THE FERRARI ROMA
Ferrari have outdone themselves once again with their newest coupé.
F or us at FACT Magazine there are few activities we enjoy as much as getting behind the wheel of a new model motorcar and taking it out for a spin on the tarmac. Despite being fortunate enough to have experienced a vast array of cars produced by a variety of brands, ranging from the respected to the highly revered, we have never had the chance to get our hands on a Ferrari. That is, until now. This month, thanks to the exceptional team at Ferrari Centre Bahrain, we received the rare opportunity to thoroughly inspect and test drive the new Ferrari Roma and believe us when we tell you, it was an occasion we will never forget.
It took all of three seconds for us to fall completely in love with Ferrari’s latest coupé. From the moment we laid eyes on its flawless outline, we couldn’t get enough of this new Roma. Its signature Italian styling is characterised by its clean and symbiotic forms as well as its harmonious proportions and elegant volumes.
Both the bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned, in fact, 70 per cent of its components are entirely new. The design of the front end is unique with a striking new radiator grille concept having been created. Full-LED adaptive headlights are traversed by a horizontal light strip that leads the eye to the subtle prancing horse badge, set like a jewel at the front and centre of the car’s exterior. Long, ultra-sleek lines sweeping from bonnet to boot highlight the shapely flanks and compact, set-back cabin. At the rear, the wraparound screen incorporates an active aero device, whilst the twin taillight assembly and dual twin exhaust system add further touches of class to this already magnificent design.
Once inside the Roma’s cabin, we were immediately struck by the novel interior developed by the master craftsmen at Ferrari. Two separate cells have been created, one for the driver and one for the passenger, both of which include seating that is supportive and comfortable. This dual cockpit concept utilises the entire cabin space and not just the dashboard, as was the case with previous models. The perfectly designed steering wheel houses haptic controls for all of the vehicle’s main commands, ensuring the driver does not have to take his hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. A 16-inch digital instrument cluster provides all required information, while the 8.4-inch screen of the central display, along with a new passenger display, are remarkably intuitive and easy to navigate. Upon thorough inspection of the materials, trimmings and finishings throughout the interior, it was obvious that no expense has been spared in the creation of this outstanding vehicle and we felt like movie stars just sitting in the showroom.
One of the most exciting moments of the day was when we engaged the ignition. The sound of the V8-90° turbo engine brought an instant smile to everyone present and we felt like children experiencing something magical for the very first time. With an overall displacement of 3,855cc, a maximum power output of 456kW at 5,750-7,500rpm and a maximum torque of 760Nm at 3,000-5,750rpm, this coupé is a beast to say the very least. This newly designed Roma can surge from 0-100km/h in a ridiculous 3.4 seconds, from 0-200km/h in just 9.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 320km/h!
With all of this power on offer, Ferrari have included a state-ofthe-art vehicle dynamics system to ensure complete control at all times. This includes the Side Slip Control 6.0 with five-position manettino and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which controls yaw angle by hydraulically adjusting brake pressure at the callipers. We found the suspension, handling and overall drivability of the Roma to be nothing less than exceptional and we have never had more fun driving a motorcar in our lives.
Needless to say, we were stared at wherever we went as all onlookers seemed to want to get a better look at this exquisite new offering from Ferrari. The fact that the designers have included a host of safety features throughout the vehicle only adds to the comfortability factor and allows you to relax and enjoy the phenomenal driving experience all the more. ✤
“Its signature Italian styling is characterised by its clean and symbiotic forms as well as its harmonious proportions and elegant volumes.”
CONTACT FERRARI CENTRE BAHRAIN ON 1773 4734 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A LUXURY TEST DRIVE OF YOUR VERY OWN.
