M is for Modificata
FOR Better brakes, more power, more dynamic, looks great
AGAINST There are more Ferrarilike Ferraris, for a bit more cash
It would be damning the Portofino M with faint praise to say that this is “just a facelift” of the standard Portofino – this is much more than mere lunchtime aesthetic tweaking – but yes, this is an evolution of the familiar GT/Spider convertible, bearing as it does Ferrari’s usual ‘M’ (for Modificata) suffix that denotes cars that have had a “significant boost to their performance”. It’s not so much a Portofino on steroids as much as a Portofino that’s been down the gym. Easy identifiers? The M features more aggressive intakes on the front bumper, with a new drag reducing vent on the top at wheelarch height, a new grille and a more pert rear thanks to a redesigned exhaust. There’s a new rear diffuser, new wheels and lots of little detail changes.
In terms of hardware, in comes the 612bhp bi-turbo V8 and 8spd paddleshift from the Roma Coupe. Also better aero, better brake feel, two more options on the manettino drive selector, more driver assistance systems and other improvements that make it nicer – by that we mean faster/more satisfying – to drive.
But all that doesn’t make it a racetrack refugee. The M is tougher, yes, but still supple, and as good at slow-speed showing off as it is at full-gas thrills. The new gearbox is spot on for pottering as well as redline bashing and the car also rides somewhat more languidly in the softest settings – which is appropriate. And while the improved brake pedal feel might be more noticeable on the track, it also helps you be smooth on the road and in traffic. Saying that, when you go fast, the engine bares its teeth, and if you’ve got the traction control settings in the correct positions, will either allow you to slide within safe (er) digital fencing, or go full ‘off’ and risk your no claims discount.
The potted version is really that the Portofino M is a better car than the standard Portofino in pretty much all of the key aspects. It’s not cheap at £175k, and probably wouldn’t be considered a definitive vehicle for the marque, but it’s more dramatic than stuff like a £150k-ish Porsche 911 Turbo Cab, and more theatrical than anything Mercedes makes in the sector – it just depends what you’re looking to use it for.