Ferrari Roma is an elegant evolution of the Portofino fundamentals. Roma should prove an ideal ... [+]
In just over a year, Ferrari has introduced the ICONA special-bodied V12 cars, the SP1 and SP2 Monza barchettas. A few months later in winter 2019, they unveiled their latest mid-engine V8 berlinetta, the Tributo, which is the central pillar of the brand. Three months later, the 986-horsepower gas-electric hybrid Stradale. Wait a few months, and then the open-top 812 GTS, the big front-mid-engine V12 car. Ferrari can now set a very fast cadence in product development. Every few months, a new Ferrari model.
Roma is a coupé version of the Portofino fundamentals.
And now, the most accessible of Ferraris, the Roma, a smart evolution of front-mid-engine Portofino fundamentals. Beyond the fresh skin and coupe bodywork, the most important component is the new 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle. The twin-turbo V8 is up 20 horsepower compared with Portofino. Maximum torque of 560 lb. ft. remains the same as Portofino, 100 percent available between 3000 and 5750 rpm, a key ingredient that will ensure Roma is easy to drive. The twin-turbo V8 has refinements in turbo response rates like those seen in the Tributo and Stradale versions of this V8. Based on considerable drive time in Portofino and California T, I can easily conclude Roma performance will be easily exploited, a perfect first step into Ferrari ownership. California T and Portofino were both strong sellers, particularly in places like California, where the car perfectly fits the demands of a wine country weekend.
The cargo hold can easily manage the soft luggage of a well-dressed couple and a case or two of bottles collected at many stops over the weekend. Roma is an upright sport-tourer, its architecture less alien than the much lower the mid-engine cars. A couple getting to know each other over a romantic weekend can share driving duties. There’s nothing intimidating about the car to a novice Ferraristi.
The cockpit is wide, too, making it easy to settle in, no elbow hockey over the center console. Driven two-up, a six foot six man can find a very comfortable driving position thanks to generous leg room. Roma is an accommodating Ferrari. Details of this sort define the car’s nature and purpose. Romantic, yet practical.
