There is no shortage of technical innovation in the stunning new evolution of the Ferrari Portofino, the most
notable being its redesigned powertrain, a brand-new eight-speed gearbox and the five-position Manettino
that includes a Race mode, an absolute first for a Maranello GT spider. As a consequence of these and
many other new features, the Portofino M guarantees an unprecedented combination of authentic GT
performance, driving pleasure, agility and exceptional versatility in everyday driving contexts.
This latest design and engineering masterpiece from the Prancing Horse is the perfect evolution of the
Ferrari Portofino. Sportier in character than its predecessor, it also delivers superior handling whilst not only
maintaining but enhancing on-board comfort, courtesy of specific new optional features, such as ADAS, and
ventilated and heated seats. The Ferrari Portofino M thus retains the Ferrari Portofino’s twin soul and is the
only car on the market that can rightfully be described as an authentic coupé with its top closed and a
genuine spider when it is open. This is thanks, of course, to the Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the signature
feature of all the Prancing Horse’s convertibles.
The Portofino M’s compact dimensions also make it ideal for all occasions. In fact, its unparalleled
versatility and on-board comfort turn every trip into a voyage of (re)discovery.
POWERTRAIN
The Ferrari Portofino M’s 3855cc engine belongs to the V8 turbo family voted “International Engine of the
Year” on four consecutive occasions (2016-2019). The power unit can punch out 620 cv at 7,500 rpm, 20 cv
more than the Ferrari Portofino. To achieve these performance levels, the Ferrari engineers used new cam
profiles to increase valve lift and optimise combustion chamber filling.
A speed sensor was also added to the turbocharger assembly to measure the turbine revolutions. This in
turn allowed the maximum revolutions per minute of the turbine to be increased by 5,000 rpm.
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 compromising driving pleasure.
This result comes thanks to 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 up- and down-stream 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.
Like all the other turbo cars in the range and in line with the “zero turbo lag” concept, the Ferrari Portofino M
delivers instantaneous throttle response throughout the rev range. The car boasts Variable Boost
Management, a control software developed by Ferrari that adjusts torque delivery to suit the gear selected.
The result is increasingly powerful pick-up as revs rise, whilst optimising fuel consumption. 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.
On the one hand, this has allowed Ferrari to use longer gear ratios in the higher gears, which helps keep
fuel consumption and emissions down, while on the other, adopting a steeper torque curve through the rev
range in the lower gears for a feeling of smooth and powerful pick-up.
The introduction of the eighth gear and the improvement in transmission efficiency have resulted in a
significant reduction in fuel consumption in urban and motorway contexts in addition to noticeably improving
performance even under sportier, more press-on driving.
The new clutch module is 20% smaller but delivers 35% more torque, with up to a maximum 1,200 Nm of
dynamic torque transmitted when gear shifting. The transmission software strategy has also been evolved
with a more powerful ECU.
Lastly, particular attention was focused on gear change strategies aimed at improving the power unit’s fuel
consumption and emissions levels. Due to more efficient clutch torque control, the car is now also easier to
drive in urban contexts during Start&Stop cycles. This guarantees that the car is smoother to drive at low
speeds in traffic, as well as delivering a more intuitive experience and improved responsiveness.
By tradition, every single Ferrari engine has its own particular soundtrack that makes it unique. The Ferrari
Portofino M is no exception. In addition to the flat-plane crankshaft, the geometry of the entire exhaust line
is new. The two rear silencers have been eliminated (which in addition to boosting sound also significantly
reduces backpressure in the tailpipes) and 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.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The Portofino M sports the vehicle dynamics control system known as Side Slip Control (SSC), which
incorporates an algorithm that delivers an estimate in real time of the side slip angle to all the various
on-board control systems. The SSC coordinates all the vehicle dynamics interventions as the systems are
all integrated using shared data.
Now in its sixth generation, the SSC integrates the 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 both through and exiting corners by ensuring the steering wheel and throttle are
more intuitive for the driver to use. That said, 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.
Below are the five positions on the Ferrari Portofino M’s Manettino and their respective performance goals:
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