The Gentleman Magazine Issue 7 | February 2018 | Page 41

BENELUX DEBUT FOR FERRARI PORTOFINO
AT BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW
The new Ferrari Portofino made its Benelux debut at the
Brussels Motor Show where visitors of the Belgian show were
also able to admire all the latest additions to the Ferrari model
range.
The Ferrari Portofino is the new V8 GT set to dominate
its segment thanks to a perfect combination of outright
performance and versatility in addition to a level of driving
pleasure and on-board comfort unparalleled on the market.
Capable of unleashing a massive 600 cv and sprinting from 0
to 200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds, the Ferrari Portofino is the
most powerful convertible to combine the advantages of a
retractable hard top, a roomy boot and generous cockpit space
complete with two rear seats suitable for short trips.
The new car, which takes its name from one of the most
charming villages on the Italian Riviera, an eponym for stylish
elegance, is 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 capable of
delivering a unique Ferrari soundtrack and superb driving
pleasure even in day-to-day situations.
Powered by the Ferrari V8 turbo, a member of the engine
family that won the overall International Engine of the Year
Award in both 2016 and 2017, the new car punches out 600
cv and sprints from 0-200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. The
Ferrari Portofino is, in fact, the most powerful convertible to
simultaneously offer a retractable hard top, roomy boot and
generous occupant space that also includes two rear seats for
short trips.
The retractable hard top (RHT) has been completely redesigned
and can now be opened or closed in just 14 seconds on the
move at lower speeds, making the car even more practical.
Careful modelling of the RHT housing now allows the luggage
compartment to hold two cabin trolleys with the roof down
and three with the roof up. Ideal for any occasion, the Ferrari
Portofino represents the perfect combination of design,
performance and technology.
The Ferrari Portofino is significantly lighter with the adoption
of new components featuring innovative designs made
possible by the use of cutting-edge production techniques.
This, combined with a 40 cv higher power output than the
California T, has resulted in a significant hike in performance
and a corresponding drop in emissions. Vehicle dynamics
benefit from the introduction, for the first time on this model,
of electric power steering, the 3rd generation electronic
differential (E-Diff3) and the latest evolution of the electronic
suspension control system (SCM-E) integrated with Premium
9.1 ESP.
The range
On the Ferrari stand, flanking the Bianco Italia Portofino, were
a 812 Superfast finished in Rosso 70 Anni, a GTC4Lusso T in
Grigio Silverstone, a 488 Spider in Rosso Corsa and a 488 GTB
in Grigio Titanio.
The Gentleman Magazine | 41