New 2019 Ferrari Portofino vs Ferrari California T – What’s changed?

The Ferrari California T was one of Ferrari’s best-selling models, offering an entry point into the Ferrari lineup with a grand touring focus, retractable hardtop, and everyday usability. Now, it has been replaced by the Ferrari Portofino, a completely redesigned model that takes things to the next level.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two cars, from styling and performance to handling and practicality, to help you understand how Ferrari has evolved its front-engine convertible GT.

The Name

Although California sounds American, it does have some association with Ferrari's past. The California name was inspired by the legendary Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, one of Ferrari’s most sought-after classics and most expensive cars of its time. It evokes a feeling of coastal drives, a relaxed lifestyle, and open-top motoring in the sun with a real fun factor about it.

With the Portofino, Ferrari followed a similar strategy. It was named after the exclusive Italian resort town known for its luxury, celebrity appeal, and beautiful coastal roads, making it a fitting name for the newer car. 

While the California name carried weight with Ferrari enthusiasts, it had been around for 10 years and was due for a bit of a refresh. The rebranding to Portofino signals a new chapter with a more sophisticated identity. 

The Exterior

There’s no doubt that the Portofino looks more modern, aggressive, and exotic, bringing it in line with Ferrari’s latest design language. As a completely new model, the Portofino has several key design changes from the California T.

• Sharper front end: The new front grille and extended splitter give it a wider, lower stance, making it look more purposeful. The bonnet is a lot longer with bonnet vents.
• Slimmer, high-tech headlights: The Portofino’s headlights integrate air intakes that channel airflow through the wheel arches, improving aerodynamics.
• More sculpted side profile: The side intakes are larger, it has brand new mirrors that come from the triangle rather than the door, and the body lines are more defined, giving it a sportier, more muscular look. There’s also a brand-new style of alloy on the wheels. 
• Fastback roofline: With the top up, the Portofino has a sleeker, more coupe-like silhouette, while the California has a bulkier, more upright rear.
• More aggressive rear end: Inspired by the Ferrari 488, the Portofino has quad circular taillights, a sharper lip spoiler, and a larger, more pronounced rear diffuser.

The Weight

Ferrari has significantly reduced the weight of the Portofino, making it 80 kg lighter than the California T. While the California was often seen as a softer, more comfortable Ferrari, the Portofino’s weight savings make it feel sharper and more performance-oriented.

The biggest weight savings come from:

• New magnesium seats: Unlike the California’s chunky aluminum seats, the Portofino’s magnesium seats are lighter, thinner, and stronger, saving weight while also giving an extra 2 inches of legroom in the back.
• Revised dashboard structure: The Portofino’s entire dashboard assembly has been restricted to be lighter, contributing to better weight distribution and agility.
• New ventilation system: The HVAC system is lighter, quieter, and more efficient, improving comfort while also shaving extra weight.

Performance

While the California was sometimes criticised for feeling more like a “soft Ferrari”, the Portofino delivers a more aggressive and engaging driving experience. Both the California T and Portofino use Ferrari’s 3.9L twin-turbocharged V8, but the Portofino is considerably quicker, thanks to:

• More power: The Portofino produces 40 more HP, bringing the total to 600 HP, making it faster in every metric.
• Increased torque: With more torque spread across the rev range, the Portofino accelerates harder, especially in the mid-range.
• Improved efficiency: Ferrari has refined the engine and aerodynamics, making the Portofino both faster and more fuel-efficient.

Steering

One of the biggest mechanical changes in the Portofino is the switch from hydraulic to electromechanical steering. The California’s steering was more relaxed, whereas the Portofino brings a more engaging, connected feel, in line with Ferrari’s latest performance models.

• More direct and precise steering: The Portofino’s steering is faster and more responsive, offering better turn-in and feedback.
• Technology from the Ferrari 812 Superfast: The Portofino’s steering is based on Ferrari’s top-tier GT car, tuned for a balance of sportiness and comfort.
• Improved grip and handling: The Portofino has a brand new steering wheel, which is more oval shaped and with a few more buttons. This makes driving fast and confidently easier while still being manageable for everyday use.

Infotainment

The Portofino’s interior feels more premium, refined, and user-friendly than the California. It is significantly more modern and high-tech, with major improvements in:

• Infotainment system: The California’s smaller screen and button-heavy interface has been replaced with a modern HD touchscreen, similar to a tablet, offering better integration and controls.
• Digital instrument cluster: The Portofino features digital displays on both sides of the tachometer, replacing the California’s analog speedometer.
• More intuitive controls: The Portofino integrates seat heating, lumbar support, and climate controls into the touchscreen.

The Key

The California uses an old-school key. It’s nice and simple; you just stick it in the ignition and go.

The Portofino introduces a more advanced, keyless start system, allowing you to start the car with the key in your pocket. It’s part of Ferrari’s push to make the Portofino feel more luxurious and high-tech, with some added convenience.

The Roof

Both the California T and Portofino feature a folding metal hardtop, but Ferrari has made the Portofino’s roof far more usable. 

The Portofino’s roof can be opened or closed while you’re on the move (at speeds up to 25 mph), whereas the California requires the car to be stationary. While this is nice, and although Ferrari claims the roof speed is the same, tests show the California’s roof operates slightly quicker.

The Boot

The Portofino is more practical, with better usability and improved luggage space, making it a stronger grand touring car. It has 52 liters of extra boot space to fit a lot more luggage in the back, and it can even fit golf clubs with the roof down (with the driver out of the bag, of course).

Recap

The Ferrari California T and Ferrari Portofino both represent Ferrari’s vision of an everyday grand tourer: a convertible that blends performance, luxury, and usability. While the California T was a fantastic entry into the Ferrari lineup, the Portofino refines the formula, making it sharper, faster, and more sophisticated.

More aggressive styling:

The Portofino looks sharper, sportier, and more modern, with design cues borrowed from Ferrari’s latest supercars.

Lighter and more agile:

With 80 kg of weight savings, the Portofino delivers a more dynamic and engaging drive.

More power and performance:

Despite using the same 3.9L twin-turbo V8, the Portofino gains 40 HP, improving acceleration and efficiency.

Upgraded steering and handling:

The switch to electromechanical steering gives the Portofino a more precise and responsive feel, making it more enjoyable to drive.

Modern interior and infotainment:

The Portofino’s touchscreen, digital displays, and improved climate controls bring the cabin into the modern era.

More practical:

With extra boot space, a roof that operates on the move, and more rear legroom, the Portofino is a better all-round grand tourer.

Both cars are great choices, but if you're looking for a more modern, powerful, and refined experience, the Portofino is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a classic Ferrari GT with a slightly softer edge, the California T still offers plenty of charm and excitement.

Interested in either of these Ferrari grand tourers? Have a look through our latest Ferrari stock, and if you enjoyed this post, share it with a fellow Ferrari lover!