Page 25 - Issue 2 Kyalami Connect

t he late Enzo Ferrari claimed that

he only built and sold road cars to
finance his racing team. Today, the
technology developed for the F1
team is applied to the very special road cars
built by this brand.

My first ever Ferrari driving experience was
in the Portofino. It was powered by a front
engine 3.9L V8 masterpiece delivering
441kW and 760Nm to the rear wheels
through a 7-DCT gearbox that can potter
in traffic or deliver snappy angry gearshifts
when using the crafted aluminium paddles
in manual mode. All this power in a vehicle
weighing only 1 545kg.

The Portofino is definitely two very
separate cars in one. You can enjoy the
sensory experience, from the folding hard-
top that drops or lifts in only 14 seconds
to convert from coupe to convertible,
to the luxury provided by the standard
infotainment system, sound system and
premium interior. OR.....you can press the
‘Auto’ button on the centre console and
simply unleash the beast.

The test car was fitted with the optional
carbon fibre steering wheel. This must
be about the snuggest feeling steering
wheel that I’ve ever experienced, with
all the controls on the wheel, including
indicators and the famous trademark
red ‘Manettino’ switch that enables you
to toggle between sport, comfort and
track modes. Naturally, the effect is
instant and each setting provides a vastly
different experience.

For the buyer who wishes to use his
Portofino on a daily basis, the comfort
mode allows relaxed commuting with
the amazing ability to still accelerate at
breath-taking rates when the opportunity
allows. For myself, the experience of
hearing the engine scream with the top
down was unforgettable.

The demo car as driven is finished in
‘Rosso Scuderia’ as I believe a Ferrari
should be. The base price for the
Portofino is R4 766 700. The test version,
as driven, with MANY extras, is now
available for the price of R5 312 911. All
cars in the range include a 7-year service plan.
sPeCIFICatIOns
V8 441Kw/ 760Nm
weight: 1 545kg
Top Speed: 320km/h+
Base Price: r4 766 700
Price as tested: r5 312 911

For more information, contact Scuderia South Africa
on 011 706 6900.
Use this code to watch our video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOgBqf63Vds

Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2020 21