“I don’t think there’s a car in the world that hasn’t yet been improved by competition, a car which hasn’t been influenced by others.” ― Enzo Ferrari
Subtle refinements, technological advancements and some new ‘firsts’ make the Ferrari Roma the latest in the brand’s front-engined grand touring automobiles to take to the tarmac with torque inducing venom.
Taking inspiration from the concept of sporty elegance and celebrating the most legendary grand touring Ferraris of previous 1960 front-engined cars, the Ferrari Roma is billed as their most powerful and fun to drive mid-front-engined V8 2+ in Ferrari’s long and illustrious history. But then again, Ferrari would say that…
Putting any potential Prancing Horse propaganda to one side we’re here to provide a subjective view of one of Ferrari’s latest cars to accelerate off the Maranello production line. So sit back petrol heads and let AGLAIA take you on an engine roaring tour of the Ferrari Roma V8 2+ coupé.
Ferrari Roma’s Cockpit
The most entertaining part of the Ferrari Roma’s cockpit is the 5-position manettino. A function more commonly found on the steering wheel of an F1 car, the manettino adds an air of excitement to ones driving experience. The 5-position settings include Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race and ESC-Off. Its function is to make the Ferrari Roma’s handling and grip more accessible which, together with the car’s basic mechanical set-up, does so extremely effectively.
With a focus on an “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy the Ferrari Roma benefits from a single 16 inch HD screen that is curved to make it easier to read. The screen’s dimensions and the technology supporting it allows the driver to personalise their display using the steering wheel controls to enhance the driving experience depending on what data and information are preferred.
The steering wheel itself features a series of multi-touch controls that once you’ve become accustomed, allows you to control any aspect of the car without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
The central display consists of an 8.4 inch HD display set between the two front seats. It incorporates the infotainment, sat-nav and climate control functions; the latter enabling you to adjust the climate of each seat separately depending on your tastes. The car’s controls are also set into the central console framed by a modern metal plate that references the classic gear lever gate from Ferraris of the past. It houses the reverse, manual/automatic and even a launch button for those looking for some extra zip along the way.
The passenger, not one to be left out of proceedings, has also been treated to an 8.8 inch HD touchscreen. This optional extra instantly elevates the passenger to ‘co-pilot’ status with the display giving insight into the car’s performance figures and status, but also enabling the passenger to interact with the sat-nav, music and climate controls. The only thing the passenger is missing is a steering wheel!
Ferrari Roma Technical Specs
The Roma’s dynamic development was focused on delivering superior driving pleasure and comfort, this is thanks to the low vehicle weight and Side Slip Control, the latest evolution from the Italian car manufacturer. With the best weight/power ratio in its segment (2.37kg/cv for the techies amongst you), the Ferrari Roma’s handling dynamics and responsiveness are enhanced.
With the V8 turbo engine voted International Engine of the Year for four years in a row, you know you’re in reliable hands. The Roma’s new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox is more compact than its 7-speed predecessor and also comes in 6kg lighter. As well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the gearbox shifts are faster and smoother thanks to the use of low-viscosity oil and a dry sump configuration to minimise fluid-dynamic efficiency losses, which makes the car even more responsive on the open road, but equally as comfortable in the town and during stop-start driving situations.
Other ‘firsts’ found on this version of the Ferrari V8 include new cam profiles, a speed sensor that measures the turbine revolutions and allows the maximum revs per minute to be increased by 5,000 rpm, and the introduction of the Gasoline Particulate Filter to comply with the strictest Euro 6D anti-pollution standards.
The engineering brains based at the Maranello factory have obviously been working hard as they have optimised the GPF, a closed matrix filter that traps particulate matter produced during thermal engine combustion, thus guaranteeing that continued use would not compromise driving pleasure.
Other notable specifications include 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of >320km/h. The fuel tank has a capacity of 80 litres and a boot space of 272 litres / 345 litres.
The Exterior of the Ferrari Roma
To call a Ferrari ‘understated’ is something of an oxymoron. Any automobile that dons the Prancing Horse is typically anything but understated. That said, when you look at the Roma you don’t instantly think Ferrari. Its minimalist elegance makes you double-take as to what brand of car it might be.
Upon closer inspection, you realise that the vents and any superfluous decorations typically found on other Ferrari models have been softened and elegantly ironed out. The wide bonnet contours into a crescendo at the front grill creating an overhanging shark nose effect. Coupled with its two linear full LED headlights, the overall exterior of the Ferrari Roma is one of imposing attitude.
As for the rear spoiler, Ferrari has integrated it into the rear screen intentionally so to retain the car’s formal elegance. When retracted it allows air to flow over it making it invisible to the flow. At quicker speeds, the rear spoiler is deployed generating the necessary downforce and increasing drag. Its deployment is an impressive sight should you get to witness it.
In Conclusion
“…powerful and fun to drive…”, “…sporty elegance…” and “…superb onboard comfort…” were just some of the superlatives used by the car manufacturer themselves when describing the Ferrari Roma.
Our verdict? …they aren’t wrong.
The Ferrari Roma looks different to other Ferraris. It has an understated elegance not commonly found with the other Ferrari models. The interior is classic and comfortable and the technology is modern and supportive of your driving experience all of which underpins the everyday driveability and superb onboard comfort. That aside, it is still very much a Ferrari.
The Roma will still generate a childlike giddiness when you sit inside. You can’t help but smile as you feel the paddle shift through the car’s 8 gears and you will continue to turn heads as you roar through the city streets like a shark searching for edible sea life.
The Ferrari Roma is perfect for those looking for a car with an iconic and timeless design, capable of delivering a unique driving experience. As for living up to its mantra, “La Nuova Dolce Vita” meaning “sweet life” in Italian. We tend to agree with that too!
Quite simply, improving on performance is in Ferrari’s Italian DNA.
Find out more about the Ferrari Roma.
Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
