Ferrari Portofino M gets unveiled
It looks like the COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down Ferrari, as they have been pushing out high-end cars all year. From the F8 Spider, SF90, and Roma, Ferrari has now also unveiled the Ferrari Portofino M, ‘M’ standing for ‘Modificata’.
The Ferrari Portofino M will represent the evolution of the Prancing Horse’s 2+ GT spider. This new model was premiered entirely online, something that Ferrari has not done in their 70-year-plus history. To build hype around the launch, Ferrari sent out a series of newsletters to its clients which allowed them access to the platform which contained exclusive videos illustrating the concept behind the car, as well as its restyling and main technical content.
The Portofino M is the first car from Ferrari to be premiered entirely online. It also represents a new starting point for Ferrari in their pursuit of innovation while still staying true to their heritage.
The Portofino M will come with a redesigned powertrain, which includes an all-new eight-speed gearbox as well as a five-position Manettino, that will come with a Race mode. Keep this mind that this will be the first eight-speed gearbox to be installed on an open-top Ferrari and will have a 20% smaller clutch module and 35% higher torque delivery.
Perhaps the most remarkable innovation is the five-position Manettino, which is a first for a Prancing Horse GT spider. This was done, to enhance the Ferrari Portofino’s handling and traction through the addition of the Race mode.
In terms of engine capacity, the Portofino M comes with a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine that unleashes a beastly 456kW and a torque of 760 Nm.
Other significant changes can be seen on the redesigned front and bumper, which looks a lot sportier and meaner. The inside of the Portofino M offers more comfort and comes with new optional features, such as ADAS, and ventilated and heated seats.
The Ferrari Portofino M keeps the same style and authenticity as seen on its predecessor, making it easily one of the hottest coupes to own. The Portofino comes with a Retractable Hard Top (RHT), which is maybe a signature feature of all the Ferrari convertibles.
Also worth a look: the Ferrari F80: Where Retro Design Meets Futuristic Fury and the V6-powered Ferrari 296 GTB revealed.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ferrari Portofino M cost in South Africa?
The Ferrari Portofino M starts at around R4,800,000 in South Africa, though pricing can vary significantly depending on options and dealer markups.
Q: Is the Ferrari Portofino M worth buying over the regular Portofino?
Absolutely, the Portofino M offers a proper eight-speed gearbox, 456kW of power, and that five-position Manettino with Race mode, making it a significant upgrade over the standard Portofino for serious driving enthusiasts.
Q: How fast is the Ferrari Portofino M and what's the performance like?
The Portofino M delivers 456kW and 760 Nm from its 3.9L twin-turbo V8, making it one of the most powerful open-top Ferraris you can buy, with acceleration that'll pin you to your seat.
Q: What makes the Ferrari Portofino M different from other Ferrari convertibles?
The Portofino M is the first open-top Ferrari with an eight-speed gearbox and five-position Manettino featuring Race mode, plus it has that redesigned aggressive front bumper that looks properly mean.
Should You Buy It?
If you've got R4,800,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate convertible GT experience in South Africa, then yes, the Ferrari Portofino M is absolutely worth buying. This isn't just a pretty face, it's the most advanced open-top Ferrari ever made with that revolutionary eight-speed gearbox and 456kW of pure Italian fury. The best convertible supercar under R5,000,000 in SA is definitely the Portofino M, especially with that Race mode Manettino that transforms it from a comfortable cruiser into a proper track weapon. Just be prepared for the running costs, because maintaining a prancing horse isn't cheap, but the driving experience is worth every rand.
