Ferrari has taken the wraps off its latest coupe – the Roma, which is here to succeed the Portofino and take on rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage.
Featuring a design which takes inspiration from the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome from which it takes its evocative name, Roma, the latest model from Maranello is built on a new chassis which benefits from the modular technology developed by Ferrari for its new generation models.
Both the Roma’s bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned to incorporate the latest weight reduction and advanced production technologies. In fact, 70% of its components are entirely new. Ferrari even claims that the mid-front-engined Roma has the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment.
Stylistically, the Roma features long, ultra- sleek lines that sweep back from the front bonnet, highlighting the spare silhouette of the flanks and the compact, set-back fastback cabin volume.
To underscore that formal minimalism, all superfluous detailing has been removed. For example, radiator cooling is guaranteed by a monolithic surface that is perforated only where necessary, creating a new radiator grille concept.
While the full-LED adaptive headlights are traversed by a horizontal light strip that hints at the structure beneath the car’s skin, bringing a sense of tension to the entire circumference of the car, the wraparound rear screen incorporates an active aero device to preserve that signature purity of form, while the twin taillight assembly is set like a gem into the volume.
As for the cabin, the Ferrari Styling Centre designers developed a new formal approach that involved the creation of two separate cells for the driver and passenger, in an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case.
The 16-inch digital instrument cluster provides all the necessary information, while the central display with an 8.4-inch vertical screen and a new passenger display are exceptionally intuitive and user-friendly.
The new Ferrari key with “Comfort Access” function allows the driver to open the car by touching a button next to the new flush handle in the door.
Lastly, the Matrix LED headlights and optional Ferrari advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive Cruise Control, make day-to-day and longer journeys a very relaxing experience.
Under the hood of the Ferrari Roma lies a tweaked, more powerful version of the 3.9-litre V8 twin turbo found in the Portofino which paired to a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain package makes 611 hp and 760 Nm of maximum torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and hit a top speed of 320 km/h.
Other key features include leading-edge technologies such as a mobile rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen designed to retain the car’s elegant design, Variable Boost Management for instantaneous throttle response, as well as Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car) with 5- position manettino and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which controls yaw angle by hydraulically adjusting brake pressure at the callipers.
Keyword: Ferrari Roma Makes World Debut – 3.9-litre Twin Turbo, 611 hp, 0 – 100 in 3.4 Seconds