Time moves fast at Maranello, even if the world around it has come almost to a complete stop in recent months. It might seem like the Portofino is a relatively new car - especially as the first drive was early in 2018 - but think of all that's happened at Ferrari since then: the SF90 Stradale, the 488 Pista (then the replacement of the 488 with the F8), the 812 GTS, the Roma and the end of production for the four-wheel drive cars. In two and a bit years. All of which means it's time for the Portofino to be updated, to keep up with the progress made elsewhere in the range.
Plainly the new car is recognisable as a Portofino, the design evolution seemingly extending to little more than new bumpers and an interior spruce. However, there's reason to be encouraged by what's underneath, the Portofino M promising "no shortage of technical innovation". That's focused primarily on the powertrain, the 3.9-litre turbo V8 now packing an extra 20hp for a Roma-matching 620 at 7,500rpm.
The Portofino M also receives that car's eight-speed dual-clutch, replacing the old seven-speed transmission; Ferrari's assertion of a "completely unprecedented combination of authentic GT performance, driving pleasure, agility and exceptional versatility in everyday driving contexts" will surely depend a lot on the powertrain. Because the bar is set pretty high in rival cars. Given what's already been said about the Roma, and how Ferrari tend to handle the engine and gearbox side of things, there ought to be little cause for concern.
Balancing out the Portofino's talents will be an overhauled chassis and associated electronics, the M now benefitting from a five-mode Manettino for the first time. That means a Race mode, which "focuses mainly on maximising driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel." Alongside a claimed increase in sportiness and comfort, you get the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, which helps with powersliding by gently scrubbing brakes - tech that was first employed in the 488 Pista.
All of which sounds quite encouraging, right? Because ever since the introduction of the Portofino's predecessor, the California, in 2009, the entry point to the Ferrari range has struggled somewhat for enthusiast kudos - even while it encouraged a flock of new buyers to the brand. If the Portofino M can continue that trend - 70 per cent of Calis were conquest sales - while increasing the model's appeal among existing customers, Maranello could be on to another winner. Ferrari expects to begin deliveries in the second quarter of next year, with prices starting at 206,000 euros in Italy. UK prices and spec when we have them...
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