Regarded as a starting point into the world of Ferrari, the Portofino has all the heritage and characteristics that make it a pure-bred Prancing Horse. The Portofino M is not different, and in many ways, takes all that is good and makes it better. In fact, the ‘M’ stands for ‘Modificata’ and is placed on cars that have their performance significantly boosted.
The Ferrari Portofino M is powered by a 3,855cc V8 turbo engine that produces 620cv at 7,500rpm. So, the new Ferrari makes 20cv more than the Portofino. To arrive at these performance levels, the Ferrari engineers used new cam profiles to increase valve lift and optimise combustion chamber filling.
Added to the turbocharger assembly is a speed sensor to measure the turbine revolutions. This increases the turbine’s maximum revolutions per minute to 5,000rpm.
The Ferrari Portofino M accomplishes the 0-100kph spring in 3.45 seconds. More impressive is the 0-200kph, which clocks in at 9.8 seconds. The maximum speed for this supercar is more than 320kph.
Lastly, to comply with the strictest pollution emissions standards, a Gasoline Particulate Filter has been included in the exhaust system. The GPF allows the car to comply with the strictest European anti-pollution standards (Euro-6D) without damping power. This result comes from a control logic that continuously regenerates the filter, limiting the amount of accumulated particulate matter. This is achieved by using two dedicated sensors per cylinder bank to accurately measure differential pressure deltas upstream and downstream of the GPF.
The 8-speed gearbox is a completely new unit compared to the previous 7-speed version and is based on a dual-clutch oil bath architecture. It differs from the SF90 Stradale’s 8-speed transmission in its longer gear ratios and the introduction of a mechanical reverse gear. The new layout and integration of its components have also optimised the gearbox’s size and its installation in the car.
The Portofino M has zero turbo lag
The Prancing Horse boasts Variable Boost Management. It is a control software developed by Ferrari that adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected. As the car goes up through the gears (from 3rd to 8th), the amount of torque delivered by the engine increases all the way up to 760 Nm in 7th and 8th gear.
The gearing has allowed Ferrari to use longer gear ratios in the higher gears, which helps keep fuel consumption and emissions down, whilst also adopting a steeper torque curve through the rev range in the lower gears for a feeling of smooth and powerful pick-up. Having an eighth gear, coupled with improved transmission efficiency, yields a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
The new clutch module is 20% smaller but delivers 35% more torque, with up to a maximum of 1,200 Nm of dynamic torque transmitted when gear shifting. The transmission software strategy has also been evolved with a more powerful ECU. Gear changes have also been tweaked. More efficient clutch torque controls make the Ferrari smoother at low speeds and in stop-go traffic.
The soundtrack of the Ferrari Portofino M is unique and it keeps tradition. Ferrari says that every single Prancing Horse has its own specific sound. For the Portofino M, the geometry of the entire exhaust line is new, as is the flat-plane crankshaft.
The two rear silencers have been deleted to boost sound and significantly reduce backpressure in the tailpipes. The by-pass valves are now oval in shape to enhance the exhaust sound. Both solutions significantly reduce exhaust backpressure and improve sound quality. The last notable modification is “proportional” by-pass valve control, which is continuous and progressive depending on the driving situation.
Still handles like a dream
Like all modern Ferraris, the Portofino M is armed with Side Slip Control (SSC). In its sixth generation, the SSC E-Diff, F1-TCS, SCM-E Frs and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) control systems.
The FDE is a lateral dynamics control system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the hydraulic brake pressure at the callipers on all four wheels. On the Ferrari Portofino M, it is available only when the Manettino is in Race mode. The FDE is designed to make the car’s lateral dynamics more predictable when cornering to ensure the steering wheel and throttle are more intuitive. However, the FDE is not a stability control system and flanks rather than replaces the traditional VDC and stability control system (ESC).
Another noteworthy factor is the more modulable brake pedal pressure which, when combined with a reduction in pedal travel of around 10%, delivers more precise, instantaneous responsiveness to inputs during braking.
The aim of the five-position Manettino, a first on a Prancing Horse GT spider, is to make the Ferrari Portofino M’s handling and grip even more accessible by extending the setting ranges still further with the introduction of the Race position. Supported by the introduction of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, that position focuses on maximising driving pleasure.
Drive modes for the Manettino include Wet (for maximum stability and control), Comfort (for normal use on dry roads) and Sport (for sporty driving). Two more modes for drivers who want more control from the car are Race and ESC-Off. The latter deactivates VDC and F1-TCS.
Design tweaks are not just for looks
Upgrading the Portofino M’s performance means some of the exterior elements needed revision as well. Ferrari’s Styling Centre’s designers have made targeted adjustments to highlight the model’s characteristics.
Starting at the front, the wraparound front bumpers incorporate sculptural air intakes that also feature a new air vent at wheel arch height. This inclusion reduces Portofino M’s overall drag.
Part of the airflow coming off the front radiating masses is directed towards the new vents and then accelerated up as it exits, boosting its extraction power. The resulting improvement in aerodynamic performance is underscored by a slash on the front bumper that flows into the design of the flanks. As a result of the front bumper’s slash, the signature Portofino side scallop finds its visual counterpart on the Ferrari Portofino M’s front bumper.
Elsewhere, the grille features new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips that highlight this noble material.
At the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making the Ferrari Portofino M’s tail more compact, streamlined and sculptural. Visually, their forms are lighter too, and their styling is more in harmony with the front bumpers, creating a much more coherent overall aesthetic.
The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and is now separate from the bumpers. This allows customers to specify it in carbon fibre.
Specific diamond-finish wheel rims were designed for the Ferrari Portofino M. The unusually sculptural design of the spokes and their chiaroscuro look visually lightens the rim. Simply put, the entire car looks stunning.
An interior made to let in the outside
Inside the Portofino M is a cabin that’s compact, organic and feels even better with the top down. The Styling Centre team began by pinpointing certain specific prerequisites. The coherency between the car’s exterior and interior, weight reduction and more occupant space are the most important considerations.
The multi-level dashboard structure comprising an upper half starts the build. Then, an intermediate gap is incorporated to lighten the perceived mass of the lower half.
Rather than adding volumes, dividing the dashboard into different levels gave options for the designers to place technical elements and in-car devices into their logical place.
A central horizontal aluminium blade divides the instrument panel, air conditioning vents and passenger display into separate areas in the upper section. The other control functions are located in the scooped section below, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen at the centre.
In bird’s eye view, the cockpit’s symmetrical arrangement and the ample rear-seat space are clearly defined. The seats are the product of a special research project and have an innovative magnesium structure. Different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile have freed up space for rear occupants too.
Finally, a proper co-driver.
The Ferrari Portofino M’s HMI (Human-Machine Interface) centres on a digital cluster with dual TFT displays arranged around the analogue rev counter in a generous circular, anti-glare binnacle. Located on exactly the same axis as the multifunctional steering wheel, the driver can easily and intuitively interact with the car.
The infotainment system functions are controlled via the touchscreen at the centre of the dash. The full HD multi-touch capacitive screen with Split View is within reach of the driver and passenger. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are available.
On the passenger side, an optional dedicated capacitive display is available on the dashboard. It is linked to the main screen and displays car speed, rpm and the engaged gear. This seven-inch full HD and Full Touch display also allow the passenger to interact with the car’s onboard systems. Features that can be accessed are music selection, view sat-nav information and selecting a new point of interest (POI). So essentially, the passenger can be a helpful co-driver.
The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is available as an option. Included in the system are Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Predictive Emergency Braking System, Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning. Automatic High Beam, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View and Rear Cross Traffic Alert rounds up the ADAS.
The Ferrari Portofino M is priced at RM988,000, without taxes, duties, insurance and customisation options. A seven-year maintenance program comes with the Portofino M, which covers scheduled maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. The Ferrari is set for regular maintenance at every 20,000km or one a year with no mileage restrictions.
