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Ferrari roma review

A Weekend Getaway with the Ferrari Roma: A Hands-On Review


Last weekend, I felt a need for speed—and some sleek luxury too—making it the perfect time to take a Ferrari Roma for a little test drive. The Italian automaker was happy to abide and they put me behind the wheel for a thrilling getaway to the picturesque town of Mudgee. Having previously driven a Ferrari F8 Spider, I was all too eager to see how the new Roma compared to its similarly sporty brethren. Suffice it to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

RELATED: The Roma recently dropped the top with a ‘spider’ variant, check out our thoughts here.

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Ferrari Roma is powered by a V8 turbo engine | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

What Powers the Ferrari Roma?

Engine and Performance:

  • Engine: V8 – 90° turbo
  • Power: 620 cv (456 kW)
  • Torque: 760 Nm
  • 0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
  • Top Speed: > 320 km/h
  • Kerb weight: 1570 kg
  • Dry weight: 1472 kg

Powered by a V8 turbo engine, the Ferrari Roma produces up to 620 cv and 760 Nm of torque. An 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox ensures quick and smooth shifting whilst the Variable Boost Management system adjusts torque delivery according to the selected gear. With this level of power and adaptability—along with a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio—the Roma is an absolute pleasure to drive both on and off the track. Many are calling it the most enjoyable mid-front-engined V8 in Ferrari’s superlative history and I’m not one to disagree.

Thanks to the Roma’s five-position manettino dial (i.e. the red twistable lever on the steering wheel), drivers can seamlessly switch between different modes and thus fine-tune their user experience. When cruising through the countryside, I was advised to leave the settings out of Race mode for obvious reasons. However, if one is hoping to dial up the thrill factor whilst off the track, then Sport mode makes for a great choice. In essence, the Roma can cater to your individual driving style.

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Design of the Ferrari Roma takes inspiration from legendary grand touring Ferraris of the 1960s | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

How Does the Ferrari Roma Look?

Ferrari’s Roma takes inspiration from the brand’s own grand tourers of the 1960s, front-engined 2+ fastback coupés that were characterised by simple, elegant forms. Retro influences notwithstanding, the exterior showcases a modern design language, touting clean lines and perfect proportions that cleverly conceal its power and sportiness. The front end imparts a sober, minimalist appearance and creates an overhanging shark-nose effect, duly distinguished by linear full LED headlights. A horizontal light strip generates a tension reminiscent of iconic Monza SPs, whilst the wide front bonnet and sinuous wings flow seamlessly together in the tradition of Ferrari’s styling cues.

When bringing this car to life, designers further emphasised the elegance of form by removing any unnecessary vents or decorations. For instance, the engine cooling is achieved through locally perforated surfaces only where necessary, offering a fresh interpretation of the grille concept. Continuing the “less is more” theme—and simultaneously tipping its hat to road cars of the 1950s—the Roma was designed without the Scuderia Ferrari side shields.

Reinforcing the purity of design, an active rear spoiler comes integrated into the rear screen. The tail is modern and sleek, with reduced dimensions of the taillight assemblies resulting in a minimalist aesthetic. Each of the twin taillights resembles a jewel set into the volume and flows in conjunction with linear light strips. A compact diffuser incorporating the fences and exhausts rounds out the rear. Sophisticated in execution and detail, the car is utterly epic in its seeming simplicity.

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The first thing that caught my attention was the technology upgrade in the Roma | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

What’s the Ferrari Roma’s Interior Like?

Inside the cabin, the Ferrari Roma showcases a new architectural concept of volume and form. The aim was to create two separate spaces—one for the driver and one for the passenger—in an evolution of the Dual Cockpit concept introduced on other cars in the range. This innovative look was achieved by extending the dashboard philosophy to the entire cabin, resulting in a balanced combination of elegance and sportiness that brings a sense of exceptional refinement and unique character to the interior.

Unlike most Ferrari sports cars, which tend to be more driver-oriented, the Roma’s cabin has an almost symmetrical structure, leading to a more organic distribution of both spaces and functional elements. This design choice allows the passenger to feel more involved in the driving experience, almost like a co-pilot. The cabin’s integrated architecture also employs sculptural volumes with a sense of textural continuity between all elements. This cohesion extends from the dashboard to the rear seats, organically incorporating the doors, rear bench, and tunnel.

Did I mention the interior’s plush construction? Allow me to do so now. Upon entering the Ferrari Roma, both driver and passenger are immediately met with a sense of absolute luxury, as the cabin boasts exclusive materials such as full-grain Frau® leather, Alcantara®, chromed aluminium, and carbon fiber. The interior’s distinctive design effortlessly caters to the tastes of the most sophisticated clients, making it perfect for those seeking timeless comfort and an exemplary driving experience. Now and always, the Prancing Horse truly embodies the concept of “La Nuova Dolce Vita.”

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Ferrari Roma passenger display, creating these two separate spaces | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

How About the Technology and Controls?

As soon as I slipped behind the wheel of the Roma, the first thing that caught my attention was the technology upgrade. Gone are the days of manual physical buttons and in their place is a sleek and responsive touch panel to start the engine. This modern makeover extends to everything from the mirrors to the general settings, engendering heightened awareness, maximum comfort, and fluid driveability.

Meanwhile, the ride’s F1 controls have been set into the central console on a modern metal plate, reminiscent of the iconic gear lever gate from the past. This element is angled for easier access and visibility for the driver. From the physical cabin layout to the controls themselves, everything seems purposefully designed to improve the user experience.

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Ferrari Roma | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

Man of Many’s Verdict on the Ferrari Roma

After a weekend getaway with the Ferrari Roma, I can confidently say that it offers the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and style. With upgraded technology and controls comes utterly smooth and effortless driving (to say the least). Its superlative V8 engine delivers conspicuous power whilst the five-position manettino allows you to customise your experience according to your particular preferences. The exterior and interior designs create a masterful and organic flow between every spare detail.

Whether you’re cruising through the countryside, turning heads in the city, or renting out the nearest race track, the new Roma offers a perfect combination of classic and contemporary. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel to experience the thrill of driving it again. In the meantime, the memory of my epic weekend will have to suffice. Thanks for the lift, Ferrari!

Check out the Ferrari Roma

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Ferrari Roma | Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many

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