Hot off the press from its international debut slightly more than six months ago, Naza Italia has now brought Ferrari’s latest grand tourer, the Ferrari Roma onto our shores here in Malaysia.
EXTERIOR
The Ferrari Roma features an exterior design markedly different from the marque’s other recent models. Ferrari says that the Roma’s design took inspiration from the brand’s most legendary grand touring models of the 1960s, such as the iconic 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.
Based on the concept of “minimalist elegance”, the new gran touring Ferrari’s fastback coupe design and sleep sweeping lines cleverly conceals the car’s power and sportiness – you’ll see no vents or superfluous “go fast” decorations around the car.
Interestingly, the Roma was designed without the iconic Scuderia Ferrari side shields – influenced by their road cars from the 1950s. However, you can still option for one if you so choose. Other exterior highlights include:
- Linear full LED headlights – Matrix LED available as option
- Electronically-controlled rear spoiler with three positions – Low Drag, Medium Downforce, and High Downforce
- Front underbody vortex generators
- Rear compact diffuser
- two twin-exhausts
- 20-inch alloy wheels
Now although the Roma is built on the Portofino platform, Ferrari says that 70% of its components are entirely new. The bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned to incorporate the latest weight reduction techniques, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.37 kg/hp – Ferrari claims it to be the best in class.
PERFORMANCE
The Ferrari Roma is powered by the same 3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine found in the Portofino, and the F8 Spider that was recently launched in Malaysia. The award winning engine – International Engine of the Year, four years in a row mind you – received some tweaks such as a revised cam profiles, new turbocharger turbine speed sensor, and a new Gasoline Particulate Filter for improved performance and to comply with Euro 6D emissions standards.
- Engine: 3.9-litre V8 turbocharged engine
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (wet-clutch)
- Drivetrain: Mid-front engine, rear-wheel drive
- Max horsepower: 620 hp @ 5,750 – 7,500 RPM
- Max Torque: 760 Nm @ 3,000 – 5,750 RPM
- 0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
- 0-200 km/h: 9.3 seconds
- Max speed: Above 320 km/h
ELECTRONICS
To complement the powertrain, Ferrari has included a whole slew of electronics wizardry to help you keep it pointing in the right direction. These include:
- Variable Boost Management for ideal torque delivery
- Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car)
- Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer – brake-based torque vectoring system
- 5-position manettino (drive-mode control) – Wet, Comfort, Sport. Race, ESC-Off
INTERIOR
The new design language on the Ferrari Roma also makes its way inside the cabin. Featuring a new architectural concept – an evolution of the Dual Cockpit design, the Roma’s cabin is split into two separate cells, one each for the driver and passenger.
Unlike the typical Prancing Horse sports cars, which are typically more driver-oriented, the Roma’s cabin takes on a more symmetrical structure. As a result, the passenger becomes more involved in the driving experience, almost like a co-pilot.
The cabin of the Roma is also a huge step up from before in terms of digitalisation. Physical buttons, switches, and dials are now kept to a minimum, with almost everything replaced by touch-activated buttons and digital screens.
The Ferrari Roma is officially marketed as a “2+” Coupe, which means the rear two seats you see here are optional items.
Interior highlights include:
- 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster
- 8.4-inch central display for infotainment, navigation, climate control
- Optional 8.8-inch touchscreen display on passenger-side, for display of performance figures, infotainment, and climate control
- Reworked steering wheel with multi-touch control and touch pads
- Full-grain Frau leather, Alcantara upholstery
- Chromed aluminium, carbon fibre trims
SAFETY
As an option, the Ferrari Roma can be specified with Advanced Driver Assistance System. These features can be accessed directly through the new stseering wheel, and they include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Surround View Camera
PRICING
The Ferrari Roma is now available in Malaysia starting at RM968,000, before options, duties, taxes, and insurance. As with all other models in the Ferrari model range, the new grand tourer comes as standard with an extended seven-year maintenance programme that covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life.
The Ferrari Roma is now available for private viewing at the Ferrari Malaysia showroom in Kuala Lumpur, from now until 29 June. Those interested should contact Ferrari Malaysia to make a prior booking.
IMAGE GALLERY
