Ferrari took the unprecedented step of revealing its Portofino M entirely online last week, a consequence of the global coronavirus pandemic tamping down some of the usual autumn hooplas around new vehicles.

Undaunted, Ferrari said that circumstances meant the Portofino M would symbolize rediscovery for Maranello. And while the Portofino M isn’t a radical departure for the Prancing Horse, the entry-level, grand-touring convertible has been upgraded in some notable areas.

The big one is a bump up in horsepower for the 3.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, to 612 horsepower from 591 horsepower.

The M-for-modificata (meaning “modified”) action continues with a new eight-speed gearbox and the additional of Race mode to the famous manettino on the steering wheel.

The eight-speed is notable because Ferrari said it enhances fuel economy, and the Italian automaker has been busy positioning its lineup to be better able to deal with future regulations that might challenge the brand’s embrace of horsepower — and its disregard for how much fill-ups are costing owners, or for whether the company is future-proofing its machines against global warming.

Design-wise, Ferrari said the grille had been reworked and a new set of vents had been added to the Portofino M’s flanks, extending back from the front wheel arches.

Ferrari also stressed that the retractable hardtop means the Portofino M can live a dual life as a convertible and a coupé.

Inside, the Portofino M expresses all the luxury you’d expect from a car whose price tag should tip past $200,000 when it goes on sale in Europe and the US next year.