Ferrari Portofino Makes Its Debut at Frankfurt
On press day, September 12, 2017, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Ferrari introduced their newest creation, the Portofino. Replacing the California series, the Portofino is the new V-8 Gran Turismo which Ferrari hopes to dominate its segment, thanks to a textbook combination of sportiness, elegance and on-board comfort.
Powered by their V-8 turbo, a member of the engine family that won the overall International Engine of the Year Award in both 2016 and 2017, this new cruiser puts out 600 cv and will go from 0-200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. The Portofino is, according to Ferrari, the most powerful convertible to simultaneously offer a retractable hard top, a roomy boot and a generous occupant space that also includes two rear seats for short trips.
The new model takes its name from one of the most amiable towns on the Ligurian Riviera, Portofino, which has, over the years, has become an international icon of elegance and exclusivity. The new model is also the most versatile model in the range – a Ferrari designed to be driven every day that also effortlessly converts from an authentic berlinetta coupé to a drop-top in just 14 seconds, even when on the move at low speeds. It is a marriage of design, technological content and performance, making it the perfect car for any occasion.
Two examples were being shown on the Ferrari stand at Frankfurt. The first was in the new Rosso Portofino color inspired by the picturesque town the model pays homage to. The second has a matte Grigio Alluminio Opaco livery, referencing the lightweight metal used to build the entire car.
The two new Portofinos were flanked by the rest of the current Ferrari range: a GTC4Lusso in a Blu America livery, a 812 Superfast with new triple-layer grey paintwork from the Tailor Made program, and the 488 GTB in glorious Rosso Formula 1. The 488 Spider was showcased instead in the Tailor Made area. The version on display celebrated the company’s 70th Anniversary with a livery inspired by the Pinin Farina-bodied 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial spyder once owned by gentleman driver Porfirio Rubirosa.
Information from Media Ferrari. Images from Hugo Garritsen at hugo.garritsen@planet.nl.
