Portofino
Introduced in 2017, the Ferrari Portofino is a front-engined 2+ grand tourer fitted with a retractable hardtop. It replaced the California T in Ferrari’s range while retaining a more versatile brief than the company’s mid-engined berlinettas. The original car uses a 3,855 cc twin-turbocharged V8 producing 600 hp, with power sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its folding roof allows the car to operate as both a coupe and a spider, while the rear seats are intended mainly for occasional use. The ScanRacer library references the 2017 Base version and the 2021 Portofino M. The latter is the model’s Modificata evolution, bringing increased output, an eight-speed gearbox, revised chassis electronics, and modest exterior changes rather than representing an entirely separate generation.
Variants by year
2021
2017
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Introduced in 2017, the Ferrari Portofino is a front-engined 2+ grand tourer fitted with a retractable hardtop. It replaced the California T in Ferrari’s range while retaining a more versatile brief than the company’s mid-engined berlinettas. The original car uses a 3,855 cc twin-turbocharged V8 producing 600 hp, with power sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its folding roof allows the car to operate as both a coupe and a spider, while the rear seats are intended mainly for occasional use. The ScanRacer library references the 2017 Base version and the 2021 Portofino M. The latter is the model’s Modificata evolution, bringing increased output, an eight-speed gearbox, revised chassis electronics, and modest exterior changes rather than representing an entirely separate generation.
History
The Ferrari Portofino was unveiled in September 2017 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Its name comes from the Italian coastal town of Portofino and was also used for the launch colour Rosso Portofino. Ferrari presented the car as a new V8 GT and the successor to the California T. Its role remained that of a fast, open grand tourer, with a retractable hardtop that preserved a coupe-like profile when raised while allowing open-air driving when folded. Ferrari’s launch specification identified a 3,855 cc, 90-degree V8 producing 600 hp and 760 Nm. Drive went to the rear wheels through a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. The manufacturer quoted 0–100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed above 320 km/h. These figures relate to the stated homologation specification and can vary with market requirements, optional equipment, and testing procedures. On September 16, 2020, Ferrari introduced the Portofino M, with the letter standing for Modificata. The revised car gained 620 hp, an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, a Race setting, and updated Side Slip Control electronics. Deliveries followed in 2021, which matches the M variant represented in the supplied ScanRacer context. The M is therefore best understood as a significant mid-cycle evolution of the Portofino rather than a wholly separate model line.
Generations
The supplied data does not support dividing the Portofino into several separate generations. It is more accurately treated as one Ferrari model line introduced in 2017 and substantially updated for 2021. Within the ScanRacer context, that line is represented by two entries: Base, dated 2017, and M, dated 2021. The original Portofino uses a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout with four seats and a retractable hardtop. Its 600-hp twin-turbocharged V8 is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The design combines a long bonnet, a rear-set cabin, and coupe-convertible proportions intended to support both long-distance touring and rapid driving. The Portofino M retains the same basic architecture and folding-roof concept, but Ferrari revised several mechanical and electronic systems. Output rises to 620 hp, the transmission gains an eighth ratio, and the steering-wheel Manettino adds a Race setting. Exterior changes are comparatively restrained: the front bumper and air openings are revised, the rear diffuser is redesigned, and new wheel designs are available depending on specification. The practical distinction between the two phases therefore lies more in the powertrain, control systems, and detail changes than in a completely new body or platform.
Key differences
The clearest differences concern power and transmission. The launch Portofino Base produces 600 hp and uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Portofino M increases output to 620 hp and adopts an eight-speed transmission. It also adds a Race setting to the Manettino and receives an updated Side Slip Control system, giving the revised car a more performance-focused specification. The visual distinction is subtler. The M retains the retractable hardtop, overall proportions, and basic cabin design of the original Portofino. Its main exterior clues include a revised front bumper, more prominent air openings, a different rear diffuser, and model-specific wheel designs depending on configuration. A photograph alone may therefore not be sufficient for a certain identification. The dashboard badge, vehicle documentation, VIN-related records, or confirmation of the gearbox are more dependable checks than styling details alone.
Photo recognition
The Ferrari Portofino is first identified by its retractable-hardtop coupe-convertible shape, long bonnet, and relatively compact rear haunches. Unlike a mid-engined Ferrari berlinetta, its cabin sits noticeably rearward and the front bonnet dominates the side profile. The car also uses a 2+ seating layout, with small rear seats intended for occasional passengers. Distinguishing a Base from an M requires care. The Portofino M has a revised front bumper, more visible side openings, and altered aerodynamic details. Its rear diffuser and some wheel designs may also differ. Because wheels and exterior equipment vary with specification, these clues should not be treated as conclusive in isolation. The Portofino M name may be visible on the dashboard or in the vehicle documentation. The most reliable approach is to compare several identifiers, including the model year, badging, build specification, and gearbox. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission points to the M, while the original Portofino uses a seven-speed unit. When only exterior photographs are available, identification should remain cautious.
Important versions
The 2017 Base version is the original Portofino. It combines the 600-hp twin-turbocharged V8, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, rear-wheel drive, and retractable hardtop. It establishes the model’s role as Ferrari’s open grand tourer with a stronger emphasis on usability than the brand’s more focused sports cars. The Portofino M, represented here by the 2021 entry, is the major evolution of the line. Its engine produces 620 hp, its dual-clutch gearbox has eight ratios, and its driving electronics add a Race setting among other revisions. Exterior changes are deliberately restrained, but the M brings updated aerodynamic details and a more performance-oriented specification. In Ferrari terminology, the M suffix means Modificata and indicates a substantial model revision rather than a simple trim-level change.
References
- Ferrari Portofino revealed: a GT that represents a unique combinationFerrari
- Ferrari Portofino technical specificationsFerrari
- Ferrari Portofino M: a voyage of rediscoveryFerrari
- The voyage of rediscovery: Ferrari Portofino M press materialFerrari
- 2021 Ferrari Portofino Review, Pricing, and SpecsCar and Driver
- https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/ferrari-portofinoferrari.com
- https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-ferrari-portofino-m-updatesmotortrend.com
- https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ferrari/portofino/355326/new-ferrari-portofino-m-2021-reviewautoexpress.co.uk
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 600 PS at 7,500 rpm | — | — | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive / 7-speed dual-clutch transmission | — |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Ferrari Portofino produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2017 - 2021.
- How many Ferrari Portofino examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 18 published scans from 17 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.
- What is the power output of the Ferrari Portofino?
- The sourced technical data lists 600 PS at 7,500 rpm.