Revealed: the new Ferrari Portofino

I agree. I also think the obsession over performance numbers, along with making the cars "look" high performance is detracting from the designs. Perhaps every ugly fold on the back of the 812 is necessary to achieve it's performance numbers, but who needs that level of performance? I remember Clarkson reviewing the F12, saying that the thing was already too powerful. Why make a car uglier to add performance no normal or even skilled driver can use on any road? Save that stuff for the TDF/GTO/Speciale cars. Personally, I'd take a pretty car that maxes out at 200 over an ugly one that maxes out at 202.

There's always a place for the "practical Ferrari", the 365gt, C/4, 400, 412, Mondial, 456, et etc, but I agree that not every car should be about producing a practical daily driver.

 

Different strokes for different folks. I don't care for the looks of the 360 and I think the 458 is gorgeous!

 

I liked the 360 as it was a return to the Dino styling. It was a break from the last of the folded paper look. The glass engine cover was unique and clever. The 458 is really beautiful for its simplicity. The only gimmick it's gull wing fins which have been copied by everyone today in some form or another.

Today it's all fins and bargeboards. Yuck.

 

Its funny you would say that as Im on the fence with the 360. I mostly stopped it there because I think it scoots in...barely. I really think it stops with the 355.

I dont think it has to do with age as I hate most 80s and 90s auto design.

 

Actually I think they should hire just about anyone on this thread since they are all obviously automotive design geniuses.

 

I guess I'm in the minority, I love it and the interior is a master stroke.

 

Lol

 

Nothing like armchair quarterbacks to do some second guessing.

 

Well if it makes you feel better I've spoken with several of my friends who ARE automotive designers and they think it's a generic bore too. We heard from JM2 earlier and he is IMO qualified as an automotive design genius. What else you got?

Lol, God forbid we share an opinion when asked.

 

Nothing wrong with opinions, I just find it humorous that with every new release there is constantly second guessing about the cars. Then when the next iteration comes around people are praising how great the current car is, and so much better then the new. Actually great entertainment. I'm still waiting for the "It's not a true Ferrari if it does not have 12 cylinders / mid engine / blah blah blah argument.

 

The Maserati Khamsin is a true Bertone masterpiece.

 

So what amazing, unique looking, totally original and instant timeless classics have your Automotive Designer friends come out with lately?

 

LOL

Yes, inquiring minds want to know

 

16 variations of the Mustang and Camaro since 1968.

Well, at least the first ones were original and timeless....

 

So who are these questions directed to?
I'll be more than happy to share my body of work if you show us your portfolios as well.

 

We BOTH know its not a lack of talent in designers. Its PINHEAD marketing types and market research that is used as a weapon against creativity.

Marketing people are VISUAL MORONS -- yet they are the ones pulling the strings.

 

Lol, Pontiac Aztec of course!!!

Do you think the Portofino is any of the above? Look, I'm not saying it's a hideous design. I'm saying it's a disappointment in that Ferrari had an opportunity to design something memorable and they played it safe. It's more a marketing exercise by bean counters than design. Now if that is what the company has become and wants to be in the future I think that's a tragic mistake. But hey, it's their bat and ball.

I referenced other designers to emphasis the point that it is a generic conglomeration of cliches that we have all seen since school. Pick up any first year design students sketchbook and you'll see basically the same car. Now if you are really serious about getting a list of car designs from my peers I'll dig up the cars for you. For starters my good friend worked on the Ford GT concept and Indigo.

I love Ferrari. I'm a massive fanboy. That doesn't mean I can't be disappointed when they whiff. I admit it probably comes off wrong when I am hard on their design but it's only because I like be the brand so much. They can and should be better

 

I suppose the comment is to hotshoe. Me, portfolio? I have none. I leave that to you experts. So show us!

 

Love the Aztec! Without question the ugliest car of it's time. I'm racing one in the 24hr of Lemons. With the full meth lab package, of course.

 

I like the Portofino but agree with others that its not special the way Ferraris used to be.

but on the topic of designers...

i spent a decade as a designer on hollywood films and there is very little i am proud of. not because i feel im a crappy designer, but that there are too many chefs in the kitchen and rarely does anything 'pure' come out of it. its all compromise.

ive neve been a professional auto designer but my guess is its not any differnt than my experience

 

Aesthetically speaking, my taste in cars does tend towards past eras, as my ownership of 550, Dino and E-type bears testimony, Nevertheless, in terms of contemporary design, I do like the Portofino.

It is a distinct improvement on the Cali T, for starters. I can't think of any offerings from other manufacturers of similar vehicles that look any better, or even as good. I don't see anything in Lamborghini's catalogue, for example, that looks half as good.

The Portofino disguises its 2+2 / hardtop-convertible configuration better than anything else I have seen. I particularly like the profile, which I think is very clever in making it look more like a 2-seater berlinetta when the roof is in place. Indeed, in profile, it looks almost like a scaled-down F12. I like the frontal treatment and can see shades of my 550 in its grin - it has the same look of a shark about to enjoy a good meal.

So, sorry, admirer of Pininfarina that I am, I think Ferrari have done a great job with this one.

 

Totally agree

 

Thankfully, didn't work on the Aztec