New 2021 Ferrari Portofino M uncovered with 612bhp

The new Ferrari Portofino M gets a 20bhp power boost, a new eight-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and more aggressive styling

This is the Ferrari Portofino M, an evolution of the Italian supercar brand’s folding hard-top GT designed to offer a wider band of performance and handling features, as well as a smoother experience at lower speeds.

The M in the new car’s name stands for Modificata, described by Ferrari as “nomenclature which refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has boosted their performance”. That’s certainly true of the Portofino M, which gets a revised twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox instead of the old seven-speed unit.

The 3.9-litre motor now produces 612bhp at 7,500rpm, a gain of 20bhp over the original Portofino’s output, although torque remains the same at 760Nm. As a result of this increased power and the slicker transmission, the Portofino should be around a tenth of a second quicker to 62mph; Ferrari quotes a time of 3.45 seconds, along with a 0-124mph (200kph) figure of 9.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 199mph.

The new dual-clutch transmission could be one of the biggest gains in everyday use; closely related to the SF90 Stradale gearbox, it’s the first eight-speed set-up to be fitted to an open-top Ferrari. Its first seven ratios are all shorter than the old gearbox’s, allowing punchier acceleration, while the overdrive eighth should help cruising refinement.

In addition, the new gearbox is 20 per cent smaller than the old unit, and it is able to be positioned lower in the car, helping the centre of gravity.

The Portofino M also gets an additional mode on its steering wheel-mounted Manettino control, thanks to the addition of Race. This setting uses the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, previously seen on the 488 Pista, which uses brake modulation to improve the car’s on-the-limit handling and stop you having to saw at the steering wheel to correct slides.

The Portofino M’s styling is a mild evolution of what’s gone before - typically so for a mid-life refresh. There are sportier and more aggressive bumpers at the front and rear, along with a slightly different look overall at the front of the car. Inside, Ferrari has added a few choice options to what was already an extensive list; heated seats are now available, making open-air driving more feasible in cooler climates such as the UK’s.

The Portofino M is available to order now, with the first deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2021.

Click here to read more about the forthcoming Ferrari Purosangue SUV...

Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Recommended

Hardcore new Corvette ZR1 lifts a wheel at the Nurburgring
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - header
News

Hardcore new Corvette ZR1 lifts a wheel at the Nurburgring

Chevrolet’s most serious Corvette looks set to rip up the track
11 Oct 2023
New Bizzarrini Giotto: V12 hypercar revealed in full
Bizzarrini Giotto - front static
News

New Bizzarrini Giotto: V12 hypercar revealed in full

The sleek sports car is a tribute to one of Italy’s most famous automotive names
5 Sep 2023
Zenvo Aurora hypercar: 1,850bhp and 280mph from hybrid V12
Zenvo Aurora Agil and Tur
News

Zenvo Aurora hypercar: 1,850bhp and 280mph from hybrid V12

The Danish hypercar manufacturer has revealed its lightest and most powerful model yet
21 Aug 2023
New Pininfarina B95: 1,873bhp electric hypercar revealed at 2023 Monterey Car Week
Pininfarina B95 on display at 2023 Monterey Car Week - front (doors open)
News

New Pininfarina B95: 1,873bhp electric hypercar revealed at 2023 Monterey Car Week

The B95 has been created to mark 95 years of the Pininfarina design house
19 Aug 2023

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023