2018 Ferrari Portofino

2018 Ferrari Portofino Review

“With 591 hp and a striking design, there's no mistaking the Portofino for anything but a Ferrari.”
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by Carlos Lago
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

The new 2018 Ferrari Portofino lines up against a small group of exotic and exclusive drop-top grand touring cars. And yet you could argue that it's in a class of one for the simple fact that it's a Ferrari. Beyond the aura that name includes, it also means the Portofino delivers a driving experience like nothing else.

The Portofino is a hardtop convertible that replaces the Ferrari California T as the entry point to the brand. Oriented as a grand touring car, it aims to deliver sporty exhilaration and enjoyable handling in a package you can drive every day.

With 591 horsepower from its twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8, which is shared with the larger and more expensive GTC4Lusso T, the Portofino delivers rapid thrust. But underpinning the body is a suite of electronic controls that tie everything together by adjusting the power delivery to the rear wheels, ensuring agile and stable handling. Add in the available adaptive dampers, and you have a grand touring car that drives just as good as it looks.

Exclusivity and personalization are essential to Ferraris, and to this end the Portofino boasts a wide range of customization. Exterior and interior paints, leather colors and interior materials are all at the buyer's discretion. Though it may seem pricey, this process ensures each Portofino feels special to its owner.

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What's new for 2018

The Ferrari Portofino is new for 2018.

We recommend

Personalization is an important part of the Ferrari buying experience, so there's a long list of customization options for the Portofino. Colors, stitching and materials are up to you, but you should also consider some key options. You'll appreciate the comfort provided by the 18-way adjustable heated front seats and an adaptive suspension, while the passenger-oriented 7-inch touchscreen gives your co-pilot control over the stereo and navigation. Apple CarPlay is a must for iPhone users, and we'd pick the front and rear cameras to avoid costly mistakes in parking lots.
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Trim levels & features

The Ferrari Portofino is a two-door, four-seat convertible that's available in a single and highly customizable trim level. It receives motivation from a twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 (591 horsepower, 560 pound-feet of torque) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is only available with rear-wheel drive.

Along with a high level of power, the 3.9-liter V8 comes with a feature called Variable Boost Management that increases torque output depending on the gear and engine speed in an effort to make acceleration build more progressively. A three-setting drive mode selector on the steering wheel controls a suite of electronic controls underneath the vehicle, including the differential and traction and stability control systems, that ensure confident and sure-footed handling.

Other standard features include 20-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, automatic engine stop-start, leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable seats, a 10.2-inch touchscreen entertainment system, a digital gauge cluster, keyless entry and start, and a USB port.

Like all Ferraris, the Portofino offers a wide array of exterior and interior customization, from colors to trim, stitching and materials. Significant optional features include forged 20-inch wheels, run-flat tires, a 1,500-watt and 12-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay, and 18-way power-adjustable and heated front seats. An available 7-inch touchscreen sits ahead of the passenger and displays entertainment, navigation and vehicle information. Optional adaptive suspension, called MagneRide, offers both a smoother ride and sportier handling.

Available safety and assistance features include a backup camera, front and rear parking cameras, auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive headlights that adjust with vehicle speed and steering input, and a fire extinguisher.

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Trim tested

Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have experience with similar models. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

With 591 horsepower, the Portofino delivers thrilling acceleration that's appropriate for the prancing horse on its badges. Advanced electronic controls make for engaging and approachable handling. You can also expect steering that's light and quick but also highly accurate.

Comfort

The Portofino's grand touring intentions mean it isn't as hard-edged as other Ferraris. When outfitted with the adaptive suspension and 18-way adjustable seats, the Portofino should deliver a relaxed and comfortable ride. The standard variable exhaust lets you choose how loud or quiet you want to be.

Interior

While previous Ferrari interiors have had a somewhat clumsy design, the Portofino shows some smart improvements that should make it easier to operate. The thin front seats make more room for rear passengers, too.

Utility

The interior offers basic storage, such as a cupholder, a cubby and small door pockets. A folding rear-seat backrest allows longer items to fit in the trunk. Rear cargo space is big enough to accommodate luggage for weekend getaways, but the hardtop roof can limit access slightly when stowed.

Technology

The entertainment features range from a powerful stereo to Apple CarPlay support to a 7-inch touchscreen passenger display that provides your co-pilot easier access to entertainment controls and vehicle information. Alas, these are all optional. Android Auto is not supported.

Edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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