For those who think the Ferrari Portofino sounds unfamiliar, you are correct. This is the 2018 version of the auto previously known as the California, the automaker’s convertible grand tourer. The new name comes with significant changes. Although you will recognize hints of the Ferrari California, the 2018 Portofino can stand alone. Ferrari chose to name this auto after an Italian town due to the city’s link to sportiness, understated luxury, and elegance.
Improvements Over the California T
To give you an idea of just how much Ferrari improved the California T with the introduction of their Portofino, take a look at some figures. The Ferrari Portofino is 5 percent lighter and 7 percent more powerful than the California T. It has 6 percent less drag and its sprint to 125 mph is 4 percent faster. Noise and vibration inside the cabin are down by 10 percent. There is also about 10 percent extra room inside and almost a 10 percent increase in lateral acceleration.
source: ShutterStock
The Powertrain
As a Ferrari, most drivers are anxious to find out what the 2018 Portofino can do. It uses a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 powertrain that can output 592 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 561 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. While the V8 is very similar to the one from the California T, it has a new design for the intake system. It also has new conrods and pistons, as well as revised geometries. Thanks to its mechanics, the 2018 Ferrari Portofino only needs 3.2 seconds to get up to 60 mph. It also can reach a top speed of 199 mph.
First Stylistic Impressions
Looking at the front of the Portofino, you will notice a familiar three-vent configuration for the bumper and sleek headlamps. However, those headlamps are now oriented horizontally instead of vertically, kind of like a boomerang. You will also now spot full-LED lights hiding an air intake by the outside edges, designed to reduce drag. Under the wider main grille, you will see just two horizontal slats, instead of three from the previous version, and larger intakes. The rear haunches remain the same iconic ones from the California.
Sitting in Luxury
When you get behind the wheel of the 2018 Ferrari Portofino, you will get a familiar interior layout based on the California T. The lower section of the dashboard, however, is almost entirely new. The passenger side of the auto features a thin screen so the passenger can take advantage of infotainment without leaning over. Or they can reach the now-10.2-inch main screen. The steering wheel has redesigned controls, and the Portofino’s instrument cluster has new displays and a sportier appearance.
source: ShutterStock
Comfort is a guarantee inside the Portofino thanks to 18-way adjustable seats with a new backrest design that optimizes rear legroom. The air conditioning was also enhanced. If you drive with the top down, you will appreciate the new wind deflector’s ability to reduce in-cabin airflow by 30 percent while also limiting noise. As always, you can customize the interior of this Ferrari with nearly any material or color you want.
