Most sports car fans automatically think that Ferraris all have mid-engine configurations. However, the Portofino (named after an Italian coastline city) is an exception to that rule with a front engine rear wheel drive layout. Certainly power and handling can be built in with a front powerplant, but it also has some advantages. With the engine up front, the Portofino has a four-seat arrangement and is a hardtop convertible.

The Portofino, which replaced the California T, maintains the Ferrari classic styling. The low-riding grille has the characteristic Ferrari shape with the prancing Ferrari horse emblem at its center. The long hood swings back to a low windshield/cabin with some sculpturing on the body sides. Traditional small round rear taillights flank the rear area with four large exhaust pipes also clearly visible. Twenty-inch alloy wheels with low riding tires highlight the performance orientation. The roof is composed of segmented metal pieces and with the press of a button the trunk swings open and the roof lifts up and folds itself into the trunk, thus immediately producing an attractive convertible.

Under the hood, a powerful 519-horsepower twin turbocharged V-8 takes care of acceleration needs.

The days of stick shifts have passed even in the sports car world, and this Ferrari is equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. And like so many cars these days, there are multiple controls that change the handling or the ride. A switch on the steering wheel can change the ride from sport to comfort and another button can adjust the shock absorbers settings.

As one would hope and expect, the interior is rich in leather in the high bolstered front seats with some entertaining stitches and patterns. As mentioned earlier there are two seats in the back area, but they are for the keiki because of the limited space.

A large 10.2-inch video screen is in the center of the dash, which can be controlled by touch and buttons and dials. At low speeds, cameras show
a 360-degree view around the car as well as either a front or a rear view depending on the gear choice. Various sensors let the driver know if the car is too close to potentially damaging objects. Interestingly, the gear choices are handled by a combo of buttons mounted on center console and the huge paddles behind the steering wheel. In forward mode, you have a choice of automatic shifting or manual gear changes either up or down depending on which paddle you hit.

Things get really fun when driving with the top down. Push a button and the metal roof quickly disappears. And fortunately, when on the road, wind in the cabin is low. Acceleration is swift with a zero to 60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of almost 200 miles per hour. But the performance sensation does not have to be at full bore because with a tap of the accelerator pedal, the exhaust opens up with a deep, semi-loud note. Steering is light and direct, and the ride in the normal mode is surprisingly comfortable even on rough pothole-filled roads. The high bolstered front seats hold you in place for some swift cornering.

With this Ferrari, besides the good looks, there are many practical features for everyday driving. Perhaps most importantly is the instant sunshine available with a push of a button with the disappearance of the roof and the sound of the V-8 in action.

2020 FERRARI PORTOFINO MODEL: FOUR-SEAT HARDTOP

CONVERTIBLE SPORTS CAR

POWERTRAIN: 3.9-LITER TWIN TURBOCHARGED V-8, 591 HORSEPOWER, 7 SPEED DUAL CLUTCH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, REAR WHEEL DRIVE

PERFORMANCE: 0-60: 3.5 SECONDS, TOP SPEED 199 MPH

FUEL MILEAGE: AVERAGE MPG 18, CITY MPG 16, AND HIGHWAY 22 MPG

PRICE: BASE PRICE $216,804, AS TESTED $258,820