ROMA

Ferrari's beautifully crafted coupé

Renowned the world over for delivering some of the most incredible machines to grace both road and race scenes, Ferrari are not short of ideas when it comes to automotive design.

The Roma coupé from the Maranello stable brings a unique V8 GT to the table continuing a rich heritage of mid-frontengined machines and it achieves it in serious style. One of the most attractive cars to come from the marque in modern times, it's slender profile and distinctive design cues create an undeniably head-turning aesthetic, but it's not just about appearances.

Underneath its beautiful bodywork, the Roma shares some of its architecture with the folding-hardtop Portofino, but largely boasts a host of technological advancements compared to its convertible counterpart.

One such update is the notable new powertrain which continues the turbocharged V8 engine story, pairs it in a unique way with an 8-speed transmission, integrates a five-position manettino for the first time in a Ferrari GT, and adds a best-inclass power-to-weight ratio. All of which combines to create the most powerful mid-front-engined V8 2+ ever from the Italian superpower.

The 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine brings new innovations to the awarded unit found in the Portofino including new cam profiles, a speed sensor which measures the turbine revolutions and allows for an increase to the maximum revs per minute of 5,000rpm, and the introduction of the Gasoline Particulate Filter to comply with the latest, strict anti-pollution standards. This GPF has been specifically engineered to avoid compromising the performance of the car and ensure it very much remains a Ferrari.

A staggering 620PS and 760Nm of torque should go some way to supporting that thought while an equally new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission which is based on the dual-clutch oil bath architecture derived from the SF90 Stradale gearbox helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while offering faster and smoother gear shifts making for an even more responsive drive on the open road, but also a surprisingly comfortable ride in town and during stop & start driving.

The transmission features longer gear ratios in the higher gears, which helps to keep fuel consumption and emissions down, while a steeper torque curve through the rev range in the lower gears is adopted for a feeling of smooth, consistent pick-up adding to the dynamism off the line and throughout acceleration.

All of that amounts to nothing if you can't get all of the power on to the tarmac. Fortunately, Roma comes complete with vast amounts of rubber meaning you will be able to propel yourself from zero to sixty-two in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 199mph. Thanks to its low centre of gravity and wide stance, along with an aerodynamically designed underbody complete with vortex generators in the floor, Roma produces an impressive amount of downforce without compromising that stunning, sleek, 'wingless' appearance to provide a stable ride at speed and through corners.

There is of course a mobile rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen which is designed to retain the car’s formal elegance when retracted and guarantee the downforce essential for the car’s extraordinary performance at high speeds. This situationally aware device will deploy and retract in accordance to the vehicles driving state without the need for any external interaction.

As with every other turbocharged Ferrari in the range, Roma delivers an almost instantaneous throttle response thanks to numerous innovations in the turbocharger design and construction which optimise pressure waves in the turbine maximising power while reducing losses. In line with this latest engine technology, Variable Boost Management software has been developed by Ferrari that adjusts the torque delivery to suit the selected gear, delivering increasingly powerful pick-up as revs rise, whilst optimising fuel consumption.

Enjoying Roma's powertrain isn't just reserved to the feel on the road, a typically unique Ferrari soundtrack joins you on your journey thanks to a complete redesign of the entire exhaust with the removal of the two rear silencers, a new by-pass valve geometry - machined to an oval shape improving sound quality - and a proportional continuous and progressive by-pass valve control which adapts to the driving situation.

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Adding to the experience while moving, the exhaust note is a vibrant symphony of power, however this exhaust noise can become a little grating when stuck in traffic or other slow moving situations for extended periods of time. The simple answer is to ensure you find the empty roads to make the most of both the exhaust noise and the performance.

Roma features a host of technologies to support its performance, with development of the car focused not only on speed and power, but also in ride and comfort. A considerably lower vehicle weight over the Portofino thanks to a list of entirely new components that make up 70% of the car is the biggest of dynamic improvements which is only enhanced by the Side Slip Control 6.0 concept.

Incorporating an algorithm that delivers a precise estimate of sideslip to the on-board control systems, the SSC 6.0 integrates systems such as the E-Diff, F1-Trac, SCM-E Frs and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, the latter debuting solely in the 'Race' position on the Ferrari Roma. The Dynamic Enhancer sits alongside the traditional ESC, but is a lateral dynamic control system which gently adjust brake pressure on specific wheels to support sideslip situations.

The new 5-position manettino for this GT - Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race, ESC-Off - is offered to make the Roma’s handling and grip more accessible which will undoubtedly make your driving experience more entertaining regardless of the road condition.

Other technologies that have been introduced include an optional adaptive cruise control; autonomous emergency braking; lane departure warning with traffic sign recognition; blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert; and surround view camera, bringing the Ferrari Roma in line with the growing list of safety features many have come to expect from their car.

The Ferrari Roma sets out to deliver a GT that is both performance and comfort oriented - which is no easy task - and thanks to some clever engineering and the use of a plethora of technologies both mechanical and electric, they have done an impressive job. The reduced weight over the Portofino has allowed for a softer rear suspension setup that has improved ride comfort without sacrificing any performance, and the comfort continues inside.

Don't expect to be taking more than one passenger anywhere anytime soon, as the 'plus' part of the 2+ is by no means substantial, however, that's not really what this car is about. For driver and front seat passenger, the comfort levels are such that soaking up the miles on longer journeys will be a pleasure rather than uncomfortable chore and equally, when driving around town, you won't find yourself wishing you were in something else. If you are heading off for a long weekend, there's surprisingly generous luggage space in the boot - along with those rear seats - to accommodate all of your bags, allowing you to pack up and go without worrying about how your luggage is going to get to your destination.

The exterior style follows through to the cabin, with flowing lines creating sleek capsules for both driver and passenger. A central touchscreen offers access to the on-board system with everything from climate control to sat-nav and car settings which is convenient, but not the most intuitive system, nor the best looking screen around. Equally, the highly functional steering wheel delivers a new haptic interface providing access to select features ferrari.com while also delivering the 5-position manettino along with a host of other switchgear making for an all-in-one, hands on the wheel experience, but sacrifices aesthetics as a result with a very busy steering wheel.

There is no denying the luxurious quality delivered by Ferrari and the Roma. The second you sit in this car you will be instantly aware of the exclusive materials used and the quality of finish the Italian masters manage to achieve. Full-grain Frau® leather, Alcantara®, chromed aluminium and carbon-fibre adorn every inch resulting in a beautifully distinctive car with a design that is effortlessly timeless.

Ferrari Roma

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