As an entry-level sports car, the Ferrari California T was adequate but when you are Ferrari, adequate isn’t enough. The Prancing Horse company is set to introduce the California’s replacement at the Frankfurt International Motor Show later this year.
Named for a picturesque port city in Italy, the Ferrari Portofino ($TBA) offers not just engine upgrades but stylistic improvements and new electronics. The body work features more aerodynamic curves and vents while the engine, still the same 3.9 liter V8, has been tweaked with new pistons, rods, and intake system to produce an extra 40 hp -for a total of 591 ponies- and has been coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A redesign of the chassis has greatly reduced the weight to help the Portofino hit 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds and top out at right around 200 mph.
The hydraulic steering of the California has been replaced with an electric steering unit and it has been given a modern 10.2″ touchscreen display. As expected, this sleek red convertible has a leather-heavy interior and all the top-line manufacturing skill that is Ferrari’s best trademark!