Ferrari Roma

The Ferrari Roma is a front-mid-engined, 2+2 V8 grand tourer globally unveiled in Rome, Italy, by the Italian supercar manufacturer in November 2019. Serving as the entry-level GT in the Ferrari line-up, the Roma embraces the "La Nuova Dolce Vita" (The New Sweet Life) design philosophy, seamlessly blending classic Italian elegance, potent performance, and everyday usability. In April 2020, the Roma officially went on sale in China, carrying an official recommended retail price of RM2,380,000 for the hardtop coupe. In July 2023, the open-top Roma Spider was officially introduced to the Chinese market with a price tag of RM2,762,000. Positioned as a front-mid-engined sports car, its key rivals include the Aston Martin Vantage and the Mercedes-AMG GT. In the third quarter of 2024, Ferrari confirmed that production of the Roma had officially concluded; its successor, the Amalfi, made its global debut in July 2025.

Design Language

Penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, the Roma's exterior pays tribute to the iconic 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso of the 1950s and 1960s. Up front, it features an "overhanging shark-nose" fascia paired with slim, horizontal full-LED headlamps. The elongated bonnet flows smoothly into sweeping front fenders, resulting in clean, minimalist surfaces. In profile, classic GT proportions take centre stage: a long bonnet, short front and rear overhangs, a sleek fastback silhouette, and a discreet, high-set waistline. The rear end exudes a contemporary look, highlighted by an active rear spoiler with an integrated electromechanical mechanism that deploys across three modes: Low Drag (LD), Medium Downforce (MD), and High Downforce (HD)—generating up to 95 kg of downforce at 250 km/h with merely a 4% increase in drag. Dimensionally, the Roma measures 4,656 mm long, 1,974 mm wide, and sits on a 2,670 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Roma introduces a "Dual Cockpit" architecture that provides distinct, dedicated spaces for both the driver and front passenger. The cabin is outfitted with a 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster, a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with capacitive touchpads, and an 8.4-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen. High-grade leather and Alcantara upholstery are extensively used, striking a fine balance between bespoke Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Roma is powered by the award-winning F154 BH 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Mounted longitudinally, this mill pushes out 456 kW (620 PS) and 760 Nm of torque, with maximum power generated between 5,750 and 7,500 rpm. Power is channelled through an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Against the clock, the Roma sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, hits 200 km/h in 9.3 seconds, and maxes out at a top speed of 320 km/h. Compared to the Portofino, the Roma gains an extra 20 PS alongside a broader torque band. Notably, it is also Ferrari's first production model to dispense with rear silencer boxes, featuring newly designed bypass valves for an emotive exhaust note.

Chassis and Handling

The Roma rides on a front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. Suspension duties are handled by a double-wishbone setup up front and a multi-link independent arrangement at the rear. It comes standard with a magnetorheological damping system (MagneRide), which actively fine-tunes damping rates according to the selected drive mode and prevailing road surface. Steering is managed by an electro-hydraulic power-assisted setup. Braking is delivered via high-performance carbon-ceramic ventilated discs, wrapped in 245/35 R20 tyres in front and 285/35 R20 rubbers at the rear. The steering-mounted Manettino dial offers various drive modes, including GT, Sport, and Race.

Cabin and Features

The cabin's human-machine interface (HMI) is centred around the "Dual Cockpit" philosophy. A 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch central touchscreen come as standard. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay connectivity. An 8-speaker audio system is standard, with an optional JBL premium sound system available. The 2+2 seating layout provides occasional rear seats best suited for children or short trips. Luggage capacity stands at 345 litres. As expected of a Maranello creation, the Roma offers extensive personalisation via the Tailor Made programme, including carbon-fibre exterior packages and bespoke interior trims.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Roma comes standard with front and side airbags for driver and passenger, alongside ISOFIX child seat mountings. Driver assistance features include front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, auto start-stop, hill start assist, and electronic parking brake with auto hold. Optional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) add adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is also fitted as standard.

Market Performance and Reception

Positioned as Ferrari's entry-level GT, the Roma's aggressive pricing strategy made it the most accessible Prancing Horse in the line-up. The hardtop coupe debuted at RM2,380,000, while the Roma Spider followed at RM2,762,000. In 2025, the Roma recorded 73 units sold in China, remaining among the front-runners in the seven-figure supercar segment. On the global stage, models such as the Roma Spider and 296 GTS drove Ferrari's total volume to 13,752 deliveries in 2024. However, overall demand in the Chinese ultra-luxury segment has contracted for three consecutive years. On the pre-owned market, supported by strong brand prestige and approachable entry pricing, the Roma holds respectable residual values, typically trading for over RM1,000,000. By Q3 2024, Ferrari confirmed the Roma had completed its planned production run. As a grand tourer that successfully unified Italian flair, daily drivability, and blistering V8 performance, the Roma won over a significant cohort of first-time Ferrari owners, successfully widening the Prancing Horse's customer base.