Seoul, 4 March 2021 – Ferrari has officially launched two spider models in Korea, the plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) “SF90 Spider” and the V8 grand tourer (GT) “Portofino M” at the newly-opened Ferrari Banpo showroom.
Ferrari's official importer and distributor in South Korea, FMK Co.Ltd, has newly opened the Ferrari Banpo Showroom and Service Center, a two-story high building with one basement floor with more than 2000m2 in total area and located in the centre of Seoul. This 3S showroom includes Sales, Service and Spare parts all in one place. This showroom allows customers to feel more connected, comfortable and informed than ever before, which is why the new layout carries a distinctive and luxurious feel, encapsulating the brand’s DNA of tradition, passion, craftsmanship, innovation and of course, the Italian heritage.
To commemorate the launch of Ferrari Banpo Showroom, which will be a new landmark of Ferrari in the Korean market, FMK has held a special event to unveil the two spider models, each with different characters, for the first time in Korea.
“The 1000 cv PHEV SF90 Spider and the GT spider Portofino M resulted from Ferrari’s relentless efforts towards evolution and innovation, marking the very pinnacle of not only Ferrari technology but also the sports car and GT spider segment,” adding “it is very meaningful that we are launching these two very significant models in the Banpo showroom, which marks a new turning point for Ferrari in Korea,” said Kim Kwang Cheol, CEO of FMK.
SF90 Spider
The SF90 Spider has the same extreme supercar specification and record-breaking performance as the SF90 Stradale, yet also adds further excitement and versatility to the mix, thanks to latest iteration of Ferrari’s signature Retractable Hard Top architecture which first debuted on a mid-rear engined berlinetta in 2011. The SF90 Spider thus represents a fundamental revision of the supercar concept that makes it the ideal car for owners that demand the very pinnacle of Ferrari technology, but still want to experience the joy of open-top driving.
The SF90 Spider’s plug-in hybrid system guarantees performance levels unmatched by any other production spider: the car’s 780 cv turbo-charged V8 is augmented by three electric motors, one at the rear and two on the front axle, bringing its maximum power output to a staggering 1,000 cv. This state-of-the-art system does not complicate the driving experience in any way as a sophisticated control logic autonomously monitors and adjust power flows to suit the conditions of use. All the driver has to do is to select one of the power unit modes (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify) on the brand-new eManettino for a wonderfully exhilarating experience behind the wheel. Like the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider also has AWD, which has raised the bar for standing starts to unparalleled new speeds: 0-100 km/h in 2.5 s and 0-200 km/h in 7.0 s.
The mechanical layout adopted by the Maranello engineers has allowed them to further advance the car’s dynamic control system. The latter, now referred to as the eSSC, verifies the car’s dynamic status in real time. Based on that information, it controls vehicle stability by delivering torque independently via the front electric engines to the inside and outside wheel (Torque Vectoring), significantly improving traction coming out of corners and making it much simpler and more intuitive to drive on the limit with confidence.
From an aerodynamic perspective, the result of the development process is an extreme design which, with a maximum of 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, sets the absolute benchmark in terms of both downforce and aerodynamic efficiency for the road cars in the range without aerodynamic appendages. The many innovative, patented solutions adopted include most notably the shut-off Gurney, an active system at the rear of the car which adapts to driving conditions, and the forged wheels with wing profiles which recall Ferrari’s F1-derived blown geometry.
The starting point for the SF90 Spider design was to ensure it remained as faithful as possible to the SF90 Stradale’s signature styling. The Ferrari Styling Centre’s meticulous crafting of the tonneau area has integrated it seamlessly with the rest of the car, an achievement that is even more astonishing because the V8 is still clearly visible through the engine bay cover despite the inclusion of the RHT stowage. The V8 thus remains the star of the show and very much on display whether the RHT is deployed or retracted.
The track-derived “eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel” philosophy, which drove the ergonomics and styling of the interior, has produced an innovative new HMI concept that includes a new steering wheel with a touchpad that allows drivers to control virtually every aspect of the car without moving their hands. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with a 16” curved HD screen, which can be fully configured and controlled using the controls on the steering wheel. On the central tunnel, the automatic gearbox controls are now actioned by a grille-style feature that references Ferrari’s glorious and iconic manual gearshift gate.
Like all Prancing Horse spiders, the SF90 Spider sports a retractable hard top, which guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when deployed, does not deform at high speeds and provides exceptional occupant space and comfort. The RHT is so compact, simple and light, it can be actioned in just 14 seconds and can be deployed when the car is on the move. The key to the success of the Ferrari RHT is that it takes up just 100 litres of space rather than the 150-200 litres required by a traditional system. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kg lighter than a conventional retractable hard top. An adjustable electric rear window guarantees superb occupant comfort even at high speeds when the RHT is lowered.
As is the case with the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with a dedicated specification for owners that want to push its track car vocation to the extreme. The Assetto Fiorano includes a list of exclusive upgrades that set it apart from the standard car, not least Multimatic shock absorbers derived from the Prancing Horse’s GT racing experience and optimised for track use. Others include the adoption of high performance materials (such as carbon-fibre and titanium) that have shaved 21 kg off the car’s weight, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres designed to improve track performance in the dry, thanks to a softer compound and fewer grooves. Lastly, the Assetto Fiorano offers an optional two-tone livery that further underscores the car’s racing vocation.
Portofino M
The SF90 Spider represents a paradigm shift not only for Ferrari but also for the entire sports car sector with performance, innovation and design, while the Ferrari Portofino M illustrates Ferrari’s constant advance and evolution.
The Portofino M stemmed from the Prancing Horse’s pursuit of innovation and constant search for perfection. The 2+ GT spider has undergone a perfect evolution for performance and technology from its predecessor Portofino. All of these values and improvements are reflected in the new Portofino M with the ‘M’ in its moniker standing for ‘Modificata’, which in Ferrari nomenclature refers to cars that have undergone an evolution that has boosted their performance.
There is no shortage of technical innovation in this stunning new evolution of the Ferrari Portofino, the most notable being its redesigned powertrain, a brand-new eight-speed gearbox and a five-position Manettino that includes a Race mode, an absolute first for a Maranello GT spider. As a consequence of these and many other new features, the Portofino M guarantees a completely unprecedented combination of authentic GT performance, driving pleasure, agility and exceptional versatility in everyday driving contexts.
In terms of its powertrain, the Portofino M’s 3855 cc engine, which belongs to the V8 turbo family voted “International Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions, has been optimised to unleash 620 cv at 7,500 rpm – 20 cv more than the Ferrari Portofino. It also boasts a completely redesigned eight-speed gearbox that replaces the previous seven-speed version. This is, in fact, the first eight-speed to be installed on an open-top Ferrari and is based on a dual-clutch oil bath architecture with a 20% smaller clutch module and 35% higher torque delivery.
From a vehicle dynamics perspective, the most significant innovation is most certainly the introduction of the five-position Manettino, an absolute first for a Prancing Horse GT spider. The aim being, of course, to further enhance the Ferrari Portofino’s already superb handling and traction through the addition of the Race mode. Supported by the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, said Race mode focuses mainly on maximising driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel.
The significant technological evolution the model has undergone is visually underscored by the new design of the front of the car and the bumpers in particular, which are sportier and more aggressive. Both inside and out, there is a sense of harmony of expression and intent in forms that are sometimes sharper and then softer and more flowing.
This latest design and engineering masterpiece from the Prancing Horse is the perfect evolution of the Ferrari Portofino. Sportier in character than its predecessor, it also delivers superior handling whilst not only maintaining but enhancing on-board comfort, courtesy of specific new optional features, such as ADAS, and ventilated and heated seats. The Ferrari Portofino M thus retains its predecessor’s twin soul and is the only car on the market that can rightfully be described as an authentic coupé with its top closed and a genuine spider when it is open. This is thanks, of course, to the Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the signature feature of all the Prancing Horse’s convertibles.
The Portofino M’s compact dimensions also make it ideal for all occasions. In fact, its unparalleled versatility and on-board comfort turn every trip into a voyage of (re)discovery.