act: Convertibles are awesome. But when a convertible has a prancing horse on the front, it becomes an icon, much like the Ferrari 250 GT California. That particular car was brought back to life a decade ago in the form of the Ferrari California, and later the California T, the first roadgoing Ferraris to ever feature an eight-cylinder engine in the front, a dual-clutch automatic transaxle at the rear, direct fuel injection, and an electric convertible hardtop. Sadly, while the superbly engineered California’s relatively low entry price brought an entire new generation into the Ferrari family, styling was not all that it could have been.
But now replacing that conflicted car is the Portofino, which was unveiled on June 5 by Dieter Knetchel, Ferrari’s Chief Executive Officer overseeing Japan, Korea, Australasia, South East Asia, the Middle East & India; as well as Hassan Haidar, owner of Scuderia Lebanon, the official importer of the marque in the country, before members of the media and select guests following a brunch at its upgraded 3S facility in Dora, Seaside Road.
In the Portofino, Ferrari’s engineers retained all that was exemplary in the California, while the stylists went to great lengths to avoid the over-the-top design of its predecessor, particularly the bulbous trunk.
Hassan Haidar and Dieter Knetchel unveil the Ferrari Portofino.
The difference in terms of measurements is minimal – the Portofino is just a quarter centimeter lower, wider by less than 3 cm, and longer by less than 2 cm – but its look is leagues beyond the California. Of note are a pair of fairings that flow from the back of each rear-seat headrest into the trunk lid, breaking up the panel’s visual bulk and carrying the greenhouse’s profile to the tail of the Portofino when the roof is raised.
The grille’s upturned edges present a smug smirk, as if to say this car knows it’s got you hooked from the second you lay eyes on it. No wonder, as the front fenders flare back and sensually taper in along the lower half of the doors, suggesting a sinewy physique that eluded the California. Add to that the narrow slats on the outer edge of each headlight that allow air to enter the front wheel wells to force pressure out and reduce drag, hood vents that expel engine heat, and two front outboard intakes that feed air into two intercoolers, and the Portofino’s sublime styling signals cues of its potency.
And that potency comes in the form of a 591-horsepower V-8, with 39 ponies more than the California, and which hits the redline at 7,500 rpm.
There’s a great deal to be shared about the Portofino, and we fully intend to do so in the coming weeks. Follow us on our Facebook page and on Instagram for more updates.
