of response and the best way to get the nose in and hooked to your chosen line. Once you do, the M moves through a corner, especially medium to quick ones, with impressive poise with enough feedback to let you know both what’s happening with the front Pirelli Corsas and how the electronic diff is ordering the rears around. Predictable and flattering in equal measure, the Portofino M has enough to interest the committed and plenty to enthrall the first-timers.Gripes are few; the buffeting with the roof down is unexpectedly high, although it’s nothing a wind deflector wouldn’t rectify if you’re prepared to forgo the use of the rear seats for anything other than additional storage. And the options are eye wateringly expensive. But its ride matches its GT credentials with the improved chassis providing it with a bonafide Ferrari character. The engine sounds like a thoroughbred and it now has the looks worthy of wearing its Ferrari shields.The high-end open-top performance car sector doesn’t want for variety with the £179,440 Portofino M vying for the same customer also considering everything from
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jeremy Renner home from hospital after snowplow accident; 911 call releasedActor Jeremy Renner is home from the hospital, recovering from an accident that could have killed him. We're now hearing the 911 call made after Renner was crushed by a Snowcat near his mountain home.
Read more »
New 992.2 Porsche 911 spied cold weather testing | EvoThe 992.2 Porsche 911 facelift will be revealed in full later this year. Here's our best look yet -
Read more »
Chris Harris Is Selling His Porsche 992 911 GT3 Touring | CarscoopsChris Harris says he prefers the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 Touring that he also owns
Read more »
Bill would get rid of the Marion County 911 operator residency lawOfficials say operators at the Marion County 911 Communication Center are stretched thin, and have been for months. Now, a state senator is hoping to pass a law that would expand who is able to apply for those jobs.
Read more »