Portofino Test Drive...

Had the opportunity to test drive the new Portofino this past weekend. Below are my observations:
- This car has presence. While I was in the showroom waiting for Portofino to be brought out, I was
admiring outside a beautiful F12 in Grigio (medium gray). As it turned out, it was the Portofino.
Standing in front of the car, the new hood looks more masculine / aggressive as does the front
air scoops. From the rear, the tail lights has been pushed further to the corners creating the
appearance of greater width. Few, but tasteful, interior changes resulting in a more modern look.

- The car had 20" wheels but, compared to my Cali's 19" wheels, the ride quality was the same.
Although spring rates are stiffer in the Portofino, I didn't notice any degradation in the ride.

- The new electric steering rack is terrific. Bumps in the road are not transmitted back to the
steering wheel. While this may disappoint some purists, personally, I much prefer this. Still a
very fast rack with exceptional turn in. Power steering is not as much boosted as in the Cali
resulting in slightly, but notably, more weight. And, self-centering of the wheel (compared to
my Cali) is much better.

- Opening it up, I didn't expect I would feel the 39 extra horses, but from the seat of my pants, the
Portofino felt faster. Also, the engine seemed a bit more refined. I was shocked at one point to see
I was in 7th gear at 1100 rpm. I've never seen my Cali below 1600 to 1800 in any gear. Engine
note was largely the same. I can see a trade-up coming in 18 to 24 months.