Introduction
The Ferrari Roma, unveiled in 2020, marks a bold new direction for the Italian marque. A grand tourer that blends Ferrari’s unparalleled performance legacy with luxurious refinement, the Roma captures the essence of what many car enthusiasts love about Ferrari—speed, craftsmanship, and high-status appeal—while attempting to shift the brand’s focus to a broader audience. It carries the Ferrari DNA, yet deviates from the track-focused philosophy that has defined the brand for decades. With its seductive design, turbocharged V8, and technologically advanced features, the Roma is designed to appeal to both Ferrari enthusiasts and those new to the brand. But the question remains: does it truly live up to the Ferrari legacy, or is it simply overhyped?
In this article, we will break down the Ferrari Roma’s design, performance, and place within Ferrari’s storied history to assess whether it meets the brand’s high standards or if it falls short. By the end, we’ll answer the ultimate question: Is the Ferrari Roma truly worth the hype?
1. The Ferrari Roma: A New Chapter for Ferrari
Ferrari has long been known for producing world-class supercars that blend raw performance with craftsmanship. From the iconic Ferrari F40 to the technologically advanced LaFerrari, Ferrari’s history is one of pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and engineering. Yet, the Roma represents a shift in focus. As Ferrari moves into the 2020s, it recognizes the changing tastes of its customers and the need to offer more than just a performance-driven experience.
The Roma serves as Ferrari’s answer to customers who seek something more refined—a car that can be driven every day without compromising on the thrill and performance expected from a Ferrari. The Roma is not just a car, but a lifestyle statement: sleek, stylish, and capable of turning heads both on the road and in the boardroom. It fits into Ferrari’s long line of GT (grand touring) cars, which have historically focused on comfort and elegance alongside performance.
When compared to the 599 GTB Fiorano or the Ferrari California, the Roma stands as an evolution of Ferrari’s grand touring ethos. It’s a car for those who want a refined driving experience without the harshness that often comes with high-performance models. It’s a car designed to balance the traditional Ferrari focus on performance with the modern demand for everyday usability.
2. Design Philosophy: Beauty and Elegance in Every Line
The Ferrari Roma’s design is undoubtedly one of its most striking features. Ferrari has always been known for producing beautiful cars, and the Roma is no exception. It’s an understated design, with curves and angles that convey both elegance and aggression. The front end features sleek LED headlights and a wide, aggressive grille, while the rear incorporates Ferrari’s signature quad taillights, giving it a look that’s instantly recognizable as a Ferrari.
The clean lines of the Roma are a departure from the more aggressive styling of other Ferrari models, but they still carry the same sensuality that Ferrari is famous for. There’s an aerodynamic efficiency to the Roma’s design, with elements like the air intakes and rear diffuser contributing to its performance, all while maintaining a sense of grace and beauty.
The cabin of the Roma is equally impressive. Ferrari has incorporated high-quality materials, including leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber, into every inch of the interior. The center console is dominated by a large touchscreen display, and the seats are designed to offer both comfort and support for long drives. The driver-focused cockpit ensures that the driving experience is intuitive, while still providing all the modern amenities you’d expect from a car of this caliber.
3. The Powertrain: Performance Meets Refinement
At the heart of the Ferrari Roma is a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 611 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The Roma accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and it has a top speed of around 199 mph, making it incredibly quick for a car that’s designed with comfort in mind.
While the Roma’s performance is impressive, it’s important to note that this car is not about raw power. Ferrari has designed the Roma to offer a more refined driving experience, balancing power with comfort. The twin-turbocharged V8 delivers plenty of acceleration when needed but doesn’t overwhelm the driver. Instead, the Roma provides a smooth, controlled ride that’s perfect for long-distance driving or spirited weekend getaways.
In terms of handling, the Roma delivers Ferrari’s signature driving experience, with precise steering and a well-balanced chassis that’s capable of handling tight corners and high-speed maneuvers. The suspension is adaptive, ensuring that the car feels comfortable on rough roads while still maintaining the agility Ferrari customers expect. The Roma is a car that rewards both relaxed driving and spirited performance, making it a versatile and enjoyable vehicle for a variety of driving conditions.
4. Handling and Driving Experience: A Ferrari at Heart
The driving experience of the Ferrari Roma is one that strikes a fine balance between comfort and performance. It’s easy to drive, even for those who are not seasoned Ferrari drivers, yet it still offers the thrill and precision that Ferrari enthusiasts expect.
The steering is direct, with feedback that makes the Roma feel nimble and responsive in corners. The adaptive suspension allows for a comfortable ride in most conditions, but when it’s time to push the car, the Roma comes alive. Whether you’re on the open road or carving through winding mountain passes, the Roma’s handling is precise and confident.
What sets the Roma apart from other Ferraris, such as the 488 GTB or the 812 Superfast, is that it’s designed for everyday use. The Roma offers a more relaxed driving experience that doesn’t demand constant attention or effort from the driver. Its suspension and ride comfort make it an excellent choice for those looking for a car they can use for daily commuting or long-distance travel without sacrificing performance when they want it.
5. Ferrari’s Legacy: How the Roma Fits In
Ferrari has always been a brand that’s associated with performance, luxury, and exclusivity. With the Roma, Ferrari aims to appeal to a broader demographic while still maintaining the essence of the brand. The Roma is not just another supercar, but a statement of Ferrari’s ability to evolve with the times while still staying true to its roots.
The Roma fits into Ferrari’s legacy of producing beautiful and high-performing grand tourers. It’s a car designed to be enjoyed on the open road, combining luxury and speed in a way that only Ferrari can. It may not have the extreme performance of some of Ferrari’s other models, but it represents a different kind of luxury, one that’s more about the journey than the destination.
Ferrari’s ability to adapt and diversify its lineup speaks to its long-term vision. While cars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo and the 812 Superfast may be focused on raw performance, the Roma is a bridge between Ferrari’s heritage and the future of automotive luxury.
6. Market Positioning: Who Is the Ferrari Roma For?
The Ferrari Roma is positioned as a more accessible luxury sports car that appeals to a wider range of customers. Unlike Ferrari’s more extreme models, which are often targeted at collectors and performance enthusiasts, the Roma is aimed at customers who want a Ferrari but don’t necessarily need the extreme performance that comes with a 488 Pista or a LaFerrari.
The Roma is the perfect car for someone who wants to experience Ferrari ownership but is looking for something more practical. It’s a car for those who appreciate the finer things in life—luxury, comfort, and elegance—but still want the thrill that comes with owning a Ferrari. It’s also well-suited for long-distance driving and daily commuting, making it a more versatile option than Ferrari’s more extreme models.
7. Technology and Innovation: A Modern Ferrari
Ferrari has equipped the Roma with the latest technology to ensure that it delivers a cutting-edge driving experience. The car features an advanced infotainment system with a large touchscreen that controls various aspects of the car, from navigation to entertainment. Ferrari’s new cockpit design is also more user-friendly, with a digital display that provides the driver with essential information.
In addition to the tech in the cabin, the Roma features advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. These features make the Roma a more practical and usable car compared to Ferrari’s more extreme offerings, which often lack such conveniences.
8. The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?
At a starting price of around $225,000, the Ferrari Roma is positioned as an entry-level Ferrari in terms of price. However, with the Roma’s performance, luxury, and exclusivity, it still represents a significant investment.
When compared to rivals such as the Aston Martin DB11 or the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Roma’s price is competitive, but some might argue that it doesn’t offer as much raw performance as those alternatives. However, the Roma’s strength lies in its versatility—offering both luxury and performance in a package that’s suitable for daily use.
For those who seek an everyday Ferrari experience, the Roma is likely worth the price. It offers a high level of performance, exceptional luxury, and the unmistakable appeal of the Ferrari badge, all while being a more practical car than some of Ferrari’s more extreme offerings.
9. Ferrari Roma: Is It Overhyped?
The Ferrari Roma has faced some criticisms from purists, with some questioning whether it really lives up to the Ferrari legacy. Is it too tame? Is it trying to
appeal to a broader market at the expense of Ferrari’s raw, untamed spirit? These questions are valid, but it’s also important to recognize that Ferrari has always evolved with the times. The Roma represents a more refined direction for the brand, one that’s aimed at a new generation of Ferrari customers.
It’s not as extreme or track-focused as Ferrari’s other offerings, but that’s part of its charm. The Roma is a car that offers a different kind of Ferrari experience—one that’s more about the journey than the destination.
10. Conclusion: The Verdict on Ferrari Roma
The Ferrari Roma is an intriguing and elegant addition to Ferrari’s lineup. It may not be the fastest, most aggressive, or most extreme Ferrari, but it excels in a different area—luxury, refinement, and everyday usability. The Roma succeeds in offering a blend of Ferrari’s iconic performance and craftsmanship with modern comforts and convenience.
Whether it’s overhyped or truly lives up to Ferrari’s legacy depends on what one expects from a Ferrari. For those looking for an everyday Ferrari that offers both luxury and performance without sacrificing usability, the Roma is undoubtedly worth the price. For those who prefer the raw, untamed Ferrari experience, the Roma may seem like a more watered-down option, but it’s important to recognize that Ferrari has built its legacy on innovation and evolution.
In the end, the Roma represents Ferrari’s ability to adapt to the changing automotive landscape without sacrificing the core values that have made the brand so iconic. It may not be the ultimate Ferrari, but it’s undoubtedly a car that embodies Ferrari’s legacy while embracing the future of automotive luxury.
