Boat International US Edition — February 2018

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BOAT LIFE

FEBRUARY 2018

It may not look like it,

but Ferrari’s new

Portofino is actually

a convertible

FERRARI PORTOFINO

Base Price:$215,000 (estimated)

Power:3.9 liter twin-turbocharged V8 591 hp/561 lb-ft

Performance:0-60 mph 3.4 seconds, top speed 200+ mph

he brand new Portofino is Ferrari’s entry-

level vehicle. But don’t worry, an entry-level

Ferrari is neither an outlier nor an

oxymoron. It is a genuine means of access

to the legendary Italian brand — especially when it

looks, sounds and acts like this luscious two-door.

The Portofino comes with the added bonus of being

a convertible, though you might not notice this at first

glance; its roof is made of metal and slopes with

teardrop delicacy into its double-peaked tail. The top

can retract and fold itself away to offer the driver

a therapeutic dose of solar-synthesizing vitamin

D. What’s more, it can accomplish this acrobatic

performance even while under way.

Equally restorative is the car’s interior. Delicious

leathers cover the adult-size pair of seats up front and

the smaller pair in the rear. A crisp new 10.2-inch

T

infotainment screen sits prominently in the middle of

the dash. And a special wind-blocker cuts cross

currents by nearly one-third when the top is down,

providing the ultimate luxury: more access to the

sound of your passenger’s whoops of delight.

Also, more access to the sound of the engine. In this

case, a thrumming V8 that pumps out a mechanical

symphony, as well as copious power. Enough to push

the Portofino from a standstill to 60 mph in under 3.5

seconds, en route to a top speed of over 200 mph. Not

too shabby for “entry level.”

The Portofino also shows off Ferrari’s attention to

detail, especially in terms of design and aerodynamics.

A deep scallop along the middle of the doors offers a

visual link to famed Ferraris of the past, like the

Magnum PI-era 308 GTS. An angular cut-out at the

doors’ base reduces visual mass. And a narrow vent

hidden at the outer edge of the menacing headlamp is

perfect for venting heat from the front brakes to allow

shorter stopping distances.

The Portofino is named for the famed resort town

on the Italian Riviera. It may not be quite as good as an

extended Mediterranean vacation, but it’s surely the

next best thing.

A 10.2-inch
touchscreen on the
dash controls the
infotainment system

With 0-60mph in under 3.5 seconds and signature

styling, the all-new Portofino offers a roisterous introduction

to the Ferrari world, says Brett Berk

Who are you calling

entry level?

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