So finally, lets get to the heart of the matter. The Portofino gets a 3.9 litre twin turbo charged V8 that is the same motor that powers the 488 GTB, but in the Portofino it is retuned to put out 600 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. These kind of figures and then call it an entry level Ferrari. Even though it has forced induction, there is no turbo lag at all and power delivery is instant, the moment you step on the throttle pedal. With the Mannetino in Comfort mode, the Portofino is super easy going like your regular everyday luxury sedan. The ride quality is fantastic for a car of this segment and you can actually drive this Ferrari to work and back everyday. The exhaust note is relatively muted and you really wont have the cops pulling you over for driving a ‘LOUD’ super car. It doesn’t bottom out on speed breakers either and this is despite not having the front lift mechanism for the suspension. It also handles rough patches of road with aplomb. So is this a very tame Ferrari? Turning the Mannetino to Sport should answer their question. And that transforms the Portofino into a completely different animal. The suspension stiffens up, the throttle becomes way more responsive and the active exhaust flaps open to let the V8 orchestra play louder. And what a soundtrack that is. You get all the crackles and pops that you wished for and more. Add to that, the quick shifts from that awesome 7 speed dual clutch gearbox makes for an epic driving experience. The 0 to 100 kph dash is demolished in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 320 kph. The Portofino gets an electric power steering but it is still so direct and the car turns instantly into the direction you point it to. It also gets the third gen E-Diff but without Side Slip Control. Grip from the 245/35 rubber up front and 285/35 tyres at the rear riding on 20 inch alloy wheels is fantastic and the carbon ceramic brakes are just outstanding. You can also turn off al the electronics ‘ESC OFF’ but leave that for when you want to put in laps at a race track.
The Portofino may not be as dramatic as the rest of the Ferraris in the Prancing Horse stable but is easily the most practical one yet. It looks drop dead gorgeous and drives beautifully. It can be used as a daily driver and it feels right at home in urban traffic. At the same time, that stonker of an engine makes sure you can also have fun putting pedal to the metal. The interiors are plush and well put together and the hard top foldable roof just adds another feather to the practicality cap. Ferrari was super quick to get the Portofino to India. At Rs. 3.5 crore ex showroom without options, the entry level Ferrari isnt cheap but if you are looking for a brilliant GT cruiser that wont shy away from going up against some super cars, the Portofino is right up your alley. It is a Ferrari that you buy not just from your heart but your head too.
