WHY did Ferrari’s California T, the much-convertible that broke a 25-year drought of production turbocharged models from Maranello, last barely three years on global markets?

It certainly had a lot on its side – it was the ice-breaker for freshman Ferrari owners because it was significantly cheaper than other models, the turbocharged V8 was an alluring centre piece to the pretty 2+2, and it sounded, and performed, the way any Ferrari should.

Ferrari obviously thought the California T could be improved as its main criticism was the hefty weight.

The diet started with what was supposed to be some changes to the body, while the replacement would carry over the bi-turbo V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch drivetrain.

The result is the new Portofino that uses a variety of lightweight metals and composites in its body to slash 80 kilograms off the weight of the California T, hitting the scales at 1664kg.