Ferrari Portofino M - More Pleasure With New Gearbox

The Ferrari Portofino now comes with a new eight-speed transmission. The revamp adds more sportiness and improved drivability to Ferrari’s 2+ GT spider, which was first launched in 2017, now dubbed the Portofino M… M for ‘Modificata’, or Ferrari talk for a model refresh. The new 8-speed (wet) dual-clutch gearbox which replaces the 7-speed unit, is based on the one found in the SF90 Stradale, but with longer gear ratios. For the Portofino M, Ferrari has introduced a mechanical reverse gear. The new 8-speeder is also smaller than the previous unit, and lighter too. Like the other turbocharged Ferraris in their product line-up, the Portofino M delivers instantaneous throttle response when starting off, and throughout the rev-range. In ensuring optimum delivery of its drive, the car’s Variable Boost Management adjusts torque delivery, relative to the gears engaged, delivering a maximum of 780Nm in gears 7 and 8. The Portofino M’s taller gearing in the higher gears, are designed to reduce fuel consumption during cruising. Lower gears, with closer ratios benefit from a steep torque curve for more powerful pick-up. Efficient clutch torque control, allows the Ferrari to be more drivable in city driving conditions.

OneShift Editorial Team

18 Sep 2020

The Portofino M, which is powered by their award-winning turbocharged V8, has been up-rated to deliver 620cv, 20cv more than the original Portofino. Ferrari engineers revised the engine’s cam profiles to increase valve lift, optimising combustion chamber filling in the process. A faster-spinning turbocharger, now monitored by a speed sensor, optimises the feeding of air.

Ferrari has also included a brand-new five-position Manettino, that includes ‘Race’ mode, a first for a Maranello GT spider, and a timely inclusion which capitalises on a more powerful car. Ferrari has also reduced brake pedal travel by around 10% for better precision and improved responsiveness during braking.

The unique shrill of the V8 has been further tweaked, with an entirely new exhaust geometry, while the elimination of the two rear silencers, brings out the best possible soundtrack in from the flat-plane engine.

Visually, the Portofino M sports new vents at wheel arch height in-order to reduce drag, while a re-worked grille features new aluminium slats with contrasting faceted tips. With the removal of the Portofino M’s silencer assembly, the rear bumpers have also been redesigned, and are more streamlined. Visually lighter, they are also more harmonious with the front bumper design.