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• The Ferrari Roma has made its South African debut.
• The new car is powered by a 3.9-litre V8 engine.
• Price: from R4 972 000.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
It's one of the most anticipated cars to be launched in South Africa this year, but the Ferrari Roma finally made its local debut. Albeit in digital form.
As the newest addition to the Ferrari portfolio, the Roma carries all the requirements to make it a true Ferrari in every sense of the word. From the striking design to its award-winning V8 engine, the Roma is ready to continue the rich tradition of groundbreaking 'stallions'.
Ferrari says that the Roma takes inspiration from the erstwhile 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2, which explains why the car blends past and future in a contemporary package.
From the outside, the Roma draws attention with its new-age design. The grille, the first introduction with the car, is unlike anything Ferrari's done before. A large chrome section with air openings takes center stage, with a purposeful front spoiler underlining the car's intent.
Exterior design
The headlights have a new design, too, and features an LED strip running through the middle. The front wheel arches are quite prominent and house the beautifully sculpted 20-inch wheels. The Ferrari badge takes its customary place between the front wheels and the front doors.
At the rear, dual exhaust pipes sit on either end of the rear bumper and are integrated into the blackened rear diffuser. The rear lights have their unique design, as well.
The Roma has a length of 4656mm but sits only 1301mm from the ground.
2020 Ferrari Roma (QuickPic)
Interior design
Gaining access to the cabin can now be done via Ferrari's 'Comfort Access', which allows users to open the door by touching a button next to the door handle. This grants to a cabin that creates a sense that each passenger is cocooned in their own space. The dual-cockpit concept, says Ferrari, allowed the designers to utilise the full capacity of the cabin, which resulted in the creation of the two cells.
The driver, according to our observation, still has the familiar Ferrari steering wheel that plays home to several functions, but the center console between the cockpits is new. From here, occupants have access to the electric windows, while the driver can operate the gearbox.
As illustrated, users can use the center screen to operate the climate control, while the passenger will have their own monitor from which to work the climate control and media.
Maximum boot capacity comes in at 345L, which should be enough space for a weekend away.
2020 Ferrari Roma (QuickPic)
That V8 engine
Ferrari's 3.9-litre V8 engine powers the Roma and produces 456kW between 5750 - 7500rpm. The torque of 760Nm is available between 3000 - 5750rpm. Ferrari notes that the Roma's chassis benefits from modular technology, but 70% of the components are entirely new.
The engine is positioned mid-front, which means that it sits behind the front axle and closer to the cabin. In theory, this will filter more of the engine sounds into the cabin - a boon for anyone buying a Ferrari for the right reason. The automaker borrowed an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox from its Formula 1 team, which allows the car to clear 0 - 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and 0 - 200km/h in 9.3sec. Top speed is more than 320km/h.
The Ferrari Roma has a starting price of R4 972 000.
2020 Ferrari Roma (QuickPic)
