Discover the Ferrari Portofino

Conquering aerodynamics

The development process of the Ferrari Portofino focused principally on aerodynamic efficiency with a particular emphasis on cutting drag which is pivotal to both pure performance, and on keeping fuel consumption and emissions down. This goal proved challenging as Ferrari’s engineers had to guarantee improved engine heat dissipation (as power output was boosted by 40 cv) which could have resulted in an increase in Cd over the previous model. Nonetheless, they managed not just to dissipate the increased heat energy without increasing radiator dimensions but also to achieve a drag (Cd) figure of 0.312 – an improvement of 6% over the previous model.

A subtle interplay and juxtaposition of concave and convex surfaces lends a sense of three-dimensional experience to the body, yet also creates an impression of great naturalness which can be seen in the way the flows needed to increase aerodynamic efficiency were optimized. At the edges of the large central radiator grille are two side air intakes for the inter-coolers, while the two vents in the bonnet are larger and further apart to evacuate heat from the engine compartment without impacting occupant comfort with the top down.

The trimaran design of the tail underscores the impression of solidity and breadth given by the rear stance. This elegant solution enabled the designers to skillfully sculpt the volumes in order to cleverly conceal the rear volume housing the RHT.