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Waterfall Motoring

FERRARi PoRToFino

By Alan Rosenmeyer

FERRARi PoRToFino
V8 441kw/ 760Nm
Weight: 1 545kg
Top speed: 320km/h+
Base Price: r4 766 700
Price as tested: r5 312 911

T here are certain automotive folding hard-top that drops or lifts

brands that achieve icon status,
in only 14 seconds to convert from
mostly for their performance
provided by the standard infotainment
achievements both on the coupe to convertible, to the luxury
track and on the road. For a true system, sound system and premium
petrol head like myself, the dream interior. Or… you can press the
becomes to experience and, even auto button on the centre console
better, to drive one of these icons. and simply unleash the beast.

The late Enzo Ferrari claimed that The test car was fitted with the optional
he only built and sold road cars to carbon fibre steering wheel. This must
finance his racing team. Today, the be about the snuggest feeling steering
technology developed for the F1 wheel that I’ve ever experienced,
team is applied to the very special with all the controls on the wheel,
road cars built by this brand. including indicators and the famous
trademark red ‘Manettino’ switch that
My first ever Ferrari driving experience enables you to toggle between sport,
was in the Portofino. It was powered comfort and track modes. Naturally,
by a front engine 3.9L V8 masterpiece the effect is instant and each setting
delivering 441kW and 760Nm to the provides a vastly different experience. The demo car as driven is finished
rear wheels through a 7-DCT gearbox in ‘rosso scuderia’ as I believe a
that can potter in traffic or deliver For the buyer who wishes to use Ferrari should be. The base price
snappy angry gearshifts when using his Portofino on a daily basis, the for the Portofino is r4 766 700. The
the crafted aluminium paddles in comfort mode allows relaxed test version, as driven, with MANy
manual mode. All this power in a commuting with the amazing extras, is now available for the price
vehicle weighing only 1 545kg. ability to still accelerate at breath- of r5 312 911. All cars in the range
taking rates when the opportunity include a 7-year service plan.
The Portofino is definitely two very allows. For myself, the experience
separate cars in one. you can enjoy of hearing the engine scream with For more information, contact scuderia
the sensory experience, from the the top down was unforgettable. south Africa on 011 706 6900.

Use this code to watch our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOgBqf63VDs

22 Waterfall Issue 4 2020