Ferrari Roma
2020-2024
The Roma represents Ferrari's vision of understated elegance, blending 1960s Italian design cues with cutting-edge technology. It's a grand tourer that prioritizes sophistication and style without sacrificing the performance DNA that defines every prancing horse.
Quick Take
The Ferrari Roma is a front-engine grand tourer that combines classic Italian elegance with modern performance. It features a retractable hardtop and represents Ferrari's interpretation of the perfect GT car for the modern era.
Best For
Key Strength
Stunning Design Language
Watch For
Limited Practicality
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Named after Rome, the Eternal City, the Roma draws inspiration from Ferrari's front-engine GT tradition established by models like the 250 GT and Daytona. It represents a return to the elegant, understated design language that defined Ferrari's golden age of grand touring cars.
Design Philosophy
The Roma's design philosophy centers on timeless elegance and proportional perfection, avoiding aggressive aerodynamic elements in favor of clean, flowing lines. Every surface has been sculpted to create a sense of effortless motion, with a long hood, short overhangs, and a fastback silhouette that recalls classic Italian coachbuilding.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 delivers power with remarkable smoothness and refinement, building to a crescendo that's both thrilling and sophisticated. Unlike Ferrari's more track-focused offerings, the Roma's engine calibration prioritizes linear delivery and everyday usability while still providing explosive performance when called upon.
Chassis Dynamics
The Roma strikes an exceptional balance between comfort and performance, with adaptive suspension that can transform from grand touring comfort to sports car precision. The steering is precise and communicative, while the chassis remains composed whether cruising coastlines or attacking mountain passes with equal aplomb.
Sound Signature
The exhaust note is refined yet stirring, producing a cultured V8 growl that builds to an intoxicating wail. It's sophisticated enough for city driving yet spine-tingling when the engine reaches its upper registers.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The Roma represents Ferrari's most beautiful front-engine design in decades, combining classic proportions with modern sophistication. Its clean, elegant lines make it instantly recognizable while avoiding the aggressive styling of track-focused models.
The 3.9L twin-turbo V8 produces 612hp and 561 lb-ft of torque with exceptional refinement. Power delivery is smooth and progressive, making it accessible for daily driving while still delivering thrilling performance when pushed.
Honest Tradeoffs
Despite being marketed as a 2+2, the rear seats are essentially unusable for adults and cargo space is minimal. The low-slung design also makes entry and exit challenging for some drivers.
Annual services can easily exceed $3,000, and major services approach $6,000-8,000. Parts are expensive and require Ferrari-certified technicians, limiting service options compared to more mainstream performance cars.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for the discerning enthusiast who values elegance over aggression and appreciates understated luxury. The Roma appeals to those who want Ferrari performance wrapped in timeless Italian style.