When Ferrari introduced the California in 2008, its naturally aspirated 4.3 liter V8 was perfectly matched to the car. It made 453 horsepower and 358 lb-ft of torque. While those are not insignificant, the weight and flexibility of the hardtop convertible were limiting its appeal. It was not until the arrival of the California T that the twin-turbo V8 finally pushed the chassis to its limits.
Essentially the same engine found in the 488 GTB and Spider, engineers had to dial it back to keep the California in one piece. Everyone was quick to look at the new Portofino as a reskinned California, but Ferrari is asking the world to look closer. It has been a decade since the California chassis was finalized. And in that time, automakers have made incredible advancements in metallurgy and engineering.
Check Out Liberty Walk’s Ferrari 488 Wide Body
We were shocked to learn that Rolls-Royce is leaving the unibody in the dust, as all their new models will be a spaceframe design. Ferrari stunned us all be declaring the Portofino to be 176 lbs lighter and 35% stronger. Those numbers were first published by Autocar, who says the A-pillar is now one-piece instead of 21 pieces in the predecessor. Of course, these numbers don’t mean anything until you get behind the wheel, so click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Ferrari updates.
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