Ferrari reveals its latest 'entry level' model - the Portofino

Known for its connections to celebrities, pastel-coloured houses and views over the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a small fishing town in the north-west of Italy.

It is also the name now given to Ferrari’s latest convertible grand tourer, and replacement to the California T, which has been unveiled today ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

At first glance, Portofino may not be an obvious namesake for the new Ferrari, consciously designed to look more aggressive and drive faster than its predecessor, but the company says the town was chosen due to its high profile “internationally synonymous with elegance, sportiness and understated luxury”.

Further cementing its association with the port, Ferrari has launched the car in an all-new livery, Rosso Portofino.

Another convertible and Ferrari’s best selling model in their 70 year history, the California T was enormously popular but received some criticism for a softer-looking design, particularly at the rear of the car. In its latest model, Ferrari has tightened up the overall appearance with a much sharper, more aggressive profile than its predecessor.

When the new model comes on sale later in the year, they will be the most powerful retractable hard top cars available on the market today, with 592bhp.

The headline technological developments include a new E-Diff 3 electronic differential, electronic power steering and a wind deflection system that reduces the airflow in the cabin by 30 per cent, lowering both drag and noise. An all-aluminium chassis makes the car lighter and Ferrari says handling is much improved on the California. The car maker says:

“The Ferrari Design Centre-penned Ferrari Portofino is an aggressively-styled car with a two-box fastback configuration – unprecedented in a coupé-convertible with a retractable hard top – that adds extra sleekness to its silhouette, lending it a sportier character without impinging on its elegance and dynamism”.

Some other aspects are largely the same as in the California T. The fuel economy stays at 26.9mpg and although slightly tweaked, the engine remains a 3.8 litre V8, providing the car with enough power to deliver 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.