Ferrari Debuts New Ferrari Roma

Ferrari’s new Ferrari Roma is being talked about as the possibly the most beautiful new car that has been seen lately. The new coupé from Maranello is notable for its combination of timeless and highly refined design as well as its powerful performance. The car’s styling is evocative of the heady lifestyle in Rome in the 1950s and ‘60s and hence the name of the new model, Roma.

The external design has clean and harmonious lines and aligns with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition. The car is inspired by the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso and 250 GT 2+2 which are other examples of this style. Yet, at the same time, the design is highly contemporary and retains the sporty element that Ferrari is known for.

Ferrari came up with several innovative technologies that make it possible for the vehicle to deliver its best-in-class performance while retaining the stylistic purity of its heritage. These innovations include a mobile rear spoiler that has been integrated into the rear screen in order to keep the car’s elegant looks when retracted and is automatically deployed at high speeds to provide the downforce that is essential for the model’s outstanding performance.

The Ferrari Roma is powered by a V8 turbo engine that delivers 620 cv at 7,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful engines in this segment. The engine belongs to the V8 family that won the International Engine of the Year award for four straight years and features Variable Boost Management for instantaneous throttle response. Gasoline Particulate Filters have been used for reducing emissions but there is no compromise in terms of sound. The exhaust system has been completely redesigned, and new bypass valves have been introduced after removing the silencers.

Compared to the 7-speed gearbox in its predecessor, the Roma features a new, more compact 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox which is 6 kg lighter. This makes gear shifts faster and smoother in addition to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Hence, the car is responsive on open roads and ideal for use in an urban scenario and during stop and start driving situations.

In the Ferrari Roma, Ferrari used the modular technology it developed for its new generation models. Both bodyshell and chassis have been revamped to incorporate the latest weight reduction and advanced production technologies. Almost 70 percent of the car’s components are completely new. The mid-front-engined 2+ Ferrari Roma offers the best weight/power ratio in its segment (2.37 kg/cv) thus enhancing its handling dynamics and responsiveness.

The Ferrari Roma showcases Ferrari’s advanced vehicle dynamics systems, including the Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car) with 5-position manettino and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which hydraulically adjusts brake pressure at the callipers to control the yaw angle.

The focus in terms of design has been on long, ultra-sleek lines that sweep back from the front bonnet thus accentuating the spare silhouette of the sides and the compact look of the cabin. The car has been stripped of every superfluous element. One example is the use of a monolithic surface that is perforated only where necessary for radiator cooling, creating a new radiator grille concept. 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 purity of the design, while the twin taillight assembly is set like a gem into the volume.

For the cabin, the Ferrari Styling Centre designers took a new formal approach by creating two separate cells, one each for driver and passenger. This is an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that covers the full cabin rather than just the dashboard.

The interiors have been designed from scratch and take their cue from the complete redesign of the HMI. This includes a new steering wheel conceptualized using the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy. All the car’s main commands are actioned by haptic controls, so that the driver’s hands stay on the steering wheel.

The 16” digital instrument cluster gives access to all information that may be needed and the central display which has an 8.4” vertical screen and a new passenger display are highly 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.

In the Roma, Ferrari has managed to strike the right balance between elegant design and powerful performance.