Ferrari has unveiled the new Portofino convertible, a rakish replacement for the California T, in a series of official photographs ahead of its planned public premiere at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

Sporting a revised version of its predecessor’s folding hardtop roof, the Portofino represents the new entry level for the Ferrari line-up. It is one of four front-engined Ferrari models, including the 812 Superfast, F12tdf Berlinetta and GTC4 Lusso

The new model, which is planned to reach North American showrooms in early 2018, is based around a new aluminium platform that is claimed to be significantly lighter than that used by the California T, but with greater rigidity due to what the Italian car maker describes as new production techniques.

Ferrari has not revealed how much lighter the Portofino is than the California, which tipped the scales at 1625kg. However, it puts its weight distribution is 46:54 front-to-rear.  

The Portofino’s turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine is a development of the 90-degree unit used by the California T, but tuned to deliver an extra 29kW, with 441kW produced at 7500rpm. Torque has also risen by an incremental 5Nm to a new peak of 760Nm on a brand of revs between 3000 and 5250rpm.

 Among the changes brought to the engine are new pistons and conrods. Revised intake and exhaust systems are also said to have improved the breathing properties of the Ferrari developed V8, which also resides in various Maserati models.  

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a revised version of the California T’s seven-speed dual clutch transaxle. Ferrari also confirms the Portofino runs a third generation version of its electronic differential, the E-Diff 3 as it is known.

The additional power combines with the reduction in weight to reduce the 0-100km/h time by 0.1sec; the most affordable Ferrari model now runs to the traditional acceleration benchmark in just 3.5sec. Top speed is also claimed to trump the California T’s 316km/h at over 320km/h. Despite the increase in power, the new engine also boasts the same fuel consumption figures as its predecessor, with an official 10.5L/100km on the European test cycle.

Ferrari has also confirmed the Portofino, named after an Italian coastal town, will be its first model to feature electric power steering. Underpinning the new car is a reworked version of the California T’s double wishbone suspension system featuring magnetic dampers with new twin-coil technology that is claimed to improve ride comfort while providing the new model with added levels of grip.

The Portofino bears greater resemblance to recent Ferrari models than the California T, whose design can be traced back to the original California model launched in 2008. However, the new car is clearly an evolution of its predecessor in terms of proportion and overall styling lineage. 

The front end sports a more aggressive appearance with a prominent grille and structured bumper featuring a low set splitter element. The headlamps are shaped similar to those of the 488 GTB, but with larger black surrounds.  Deep etched lines and a black air vent element behind the front wheel arches dominate the flanks of the new Ferrari, while a new tail lamp design and large diffuser element mark out the look at the rear. 

At 4586mm in length, 1938mm in width and 1318mm in height, the Portofino is 16mm longer, 28mm wider and 4mm lower than the California T.

The two-plus-two interior receives a dashboard similar in style to that used by its predecessor but with a new touch sensitive 10.2 inch infotainment display. There is also a newly designed steering wheel and front seats with revised backrests that are claimed to free up additional legroom for rear seat passenger.

A redesigned wind deflector used by the Portofino is also claimed to reduce air buffeting within the cabin by up to 30 per cent when the roof is lowered compared to the California T. The folding hardtop can be lowered while on the move, although Ferrari is yet to confirm at up to what speed.

Ferrari is yet to reveal Australian pricing for the Portofino, which succeeds the $409,888 California T, though it plans to release further information when the new convertible makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

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