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Ferrari's super-sleek entry-level convertible GT: Portofino M

If you're just dipping your toes into the world of Ferrari convertibles, the Portofino M is a great place to start. After its introduction three years ago as the replacement for the California T, the Portofino has gotten some powerful updates -- redesigned powertrain, a brand-new 8-speed gearbox, and a race mode -- but it is still as luxe and stylish as its namesake village on the Italian Riviera.

The changes come with the new "M" designation for the 2021 twin-turbocharged V8 GT four-seater, which is a genuine coupé with its top down and an authentic spider when it is open. The retractable hard top can be opened or closed in just 14 seconds on the go at lower speeds.

The car's 3,855-cc engine belongs to the V8 turbo family voted "International Engine of the Year" on four consecutive occasions (2016-2019). The engine provides 612 hp at 7,500 rpm, an increase of 20 hp over the previous model. Ferrari says this was accomplished by its engineers using "new cam profiles to increase valve lift and optimize combustion chamber filling."

A speed sensor was also added to the turbocharger assembly to measure the turbine revolutions. This in turn allowed the maximum revolutions per minute of the turbine to be increased by 5,000 rpm. Max vehicle speed is 198 mph.

The automatic 8-speed gearbox is a completely new unit compared to the previous 7-speed version and is based on a dual-clutch oil-bath architecture. It differs from the Ferrari SF90 Stradale's 8-speed transmission in its longer gear ratios and the introduction of a mechanical reverse gear. The new layout and integration of its components have also optimized the gearbox's size and its installation in the car.

The super-sleek front-engine sports car also boasts Variable Boost Management, a control software developed by Ferrari that adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected. The result is increasingly powerful pick-up as revs rise, while fuel consumption is optimized. As the car goes up through the gears from 3rd to 8th, the amount of torque delivered by the engine increases all the way up to 760 Nm in 7th and 8th gear. Using longer gear ratios in the higher gears helps keep fuel consumption and emissions down. Adopting a steeper torque curve through the rev range in the lower gears provides for a smooth and powerful pick-up.

Ferrari says the introduction of the 8th gear and the improvement in transmission efficiency have resulted in "a significant reduction in fuel consumption in urban and motorway contexts in addition to noticeably improving performance even under sportier, more press-on driving."

The new clutch module is also 20% smaller but delivers 35% more torque, with up to a maximum 1,200 Nm of dynamic torque transmitted when gear shifting. The transmission software strategy has also been evolved with a more powerful ECU.

In addition to the flat-plane crankshaft, the geometry of the entire exhaust line is also new. The two rear silencers have been eliminated (which in addition to boosting sound also significantly reduces backpressure in the tailpipes), and the by-pass valves are now oval in shape to enhance the exhaust sound.

The Portofino M sports the vehicle dynamics control system known as Side Slip Control (SSC), which incorporates an algorithm that delivers an estimate in real time of the side slip angle to all the various on-board control systems. The sixth-gen SSC coordinates all the vehicle dynamics interventions, as the systems are all integrated using shared data. The SSC integrates the E-Diff, F1-TCS, SCM-E Frs, and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) control systems. The FDE is a lateral dynamics control system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the hydraulic brake pressure at the callipers on all four wheels. On the Ferrari Portofino M, it is available only when the Manettino (little mode switch) is in Race mode.

The FDE is designed to make the car's lateral dynamics more predictable both through and exiting corners. Ferrari says the FDE is not a stability control system, though, and it "flanks rather than replaces the traditional VDC and stability control system (ESC)."

The aim of the five-position Manettino (that little red toggle switch at about 5 o'clock on the steering wheel) is to make the Ferrari Portofino M's handling and grip even more accessible by extending the setting ranges further with the introduction of the Race position. This switch is a first on a Prancing Horse GT spider. The other drive modes are Wet, Comfort, Sport, and ESC-Off.

As for as the car's exterior, the updates are not as noticeable. The wraparound front bumpers incorporate imposing, sculptural air intakes that lend an aggressive look to the front of the car. They also feature a new air vent at wheel-arch height, added because of the need to reduce the car's overall drag. In the front, the grille features new aluminum slats with contrasting faceted tips. In the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed for the removal of the silencer assembly, making the Ferrari Portofino M's tail more compact. The result is that the rear bumpers are now more streamlined and sculptural.

The rear diffuser has also been completely redesigned and is now separate to the bumpers. This allows owners to be able to specify it in carbon-fiber, which can really add to the car's sporty character.

The diamond-finish wheel rims, designed specifically for the Portofino M, are a sweet touch.

Inside, the dash has been divided into two levels. A central horizontal aluminum blade divides the instrument panel, air conditioning vents, and passenger display into separate areas in the upper section. The other control functions are located in the scooped section below, with a 10.25-in. touchscreen at the center. Everything is minimal and classy.

The seats are the product of a special research project and have an innovative magnesium structure. Different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile have freed up space for rear occupants too (although it's super tight back there). Also available is three-level ventilation for the seat and backrest, and the very popular neck warmer for use in winter months.

Pricing has yet to be released for the Portofino M in the United States. The current Portofino model starts at $215,000.

Source: Ferrari

Published November 2020

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