Ferrari unveils the new Portofino M

Ferrari has officially unveiled the new Portofino M, the latest evolution of the Prancing Horse's 2+ GT spider. The unveiling took place entirely online, an unprecedented move for the brand in light of the COVID-19 crisis. 

The Portofino M brings the latest innovation and technology to the brand's 2+ GT spider, enhancing its versatility and the pleasure of open-top driving. The 'M' in its moniker stands for 'Modificata', which in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted performance. 

A key part of the car's performance is its award-winning 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine, which has been tuned to deliver 612bhp and 760Nm of torque, 20bhp more than the Portofino. Power is transmitted through an all new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the car to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.45 seconds, and on to a top speed in excess of 320km/h. 

A first for a Ferrari GT spider is the five-position Manettino, which makes the Portofino M's handling and grip even more accessible by extending the settings ranges further with the introduction of the Race position. The Portofino M also features the sixth-generation Side Slip Control (SSC), a vehicle dynamics control system that coordinates the various vehicle dynamics intervention systems. 

The Portofino's design also accentuates the car's enhanced peformance. The wraparound front bumpers and sculptural air intake lend a decisive, aggressive look to the front of the car. A new air vent at wheelarch height also reduces the car's overall drag and enhances aerodynamic performance.

At the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making the car's tail more compact. The rear bumpers are now more streamlined, while the rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and is now separate from the bumpers. Specific diamond-finish wheels have also been designed for the Portofino M, elegantly marrying elegance and sportiness. 

The crafted interior uses a multi-level dashboard structure that comprises an upper half, and then an intermediate gap designed to lighten the perceived mass of the lower half. Infotaintment functions are operated via a 10.25-inch touchscreen, located within easy reach of both passenger and driver. The Portofino M also features a digital cluster with dual TFT displays arranged around the analogue rev counter.