New entry-level Ferrari; Portofino coming late 2017

Ferrari has released the first official images what will become the brand’s most affordable model when it arrives before the end of the year.

Named after an Italian village, the Portofino will cost around £160,000 when it replaces the California T as Ferrari’s entry-level model.

Compared to its spiritual predecessor, the Portofino will be more powerful, lighter and boast more aggressive yet more aerodynamic styling.

We say more power, but under the bonnet is the same 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine used by the California T. However, it manages to bust out an extra 40bhp (now 592bhp) thanks to recalibrated engine management software and the addition of new components.

The result is a 3.5-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed in excess of 199mph.

Variable boost management has been tweaked to improve fuel consumption compared to the California T, and higher levels of acceleration across the rev range. Similarly, body roll is said to have been curbed, while updated suspension has improved damping.

It’ll use the same electronic power steering setup – first used on the super-daft 812 Superfast – to make the car more usable and shape a lighter feel.

The Portofino is one of the friendlier-looking Ferraris we’ve seen but the addition of 488 GTB-inspired LED headlights, angled lines and a new rear diffuser and tail light setup add a mean edge to proceedings.

The cabin is comparatively intuitive too, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, new steering wheel, revamped seats and an infotainment screen for the passenger.

It feels kinda ridiculous to talk about the Portofino as an entry-level product; in almost any other range, it’d be a flagship model.

We’ll find out more about ‘my first Ferrari’ when it is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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