Albeit purely online, Ferrari has formally launched the Portofino M, the evolution of the 2+ GT spider and built up to the unveiling by sending out of a series of newsletters to clients over recent weeks at the end of which they were given access to a platform containing exclusive videos illustrating the concept behind the car, its restyling and main technical content.
Significantly, the Portofino M is the first Ferrari to be presented in the wake of the company’s temporary closure due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The’M’, incidentally standing for ‘Modificata’ which, in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has boosted their performance.
There is no shortage of technical innovation in this stunning new evolution of the Ferrari Portofino, the most notable being its redesigned powertrain, a brand-new eight-speed gearbox and a five-position Manettino that includes a Race mode, an absolute first for a Maranello GT spider.
In terms of its powertrain, the Portofino M’s 3 855 cc engine, which belongs to the V8 turbo family voted “International Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions, has been optimised to unleash 456 kW at 7 500 r/min – more than the Ferrari Portofino.
It also boasts a completely redesigned eight-speed gearbox that replaces the previous seven-speed version. This is, in fact, the first eight-speed to be installed on an open-top Ferrari and is based on a dual-clutch oil bath architecture with a 20% smaller clutch module and 35% higher torque delivery.
From a vehicle dynamics perspective, the most significant innovation is most certainly the introduction of the five-position Manettino, an absolute first for a Prancing Horse GT spider. The aim being, of course, to further enhance the Ferrari Portofino’s handling and traction through the addition of the Race mode. Supported by the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, said Race mode focuses mainly on maximising driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel.
The significant technological evolution the model has undergone is visually underscored by the new design of the front of the car and the bumpers in particular, which are sportier and more aggressive. Both inside and out, there is a sense of harmony of expression and intent in forms that are sometimes sharper and then softer and more flowing.
Ferrari Portofino M
Summary Technical Specification
ENGINE
Type V8 – 90° turbo
Total displacement 3855 cc
Bore and stroke 86.5 mm x 82 mm
Max. power output* 456 kW (620 CV) at 5750 – 7500 rpm
Max. torque 760 Nm at 3000 ÷ 5750 rpm
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Length 4594 mm
Width 1938 mm (2020 mm with wing mirrors)
Height 1318 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm
Dry weight** 1545 kg
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed > 320 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.45 s
0-200 km/h 9.8 s
