Ferrari Roma makes world debut

Ferrari has released first images and details of the fifth new model to join the prancing horse line-up this year, but it’s not the V6 hybrid GT that has been spied testing over the past several months.

Instead, it’s a brand-new GT – simply dubbed Ferrari Roma – that evokes the spirit of past Ferrari greats such as the 250 GT Lusso.

The front-engined V8 coupe is propelled by Ferrari’s familiar – and award-winning – 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, albeit not in the same feisty state of tune as the F8 Tributo.

For this application, which is focused more on brisk grand touring than cutting ultra-fast laps at a racetrack, the blown V8 pushes out 456kW of power over 5750-7500rpm and 760Nm of torque over 3000-5750rpm.

With a quoted dry weight of 1472kg (which equates to a kerb weight around the 1600kg mark), the Ferrari Roma is still decently sprightly, with a 0-100km/h split time of 3.4 seconds, 0-200km/h in 9.3sec and top whack of 320km/h-plus.

Although Ferrari is yet to reveal details on pricing and market positioning, the newcomer will sit below the GTC4 Lusso T, so an entry point in the $400-450K range seems likely.

Measuring 4656mm long, 1974mm wide and 1301mm tall, the Ferrari Roma is 266mm shorter and 82mm lower than the GTC4 Lusso, which suggests the rear seats will be of the token variety.

Although the car’s styling inspiration comes from the past, what’s underneath is cutting-edge, as the twin-turbo V8 is mated to the new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that debuted in the SF90 Stradale hyper-hybrid.

And the whole lot is packaged in a new modular architecture that forms the template for Ferrari’s future offerings.

Visually, the Ferrari Roma makes a departure from the Italian supercar-maker’s existing offerings, with design language that seems somewhat Aston Martin-esque at first glance.

However, the grille and headlight treatment sets it clearly apart from any Aston, and the relatively large glasshouse also differentiates it from the high-shouldered look of the Vantage and DB11.

The rear three-quarter view is undoubtedly the Roma’s most striking angle, with sharp-edged tail-lights that are completely at odds with the round lights that have traditionally graced Ferrari rumps. The fastback roof with its curved rear window is also a nice design element.

Ferrari’s own prose describing the car is predictably flowery: “With its distinctive flair and style, the car is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and ’60s.

“The Ferrari Roma offers discerning clients the finesse and refinement that brings the concept of ‘la Dolce Vita’ right up to date.”

Apart from the F8 Tributo and SF90 Stradale, other new Ferrari models revealed this year include the F8 Spider and 812 GTS.

On paper, the Ferrari Roma’s rivals could conceivably include the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, Aston Martin DB11 and Bentley Continental GT, but we’ll be able to provide more precise market positioning info and tech details tomorrow.