Ever since Enzo Ferrari brought the world its first ever Ferrari automobile in 1947, its name has become synonymous with sportiness and elegance.

Fast forward, 70 years later, and the monicker continues to cause a stir worldwide whenever a new car is introduced.

To celebrate this milestone the Ferrari way, the Italian manufacturer has unveiled its new Ferrari Portofino.

Portofino, an Italian village that the car was named after, is renowned for its charming tourist port and, over the years, has become internationally known for its elegance, sportiness and understated luxury.

A new all-aluminum architecture is the basis of this powerful convertible. To be precise, the most powerful convertible on the planet, to date.

It combines advantages of a retractable hard top, a roomy boot and generous cockpit space plus two rear seats suitable for short trips.

The Portofino is powered by a V8 engine and is built around an all-new chassis that is significantly lighter than the California T's, but with greater torsional rigidity due to new production techniques.

The Portofino will feature Ferrari’s E-Diff 3 electronic rear differential and is the first GT car in Ferrari’s range to come with electric power steering, which the company claims has enabled it to reduce the steering ratio rate by 7% without any hindrance to stability.

The front of the car has an aggressive styling treatment with a large grille. Its headlights are shaped like those of the 488 GTB but with larger black surrounds.

The Portofino also has dual-coil suspension with magnetorheological damping to improve both responsiveness and ride comfort.

There was also a particular focus on board comfort which is guaranteed by a slew of new features, not least an infotainment system with 10.2” touchscreen display, a new air-conditioning system that improves occupant comfort both with the top up or down, a new steering wheel, 18-way electrically adjustable seats with a new backrest design that boosts legroom for rear seat passengers, and the passenger display.

All occupants will particularly appreciate the new wind deflector which, when the top is dropped, cuts air flow inside the cabin by 30% and also reduces aerodynamic noise.

The car, which was introduced in the Frankfurt motor show, is due to be released by 2018 and is rumoured to cost AED 900,000.

** Specifications:

• 0-100 km/h 3.5sec

• Top speed 320 km/h

• Maximum power 592bhp @ 7500rpm

• Peak torque 561lb ft @ 3000-5250rpm