Ferrari California

	Ferrari California
	Debut: 2008 Maker: Ferrari Predecessor: no

Published on 15 Nov 2008

Ferrari's first V8 front-engined car wants to steal sales from AMG, Bentley and Aston...

For the last twenty years Ferrari's product range has been consisting of 4 lines - an entry-level mid-engined sports car, a 12-cylinder flagship sports car, a luxury grand tourer and a limited edition supercar. However, as its sales grew steadily in the past 10 years, from 3600 units to near 8000 units this year, Ferrari needs to introduce its fifth model line. Car journalists speculated that it might be a cheaper "baby Ferrari" in the mold of Dino. Some suggested it could be a sport utility like Porsche Cayenne. How wrong they were !

Now everybody knows it is actually an open-top V8 front-engined GT. Its name is California, internally codenamed F149. It is priced at about the same level as F430. Some 2,500-3,000 units will be built annually at a brand new factory located beside the existing facility at Maranello, stretching Ferrari's sales volume to well over 10,000 units. This is Ferrari's first ever V8-powered front-engined car. It also features Ferrari's first retractable hardtop, direct fuel injection and twin-clutch gearbox. In short, it is the most unferrari Ferrari.

Retractable roof opens and closes in a record 14 seconds...

A softer Ferrari

This is not the first time a Ferrari is named after California state of USA. In the late 1950s, Ferrari produced 250GT California Spyder to please the wealthy Californian who appreciated sunshine and a relaxing lifestyle. It worked against the philosophy of Enzo Ferrari, but Ferrari still built it because of money. The new California is similar. By Ferrari’s standard it is easily too civilized, too luxury oriented. Ferrari aims it at the same crowd of Mercedes SL AMG, Bentley Continental GTC and Aston Martin DB9 Volante. These customers regard the F430 Spider as too hardcore and prefer more luxury, comfort and user friendliness. They also prefer open air motoring without sacrificing refinement. Therefore Ferrari chose a retractable hard roof from the outset. The complex mechanism is built by CTS (Car Top System) which also supplies the roof of F430 Spider and Opel Astra TwinTop. It opens and closes in a record 14 seconds, but it also increases the kerb weight to some 1735 kg, which makes the California even heavier than 599GTB !

The cockpit combines Ferrari’s traditional style with luxury and technology...

Another compromise is the addition of a pair of small rear seats. They are not necessarily suitable to human being (even children), but they must be the most convenient way to place your golf clubs. If not enough, there is another 340 liters of luggage space at the boot, some 100 liters more than 612 Scaglietti. No other Ferraris could be so user friendly.

Not many motoring writers are satisfied with the looks of California. They criticized its big bum, which is necessary to store the retractable roof yet providing good luggage space. Personally, I have few problems with it. In my eyes this Ferrari still looks sportier and sharper than all its target rivals, let them be Mercedes, Bentley, Aston or even its distant sister Maserati. Its wedge bonnet, pronounced flanks and laughing grille are unmistakably Ferrari. Open the bonnet, you still see a mechanical engine with red-painted aluminum intake manifolds and cam covers instead of black plastic. Enter the cockpit, it combines Ferrari’s traditional style with luxury and technology (e.g. Manettino switch, LCD screen in instrument binnacle and touch screen sat nav on center console). The only surprise is how roomy it is.

The only surprise is how roomy it is.

Chassis

Like all current Ferraris, the California employs aluminum spaceframe chassis and body panels. Its drag coefficient 0.32 is the lowest ever for Ferrari, yet it still provides remarkable downforce at speed, thanks to flat undertray and venturi tunnels. The V8 engine sits completely behind the front axle while the gearbox sits near the rear axle to achieve a slightly rear-biased balance at 47:53. This also guarantees low polar moment of inertia, hence an agile handling. The front suspensions follow Ferrari’s tradition to employ double-wishbones design, but the rear now features a multi-link setup for the first time in order to achieve a smoother ride that California needs. Other good ingredients include: Delphi magnetorheological adaptive dampers, Brembo ceramic brakes, Ferrari’s well proven launch control system and the user-friendly Manettino switch on the steering wheel (with 3 modes - Sport, Comfort and CST off). No matter mechanically or electronically, the new Ferrari is way superior than its civilized rivals.

Its drag coefficient 0.32 is the lowest ever for Ferrari...

Engine

Of course, a Ferrari should excel in engine. The California’s 4297cc V8 shares its block with the 4308cc unit of F430, also the dual continuous variable cam phasing system and the lightweight flat crank construction, but it has several significant changes. Firstly, it introduces Ferrari’s first direct fuel injection system in order to cut consumption and emission. Secondly, its compression ratio climbs from 11.3:1 to 12.2:1, thanks to the cooling effect brought by the direct injection. Thirdly, it employs a larger bore (94mm vs 92mm) and shorter stroke (77.4mm vs 81mm) than the F430 engine. This seems biasing towards top end power, but its intake and exhaust manifolds are tuned otherwise to favour torque delivery. As a result, it produces 358 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, some 15 lb-ft stronger and 250 rpm earlier than that of F430. On the downside, top end power reduces by 30hp to 460 hp, while redline is lowered by 500 rpm to 8000 rpm.

You still see a mechanical engine with red-painted aluminum intake manifolds and cam covers instead of black plastic...

Nevertheless, the California V8 is still highly efficient, with a specific output at 107 hp per liter and a specific torque at 83 lb-ft per liter. The latter is the highest among existing cars and barely toppled by the last generation BMW E46 M3 CSL (at 84 lb-ft per liter). Moreover, the lower redline and direct injection helps lowering fuel consumption to 21.5 mpg and CO2 emission to 306 g/km. This is a considerable improvement from F430 Spider's 15.4 mpg and 420 g/km.

Twin-clutch gearbox

Unquestionably, Ferrari's Superfast 2 gearbox in 430 Scuderia is mind-blowing fast, but the California asks for higher level of refinement. Therefore it asked Getrag to develop a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. You might remember Getrag has just introduced another 7-speed twin-clutch box to BMW M3, but this one is a transaxle, thus theoretically closer to the one it built for Nissan GT-R, albeit with one more forward gear and closer ratios to suit the high-revving V8. The twin-clutch design allows preselection of the next gear thus results in quick and seamless gearshift.

LCD screen supplements the traditional rev counter

On the Road

The spec sheet says California could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and would not flat out until 193 mph. As this car is so heavy, we had reservation about that.

However, any doubts wash away once you start its V8. What a masterpiece ! Its rev rises and falls so responsively according to throttle. Its exhaust noise remains loud and addictive, deeper but not any more civilized than that of F430. The V8 produces incredible torque at low speed yet retains the high-revving character of Ferrari engines. The way it shifts at 8000 rpm is so thrilling.

Even better is the seamless gearshift of the twin-clutch gearbox. This is probably the best of its kind until now. Although built by the same supplier, its shift pattern is specified by Ferrari using its rich experience in robotised gearbox. You can feel the engine and gearbox become a unity - power transmits from engine to rear wheels with nearly no interruption and delay. The seven closely stacked ratios are fully utilized to aid acceleration because each gearshift lose so little time.

Not many motoring writers are satisfied with the looks of California. They criticized its big bum...

In addition to the clever launch control, the California feels every bit capable to pass 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It feels much faster than its power-to-weight ratio suggests.

The handling is equally impressive. It feels agile and rock solid in the twisty, and stable at high speed. Undeniably, grip level is not as high as the mid-engined F430, but its handling is remarkably neutral. If you provoke it in corners, it will power slide according to your wish - progressively and fully under control of your right foot. For comparison, F430 is trickier at the limit. The California is the best balanced, best manner Ferrari ever.

With magnetorheological adaptive dampers and Manettino set at Comfort mode, the California also rides better than any other Ferraris ever achieved. Neither big bumps nor small irregularities could trouble its smooth ride. Refinement is further supported by the rock solid chassis (no creaks and rattles on rough surface) and good airflow management.

Yes, keen drivers might dislike some of its minor flaws - the power steering is light and slightly numb, the brake pedal is too long and lacks initial bite... well, that's it. However, as a driver's car the Ferrari California is obviously unapproachable by its AMG, Bentley and Aston rivals. It is the best day-to-day Ferrari ever built, but most important, it is still a true Ferrari.

Verdict:

Published on 23 Apr 2012

California revision (2012)

Having been on sale for 3 and a half years and delivered more than 8,000 units, Ferrari California is subjected to a mid-life revision this year. The outgoing California is still a remarkable GT as of today, but facing newer rivals like Audi R8 Spyder V10, Mercedes SLS Roadster and SL63 AMG biturbo, its flaws are becoming more obvious. In my opinion, it needs a more tasteful exterior and interior design, a larger V8, less weight and sharper handling to maintain a superior position that the prancing-horse badge deserved. However, Ferrari did not answer all our questions. This mid-life revision is more subtle than what we have expected. Cosmetically, you won't find any differences between the old and new California because Maranello did not alter its sheet metal at all, so the big bottom remains, while the classical nose fails to live up to our post-458 expectation.

You want more power? Ferrari modified the flat-crank V8 with new ECU, revised pistons, new exhaust manifolds with lower backpressure and a one-way reed valve in the crankcase that lets blow-by gas and oil to evacuate thus reduce pumping loss. However, engine displacement remains unchanged at 4297 cc, so its output gets a modest boost of 30 horsepower and 14 pound-foot of torque, taking the total to 490 hp and 372 lbft. We won't describe it as weak, but when compare with the 664 lbft offered by Mercedes SL63 AMG its sense of raw power is rather tamed. The Ferrari V8 wants you to rev it as hard as possible to deliver headline performance. Ultimately, its faster gearbox (7-speed dual-clutch) and better traction (thanks to 47:53 weight distribution) will put you ahead of the Mercedes roadster with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. It just doesn't feel as punchy.

In the chassis, modifications are similarly subtle. The aluminum spaceframe chassis has its weight cut by 30 kilograms thanks to using varying grades of aluminum, a new casting process and by replacing the steel engine cradle with aluminum one, though Ferrari did not explain why the kerb weight figure remains unchanged. The suspension is benefited from Gen III magnetorheological adaptive damping which involves reduced internal friction, quicker response and a new control software. On the road, the chassis mods do improve its handling a little, resulting in less roll in corners and less dive under braking. Meanwhile, the California's superb ride comfort remains.

Mind you, the California is no match to the mid-engined 458 as a sports car. Even if you take the new "Handling Speciale" pack, it won't display the same cornering prowess and razor-sharp control of its pricier sister. The handling pack brings stiffer springs (up 15 percent front and 11 percent rear) and a 10 percent quicker steering rack. It enhances body control and grip level, but it also brings some edginess to the chassis. Not only ride comfort has taken a noticeable degrade, the car runs out of grip more abruptly at the limit, and the steering is fast to the extent of nervous for day-to-day driving. These drawbacks hurt the California's role as an easy-going grand tourer. Therefore the standard setup is preferred. No wonder Ferrari predicts only 15 percent buyers will opt for the handling pack.

Don't get me wrong, the Ferrari California is still a remarkable blend of GT usability and sports car thrill. It still serves the dual-role better than the aforementioned German rivals. However, sitting beside the mightily impressive 458 Spider, it becomes rather ordinary. You know, people don't buy Ferrari for understated appeal.

Verdict:

Published on 23 Jul 2014

California T

Ferrari California is relatively understated in Maranello's lineup. It is the least powerful yet pretty heavy at 1735 kg, blame to that retractable metal roof. The latter also hampers its aesthetic a little, resulting in a big butt. Time goes by quickly. Now the California is nearly 6 years old and it is time to give it a major revision. Here is the California T, whose suffix stands for Turbocharging (unlike Mondial T, which denoted the T configuration of its longitudinal engine and transverse gearbox). If you go through our classic car archives, you will find this is the first turbocharged Ferrari since F40. Before that, Ferrari adopted turbos only on 288 GTO and a couple of Italian-market 308/328 models, so this is a rather unusual Ferrari.

What drove Ferrari to switch to turbocharging? The call for reduced emission is one reason (in this case 15 percent), but for the case of California I suppose turbocharging is also preferable because it enables thicker torque to counter the weight of the car. Moreover, Ferrari has already developed a twin-turbo V8 for Maserati Quattroporte. Based on that motor it can be relatively cheap to derive a Ferrari version.

So here comes the 3.8-liter twin-turbo direct-injection V8. It produces 560 horsepower at 7500 rpm, 30 hp more and 700 rpm higher than the Maserati version. Maximum torque is 557 lbft at 4750 rpm, versus Maser's 524 lbft (on overboost). I think it could have been tuned even more powerful if not to keep it below the 570 hp 458 Italia. Compare with the normally aspirated 4.3-liter engine on the outgoing California, it has an advantage of 70 horsepower and a massive 185 lbft of torque.

The Ferrari V8 employs the same block as Maserati’s, but many other things are different, such as cylinder heads, camshafts, pistons, intake and exhaust as well as capacity - it displaces 3855 c.c. instead of 3799 c.c.. Moreover, following the tradition of V8 Ferraris, it employs a flat-plane crankshaft to reduce mass and inertia. This improves its throttle response and revvability while produces a very different sound. Most important, the flat-crank design enables the use of 2 twin-scroll turbochargers which is not possible on a regular cross-crank V8 (except the inverse-breathing V8s of BMW and Audi). This is because a flat-crank V8 is configured like a pair of inline-4, thus its firing order enables each cylinder bank to feed evenly distributed exhaust pulses to a twin-scroll turbocharger. It goes without saying that twin-scroll turbo quickens spool up thus reduces turbo lag. No wonder Ferrari claims "this is the first time virtually zero turbo lag has achieved on an engine of this type".

To maintain the sporty character expected for a Ferrari V8, Ferrari introduces a so-called Variable Boost Management, which regulates the torque output such that it increases linearly according to rev until the 4750 rpm peak. This mean you won't see a flat torque curve like most other turbo engines. Another trick is to limit the maximum torque to no more than 600 Nm (442 lbft) in the first 3 gears. In this way, you have a wider scope of revving the engine to redline on challenging roads without worrying spinning the rear wheels, and then you can enjoy effortless passing on highway when the full 557 lbft is released beyond 3rd gear. In short, it combines the character of both sports car and GT engines.

On the road, the twin-turbo 3.8 does the job admirably. Unlike other turbocharged motors, it loves to rev towards the 7500 rpm redline. There is little turbo lag low down, while throttle response is respectable for a turbo engine – though no comparison with Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V8, admittedly. There is good punch available in the mid-range, but it increases linearly and persuades you to rev it higher and higher, and finally releasing its best in the last 1000 rpm. It goes without saying the extra torque gives the California a new lease of life on the road. Although the official 0-60 mph time merely improves by a couple of tenths to 3.5 seconds, it feels a lot faster in the real world. When cruising on highway the difference is even bigger, as the thick torque allows instant overtaking without downshifting.

On the downside, aural quality is probably too tamed for a Ferrari, especially if you are accustomed to the crazy barks and screams of the naturally aspirated 458 or F12, because its exhaust note is a lot quieter and bassier. The GT role of California might explain, but considering how great an Aston Martin V12 sounds you can’t help thinking the California T could have been more aggressive.

Enough words for the engine. The rest of the car is also considerably improved. Outside, the ungainly looks of the old California has been smartened with crisper lines, 458-style headlights and a wider front grille. The bonnet has ditched the central intake and added a pair of vents. Turn to the side, the small ventilation louvers of the old car have been replaced with a larger ventilation outlet and a conical channel that looks like an inverse version of the classic 308 GTB's. At the back, style is massively improved by a larger diffuser, which pushes the bumper level up and reduces the visual bulk of the boot. The round taillights and the surfaces surrounding the retractable roof are untouched in the facelift to avoid costly re-engineering. Inside, the cockpit gets some subtle improvements, although the much-criticized sat-nav is still below par.

In the chassis, the suspension gets 12 percent stiffer springs and a new generation magnetorheological adaptive dampers that reacts 50 percent faster. Carbon-ceramic brakes and F1 Trac traction control have been updated. The already quick steering rack is quickened by another 10 percent (to 2.3 turns lock-to-lock) to resemble that of the 458. Many people said it is simply too fast and too light to be reassuring. It might be okay to the 458, but not entirely suitable to a grand tourer. Better is the ride and handling. It now controls body movement tightly yet rides comfortably, unlike the old car which failed to achieve both simultaneously. Compared with other open-top luxury GTs like Aston DB9 Volante, Bentley Continental GTC or Mercedes SL63 AMG, the Ferrari’s sportscar balance (47:53 front to rear and low center of gravity) has a clear advantage. Undoubtedly it is the best driver’s car of the bunch.

By the high standards of Ferrari, however, the California T is not that impressive. Its turbo V8 could sound and feel more emotional still. Its steering could be better calibrated. Owing to its weight its roadholding and chassis response are not supercar league. While its performance is great, it doesn’t topple Bentley and AMG, something the Prancing Horse ought to achieve. Well, perhaps we should remember that the California is the entry-level Ferrari. It is sold at “just” £150,000 – a bargain for Ferrari and just marginally more than its mass-production rivals – and targets at more casual drivers. Commercially, this strategy has been working pretty well, attracting 10,000 buyers so far and 70 percent of them are new to Ferrari. To more demanding drivers, they can either opt for 458 Spider or persuade Maranello to build an F12 Spider.

Verdict:

Published on 24 Feb 2018

Portofino

The California is given a mid-life overhaul and a new name at its 10th birthday.

Portofino is a fishing village at the Northwest shore of Italy, with a population of only 400. There seems to be little in common between an Italian village and the most powerful state of the USA. However, Portofino is known for resorts and sunshine. Perhaps this is why Ferrari chose this name as the replacement for California.

Whenever talk about California, everybody says it is the most un-Ferrari – a front-mounted V8, folding metal roof, a lot of weight and a driving experience less exotic than a Ferrari should be. Rumors said the car was originally conceived as a Maserati but eventually ended up as an entry-level Ferrari due to business consideration. Maranello used it to attract new kind of customers who would have never considered buying Ferrari. It might be a good way to lure new buyers from Mercedes SL, Bentley Continental GT or Aston Martin, but it turned out to be less than successful. Sales has always been slipping below the pricier mid-engined V8 models, which is not something an entry-level car supposed to do. To recoup the investment, Ferrari wants to keep the car in production for as long as possible. Therefore, it got a mild update in 2012 and then a heavy modification in 2014, the latter gave it a new turbocharged motor and added “T” to its name. However, that is not the end of the story. While the mid-engined V8 line has a lifespan of 10 years, the California passes through its 10th birthday and evolves into Portofino. Despite the new name, it is just like the change from 458 to 488 or from F12 to 812 Superfast. In other words, it is a mid-life makeover rather than a complete renewal. If it lives for 7 more years, it will surpass 400/412 series as the longest running Ferrari in history!

Stiffer, lighter, sleeker, more downforce and more powerful, the Portofino improves in every way.

The Portofino is heavily restyled from California T. Its new sheet metal looks bolder and more aggressive, and it bears stronger family resemblance to 812 Superfast. You are still aware that its bonnet and boot lid are set too high for the taste of Ferrari, blame to the needs to accommodate the front-mounted V8 and the folding roof mechanism. Nevertheless, its aerodynamics is improved. Drag coefficient is lowered from 0.33 to 0.31, or more precisely, a 6-percent improvement, while downforce is increased by 10 percent.

The aluminum spaceframe structure is basically unchanged, but new welding technique and some detailed modifications yield a 35-percent increase of rigidity yet reducing weight. In addition to using lighter aluminum underbody aero panels, lighter magnesium-frame front seats, lighter roof mechanism and a slightly lighter engine, the whole car carries 66kg less than its predecessor (although Ferrari claims 80). Mind you, it is still heavier than the 12-cylinder 812 Superfast, but not bad considering its two child seats and that complex roof.

Speaking of seats and roof, both are improved as well. The new front seats are not only lighter but their backrests are significantly thinner, liberating 50mm legroom for the rear occupants – though adults are still prohibited. Thankfully, these thin buckets remain comfortable and supportive. The modified roof is lighter yet stronger, thus it can operate at speeds up to 25 mph instead of stationary. Moreover, it occupies less space, so the boot has grown by 52 liters.

In terms of day-to-day usability, the Portofino is certainly a sizable improvement.

The cabin design has been given a mild update from the California T. Its chief improvement is the new infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen taken from GTC4 Lusso – well, its software interface is still not quite as intuitive as the German’s, but at least the screen is bigger and it responds promptly to input. The air con has been upgraded to keep you cool in hot summer, while a new wind deflector cuts buffeting and wind noise substantially when it is raised. In terms of day-to-day usability, the Portofino is certainly a sizable improvement.

The rest of the chassis is lightly updated. Front and rear suspension springs are 15.5 and 19 percent stiffer, respectively, but these settings are similar to the California’s handling pack. The magnetorheological dampers and countless of electronic systems have been recalibrated, of course. However, the biggest change must be the switch to electric power steering, following the 812 Superfast. It is geared 7 percent quicker yet lighter, lighter than any other Ferraris in order to suit its duty as a relaxing GT, at least that is how Ferrari intended.

The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 gains new pistons and con-rods to take on higher pressure. The intake manifolds and intercoolers are modified, while the new equal-length exhaust manifolds are integrated with the turbine housing to quicken response and reduce emission. It is mated to a lower back-pressure exhaust which features electronic bypass valve for enhanced noise. Consequently, the V8 has its maximum output lifted from 560 to a full 600 horsepower. Peak torque inches up to 560 lbft at 3000-5250 rpm, which is again regulated by the variable boost control depending on rev and gear. The Portofino is now good for 199 mph and 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds – the latter is perhaps a bit conservative. Meanwhile, CO2 emission has been reduced by 10 percent, thanks to using an on-demand lubrication pump and electric power steering, among others.

Neither a true sports car nor a true GT, it is still the most confusing Ferrari.

On the road, the V8 shows even sharper throttle response and even less turbo lag than before. It also chases its 8000 rpm redline more eagerly, more like the version of 488GTB, thanks in part to its hungrier howl at the top end. The exhaust bypass valve really liberates the soul buried deep inside the prancing horse. If you want it to shut up, you can switch to Comfort mode and then you can enjoy a rather quiet cruise with the roof up. Nevertheless, there are always more shunts from the gearshifts of its twin-clutch gearbox than a good torque converter automatic, while the tires generate more road noise and the open-top chassis delivers more jiggle and cowl shake than the drivers of Mercedes SL, Bentley Continental GT or Aston Martin DB11 expected, so the Portofino is not as relaxing as a GT car supposed to be.

The Portofino rides surprisingly good on rough roads, especially when you select the new “bumpy road” suspension mode, which is independent of the Manettino selector. But in Sport mode it is not quite as smooth as a DB11, whose ride and handling balance is better judged and more consistent across different modes. Comparatively, the Ferrari feels more digitalized. Take the new electric power steering for example, it is quick to the extent of nervous for a GT, but at the same time it is too light to feel engaged or secured. Ferrari should have studied how Porsche manages both with EPS.

The chassis of Portofino offers plenty of traction and grip yet its E-Diff setup leaves some playfulness to the driver. However, it is certainly not a 488. Its limits are much lower, thus it runs into understeer more easily. Why Ferrari didn’t equip it with Side Slip Control remains a mystery. Perhaps it has too much weight to overhaul, too high center of gravity to deal with or too little chassis rigidity to withstand track abuse. After all, laws of physics mean it has no hope to be a real Ferrari. While it is a sizeable improvement from California T, unquestionably, it is still the most confusing Ferrari on sale, at least until the Ferrari SUV arrives.

Verdict:

Published on 13 Sep 2021

Portofino M

Light modifications keep the open-top Ferrari up to date.

M for Modificata. Ferrari used this word at least 3 times before – F512M, 456M GT and 575M Maranello – and all of them presented relatively minor changes. The new Portofino M is no exception. Compared with the Portofino debuted 3 years ago, the M introduces a little bit update to exterior styling, the V8 engine as well as chassis setup. No big deal, but should be enough to keep buyers interesting. As before, it is an entry-level Ferrari, but starting price has increased by £11,000 to £175,000, a smidge above the incredibly beautiful Roma. However, the Portofino M is a coupe-cabriolet whereas the Roma is strictly a hardtop coupe. Some might say it is the bargain of Ferrari, provided you don’t run deep into the very expensive option lists.

The facelift involves new front and rear bumpers, with extra vents to help aerodynamics and a more sculpted diffuser. The latter is made possible by removing exhaust silencers, something Ferrari found superfluous after adding a couple of particulate filters required to pass the latest EU emission standard. The flat-crank V8 itself is largely unchanged, except getting 1mm higher intake and exhaust valve lift and turbine speed sensors that allows the turbines to rev 5,000 rpm higher. These modifications not only recoup the power lost in the particulate filters but add 20 extra horsepower. In fact, this is exactly the same engine as the Roma.

Despite the added output, Ferrari does not change the top speed claim of “more than 199 mph”. 0-60 mph is improved by merely 0.05 second, although a full second is cut from 0-124 mph, which takes 9.8 seconds now. In general, it is a bit quicker than Aston Martin DB11 Volante and Bentley Continental GTC, both are significantly heavier.

Surprisingly comfortable, but still shows true Ferrari speed and handling.

The previous 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle has been upgraded to an 8-speed version which is also lighter. Its first 7 ratios are closer, aiding acceleration, while the top gear is taller, helping cruising refinement and emission.

Changes to the chassis hardware is subtle. There are slightly stiffer springs, dampers and bushings, but the Portofino M remains a surprisingly comfortable Ferrari, riding no worse than an average hot hatch. And that is before you press the “bumpy” suspension mode, which is designed to take on really poor roads. Refinement is good for a cabriolet as long as you keep the tin top closed. The boot is small for a GT, but you can make use of those tiny rear seats to place extra luggage. The cabin is virtually unchanged from 3 years ago, except a set of lower-mounted front seats, a new infotainment touchscreen and a revised Manettino switch on the steering wheel.

That switch has added Race mode for the first time, although I suspect how many Portofino drivers will use it on the road. Ditto the new FDE function, a software that keeps its handling accurate at the limit. While the Portofino with its extra weight and higher center of gravity is not as sharp to drive as the Roma, it is still a Ferrari. Lighter, corners flatter and more agile than an Aston or Bentley. Super-quick steering gives it a sports car character in the grand tourer world. However, the Portofino still suffer from an identity problem. A Roma is more Ferrari and more beautiful, while Bentley offers more luxury and a laid-back character that many GT buyers sought after.

Verdict: