Highlights are the redesigned powertrain, a brand-new eight-speed gearbox and the five-position Manettino that includes a Race mode, a first for a Maranello GT spider.
The "M" in the car's moniker stands for "Modificata", which in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has significantly boosted their performance.
Engine
The Portofino M’s 3,855cc 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 612hp at 7,500rpm, 19hp more than the 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.
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.
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 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.
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:
Wet — Maximum stability and control
Comfort — Normal use on dry roads
Sport — Sporty driving
Race — Maximises driving pleasure
ESC-Off — VDC and F1-TCS both deactivated
Exterior
The fact that the Portofino M’s performance is more powerful than the Portofino resulted in the Ferrari Styling Centre’s designers making very precise, targeted adjustments to highlight the model’s characteristics and underscore its sportiness.
The wraparound front bumpers incorporate imposing, sculptural air intakes that lend a decisive,
aggressive look to the front of the car. They also feature a new air vent at wheelarch height, added
because of the need to reduce the car’s overall drag.
Part of the air flow coming off the front radiating masses is directed towards the new vents and then accelerated up as it exits, boosting its extraction power.
The resulting improvement in aerodynamic performance is underscored by a slash on the front bumper that flows into the design of the flanks, adding visual harmony to the side view of the car.
The grille features new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips that highlight this noble material.
At the rear, the new exhaust system has allowed the removal of the silencer assembly, making the
Ferrari Portofino M’s tail more compact. The result is that the rear bumpers are now more streamlined and sculptural.
The rear diffuser has been completely redesigned and is now separate to the bumpers. This allows
clients to be able to specify it in carbon-fibre, which further underscores the car’s sporty character.
Specific diamond-finish wheel rims were designed for the Ferrari Portofino M. Their styling references that of the car’s flanks.
Interior
With the top down, occupants will realise how compact and organic the whole car feels.
The crafting of the interior began with a multi-level dashboard structure comprising an upper half and then an intermediate gap designed to lighten the perceived mass of the lower half.
The breaking up of the dash into different levels allowed the designers to organise the technical elements and in-car devices in a rational way while defining its signature full-width architecture.
A central horizontal aluminium blade divides the instrument panel, air conditioning vents and passenger display into separate areas in the upper section.
The other control functions are located in the scooped section below, with a 10.25” touchscreen at the centre.
This layout is designed to involve the passenger and is underscored in the styling of the door panels, handles and various controls and devices available, including the central and passenger touchscreens.
The seats have an innovative magnesium structure. Different density padding and an ultra-compact seatback profile have freed up space for rear occupants too.
Also available is three-level ventilation for the seat and backrest, and the popular neck warmer for
use in winter months.
The latter offers a choice of three heat levels and the system constantly adapts the speed of the warm air flow from the headrest to ensure it is proportional to the car’s speed, outside
temperature and the position of the retractable top.
Infotainment accessibility
The Portofino M’s HMI (Human-Machine Interface) centres on a digital cluster with dual TFT displays arranged around the analogue rev counter in a generous circular, anti-glare binnacle.
Located on exactly the same axis as the multifunctional steering wheel, this cluster allows the driver to interact more easily and intuitively with the car by delivering optimal driving feedback.
The infotainment system functions are controlled via the touchscreen located at the centre of
the dash within easy reach of both driver and passenger.
Designed to be as quick and accessible as possible in terms of usage and content, it includes a full HD multi-touch capacitive screen with Split View to allow different types of content to be viewed simultaneously. Both Apple Car Play and Android Auto are also available.
The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) available as optional items for the Portofino M are: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function for driving in traffic; Predictive Emergency Brake System; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Departure Warning; Automatic High Beam; Traffic Sign Recognition; Surround View with 3D display; and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Like all other models, the Portofino M comes with an extended seven-year maintenance programme.
