Portofino [2017-2023] [Official] Ferrari Portofino - California T successor

[WAND]

The giant front bumper/fender gap never bothered you? My biggest pet peeve about the 430

They are better on Scuderia version.
But F430 is far more prettier than 458 Italia, IMO.

 

[alex2111]

Hi guys, I’ve been a member for a while now but this is actually by first post; hope to do this more regularly from now on … So a few thoughts about the new Ferrari and its predecessors

a) I really didn’t like the styling of the original California. Like most people I thought the proportions were off and some of the details, say the quad (or twin depending on how you count) tailpipes were controversial at best

b) The T was much better, borderline pretty in my eyes in some colours, but still not up there with a DB9/Virage.

c) The new car looks better still, the details in and out finally work for me and lend the car some character which was lacking altogether from the original Cali, and were sort of dictated by the “damage control” (I know that sales may render this comment irrelevant) situation that dominated the design of the T. I like it quite a bit in red, the interior is far superior to the previous car, the exterior is sophisticated enough for the marketplace, the integration of the cc roof design with the rest of the body is much improved, and I also like some of the J50 influences such as the lower bit on the side between the front and rear wheels above the side skirts. Regarding the press photos, still don’t get why they didn’t do a nice shoot at Portofino and decided that they should use CGI instead, and also why there is no ¾ rear shot from ground level

 

[Sunny]

For a number of years the California was the last Ferrari you could buy new with a manual. No one bought it... in fact they sold reportedly sold under 10 worldwide during the pre-California T's lifecycle. It was not worth the R&D.

Hate to be captain obvious, but a Ferrari SUV would fly off the shelfs unless they botch it up like the Bentayga. Just thinking of a Ferrari SUV makes my skin crawl.

I remember Luca di Montezemolo adamantly stating that there would never be a Ferrari SUV or 4 door, but as soon as he resigned (under pressure).... everything became fair game under señor Marchionne's direction.

Ha, I didn't even know you could buy California with a manual. Thought it died with the 430.

And yes, not least surprised the California with a manual didn't sell, it always had a hair dresser vibe and probably targeted the "I have a prancing horse" for prancing around crowd. The Portofino on other hand has the gravitas in both looks and the name, which is why I think a coupe with a manual packaged as "back to basics" could attract a different crowd, a la Porsche that managed to sell 991 ~$200k parts bin R without even batting an eyelid.

Of course, being able to match a hypothetical Ferrari SUV in sales was (sadly) hyperbole .

A manual Ferrari will simply never sell.

Don't you think Ferrari can pull a 911R style "back to basics" special?

 

[sako97]

It's weird that no one wants a manual Ferraris, yet they command big money. A 6speed Cali sold for $435k at auction last year. According to R&T, there's just 2 manual Californias worldwide.

Link: A Ferrari California With a Manual Transmission Just Sold for $435,000
#1

#2

A manual 599 GTB is worth a minimum $700k right now, whereas other 599 GTBs are in the $160-$220k range.

 

[Porsche Guy]

It's weird that no one wants a manual Ferraris, yet they command big money. A 6speed Cali sold for $435k at auction last year. According to R&T, there's just 2 manual Californias worldwide.

People always want what they can't have. This applies to more than cars.

 

[martinbo]

Don't you think Ferrari can pull a 911R style "back to basics" special?

I honestly don't believe so Sunny. Ferrari's customer demographic has spoken - yonks ago - and it's just sad.
You know what I think? I reckon that if Ferrari announced a special, back-to-basics model in a manual only, there'd be a customer revolt and they'd all demand an auto. Ferrari customers are very different to Porsche customers in my personal experience.

I love Ferraris but I feel they're the preserve of the "bold and the beautiful" people now. These people can't be bothered with the effort and inconvenience of a manual. [/generalisation]

 

[Sunny]

^You are very probably right. Hate to generalize, but my own personal experience with one over just a weekend is that it takes a different personality to enjoy the attention that goes in hand, one I don't have much of.

Edit: Having said, I would happily drive this around with a face mask in lieu of a light weight manual coupe -

 

[Soup]

I honestly don't believe so Sunny. Ferrari's customer demographic has spoken - yonks ago - and it's just sad.
You know what I think? I reckon that if Ferrari announced a special, back-to-basics model in a manual only, there'd be a customer revolt and they'd all demand an auto. Ferrari customers are very different to Porsche customers in my personal experience.

I love Ferraris but I feel they're the preserve of the "bold and the beautiful" people now. These people can't be bothered with the effort and inconvenience of a manual. [/generalisation]

This is what killed the manual

Today's Ferrari VIP clients

 

[sako97]

Now it's obvious why Ferrari didn't show any rear shots in the press release - it's still very questionable. As predicted, the roof mechanism was carried over from the Cali, meaning the same design constraints. Everything else looks great

 

[Monster]

Now it's obvious why Ferrari didn't show any rear shots in the press release - it's still very questionable.]

I think it looks fine, it is difficult to capture the 3D surfaces from these photos under poor lightning.

 

[Merc1]

It's gorgeous. It's Ferrari..McLaren..Porsche..................Lambo right now.


M

 

[Centurion]

There is a bit of Zagato in that rear end. I look forward to seeing it in person.

 

[sako97]

I hear you @Soup, but then I see the smile on this guy's face and think that women having interest in Italian cars isn't necessarily a bad thing

 

[Cashmere]

fark that white one looks hot! Better looking than the 488 IMO.

 

[fuhro]

Source: Autogespot

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

from the front and front 3/4, I get such a strong Maserati vibe. The rear in unquestionably better than either Californias to the point it makes those rears downright clumsy.

 

[Merc1]

Ferrari has a surprise beauty on their hands. Looks better than the 812 from some angles.

M

 

[Centurion]

from the front and front 3/4, I get such a strong Maserati vibe. .

I was about to say the same. It's no doubt good looking but head on it looks frighteningly like a new generation Maserati Granturismo.

 

[kingjr9000]

Ha, I didn't even know you could buy California with a manual. Thought it died with the 430.



Don't you think Ferrari can pull a 911R style "back to basics" special?

There is a rumor going around that fezza might bring it back.

 

[Merc1]

This thing is gorgeous and RED AF.


M