Portofino for review this week | FerrariChat

Portofino for review this week

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by Themaven, May 28, 2019.

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  1. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2014
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    Darius
    #1 Themaven, May 28, 2019
    Hello California/Portofino forum,
    I have a Portofino for review this week. (I work in the media, and am also a Ferrari owner).

    Some pix here. Any thoughts from owners on their Portofino vs Cali T or Cali 30 or Cali welcome. Also on colours and spec - you will see this car is very well optioned, but not sure if wisely optioned. (More than US$100k of options)

    I can't pass on any opinions on the car til the review is out. My daughter, who has passengered in many Ferraris, says it's the smoothest Ferrari she has ever been in.

    Last image is with the 720S I have for next review. (Not a comparison)



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  2. BarryK

    BarryK Formula 3

    Dec 17, 2016
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    #2 BarryK, May 28, 2019
    So you come to the forum, post some random photos of a PF up, say you can't share your own opinion and then ask for some free research? How much lazier does car journalism get?
     
    AlexBen, boobernackle and luckyguy like this.
  3. mlcor

    mlcor Karting

    Jul 21, 2018
    213
    #3 mlcor, May 28, 2019
    I’m not sure why a professional reviewer would want to bias their opinion and review of the car with comparisons from regular (non-professional) owners.

    Just saying...


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  4. GlowRed

    GlowRed Formula Junior

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    West Midlands, UK
    #4 GlowRed, May 29, 2019
    I don’t think a lot of reviews have done the Portofino justice. The Portofino serves particular customer requirements by offering a powerful convertible combining the advantages of a retractable hard top, a roomy boot and generous cockpit space complete with two rear seats suitable for short trips. It is also a Ferrari.

    It is designed to be driven every day and effortlessly converts from a coupé to a drop-top capable of delivering the Ferrari soundtrack from the award winning V8 and offers a superb driving experience whether on motorways or twisty roads.

    Unlike many reviews, Ferrari does not compare the Portofino to the other models in its range, although the engine is basically the same as the 488. Instead they compare it to the Mercedes SL63 AMG (another hardtop convertible) and the Bentley Continental Convertible. You could also add the Aston Martin DB11 Volante into the mix.

    The Portofino is designed to be used frequently and offer a sporty driving experience, not extreme, and in my opinion it does this extremely well.

    Personally, the Portofino is the best car I’ve owned for it practicality and performance. The benefit of being hardtop convertible is quite unique in this market sector and is also a very strong selling point to me. It’s not 100% perfect, but it does everything I want from a car.
     
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  5. luckyguy

    luckyguy Karting

    Nov 18, 2016
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    #5 luckyguy, May 29, 2019
    Lol

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  6. BHMSOCCER

    BHMSOCCER Rookie

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    #6 BHMSOCCER, May 29, 2019
    I have had my Portofino since April and love it. The weather has finally improved and there is nothing better than a weekend drive with the top down through winding roads. I had 2 adults (small ones) in the back seat for an hour long drive with the top down and they said it was comfortable. The engine provides more than enough power but isn't scary fast like other exotics. Ferrari did a great job building an every day car that is still very much a Ferrari. I wouldn't want trade my Portofino for an AMG, Bentley or Aston Martin. My car has significantly fewer options than your test car. I didn't feel the need for all the carbon fiber options.
     
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  7. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

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    #7 Themaven, May 29, 2019
    Thank you - interesting. I agree that the Portofino is intended by Ferrari to compete in a different market to the traditional V8 midengine/V12 front engine two seaters. Having the back seats makes a big difference. I have never been able to give any of my kids + a friend a ride in any of the six Ferraris I own/have owned, and it's a big plus.

    My own rules at the magazine group I run preclude me from submitting my opinions or personal observations on the car before I run the review, but the facts are 600 hp, a 2+2, and a folding hard top, hard to argue with.

    There was a media track day at a well known circuit here in the UK last week and the Portofinos performed very well - owners have told me the same.

    Further opinions welcome, even from angry men, though even more so from those who have made the Cali to Portofino transition, and also from those who have moved to the Portofino from Aston, SL AMG, Bentley, etc.

    Motoring journalists (I am not one) can be brilliant but can suffer from too much exposure- driving a spread of cars and not understanding owners' lifestyles at the high end. I don't think most Portofino owners care about track times, but this is the best place to find out what matters.
     
  8. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

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    #8 Themaven, May 29, 2019
    I hear you about the options. The most expensive was the special matte Argento paint, which is £18,000.
     
  9. GlowRed

    GlowRed Formula Junior

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    259
    West Midlands, UK
    #9 GlowRed, May 30, 2019
    As well as a number of other cars, I've owned 2 x Cali, Porsche 911 Turbo Cab and an AMG GTS and I stand by my opinion that the Portofino is the best car I've owned.
     
    uhn2000 and Themaven like this.
  10. fordgt2006

    fordgt2006 Karting
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    Apr 22, 2006
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    #10 fordgt2006, May 30, 2019
    I agree. It’s a great all around Ferrari.
     
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  11. JayGeeee

    JayGeeee Rookie

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    #11 JayGeeee, Jul 12, 2021
    Has anyone compared it to the Aston Martin DB11 Volante? It would seem a DIRECT comparison. It's funny that for less expensive cars, comparisons, are all over the place. But when you get to more expensive cars, reviewers seem to be afraid to make comparisons and risk any supply relationships a la Chris Harris. It's beyond unfortunate because there's A LOT of money at stake here.
     
  12. 695

    695 Formula Junior

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    #12 695, Jul 12, 2021
    @Themaven - I think Harry posted a very good review yesterday with pros and a few cons, mainly about the weight of the metal folding roof, he would have preferred a soft top. I think his main point about preferring it over the Roma is right on the money. There should be some positive inspiration there.

    Personally I prefer it over the 911 and AMG GTC, it's just more special.

     
    Florida Joe likes this.

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