The new Ferrari Roma. 10 facts you’ll want to read

The famous ‘Cavallino Rampante’ has even more reason to prance thanks to the launch of the stunning new Ferrari Roma 2+ coupé coming soon to Dick Lovett Ferrari.

With a starting price of £170,000, the Roma, Maranello’s latest GT coupé arrives in May, and with it comes a refreshing take on a familiar beast. The smooth, sculptured proportions are still present; a welcome echo of Ferrari’s front-engined grand touring tradition. Yet there’s a host of technological additions and design enhancements that make the Ferrari Roma a sports car that demands to be driven every day.

While we all eagerly await its arrival, here are ten facts about the Roma to keep you going.

1. Whispering not shouting

Whatever the Italian is for ‘minimalist elegance’ it’s sure to have used to describe the Roma. There’s nothing superfluous here. Just a feeling of harmony. Just look at the rounded nose, the muscular flanks and wide front bonnet. Everything is there for a reason.

A redesigned grille inspired by Ferraris of the past, perforated armour for engine cooling, unfussy lights, stripped back tail lights, a discreet rear window, as well as a beautifully low-key aerodynamic diffuser. Subtly stunning and guaranteed to turn heads.

2. Beauty on the inside

Ferrari Styling Centre designers, please take a bow. They’ve developed a completely new architectural concept for the Ferrari Roma. Rather than building everything around the driver, a new symmetrical structure forms two separate safety cells for driver and passenger, boosting space and enhancing comfort.

This integrated architecture reates a natural continuity, flowing between driver and passenger. Doors, tunnels and rear seating are integrated perfectly. It’s a case of design, ergonomics and engineering in perfect alignment

3. Hands on the wheel

The Roma’s new Digital Instrument Cluster adheres firmly to the ethos of ‘Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’. The wraparound inrument cluster is curved towards the driver for extra clarity, while the Roma has seen a complete overhaul of the steering wheel, with haptic controls ensuring everything is within easy reach for a more satisfying, intuitive experience.

Passengers, meanwhile, can keep themselves busy and informed with a fully interactive 8.8inch touch screen nestled into the centre of the dash. Navigation, music, air conditioning controls, car data… Everything is close by.

4. Award-winning engine

The Roma is powered by Ferrari’s famous V8 turbo engine. Voted International Engine of the Year four times in a row. The only changes come in the form of new cam profiles and a speed sensor in order to reach 5,000 RPM. There are new anti-pollution filters too. All added with no negative impact performance.

5. Impressive torque

Sitting under the Roma's long, sloping bonnet, mounted near the middle of the car the turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 delivers 611 horsepower. Together with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission first seen on the Ferrari SF90 Stradale but this time with 35% more torque, the Roma sprints from to 60 mph in a 3.3-second and tops out just shy of 200mph.

6. Instantaneous throttle response

Incredibly, Ferrari has managed to achieve zero turbo lag and better combustion efficiency. Thanks to a more compact flat-plane crankshaft, smaller turbines with reduced inertia, and twin-scroll technology that increases exhaust pulses for maximum power, throttle response is immediate.

New Variable Boost Management software cleverly tweaks torque delivery to suit whichever gear you’re in. This not only optimises fuel consumption, but also decreases emissions while treating you to formidable performance and a smoother ride. All this at high speeds, with torque of up to 750 Nm in 7th and 8th gear.

7. Italian for ‘fun’

The Roma debuts the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. Engage Race Mode and the FDE works with the ESC system to give you more traction and controlled braking in those more spirited moments on the road.

Its Side Slip Control Concept 6.0 system predicts your slide and subtly adapts handling and breaking for a more stable – and safer – experience. Thrilling driving has never been so responsible.

8. Space to spare

Taking off for the weekend? Not a problem with the Ferrari Roma - not something the marque is usually known for. There’s 272-litres of space in the boot (345-litres when the seats are folded down), plenty for a couple of bags, or even a couple of humans, if you’re feeling sociable.

9. Beautifully poised

To create a car that is perfectly balanced in every driving condition, the Ferrari Aerodynamics and Style Centre team worked tirelessly to develop a mobile rear spoiler. Raising to three different heights depending on speed and driving mode (including an air brake option for fast stopping), the new addition ensures ultimate downforce – while blending seamlessly into the bodywork.

And rather than alter the wheelbase, the designers and engineers weaved their magic by lowering the centre of gravity. The Ferrari Roma holds the privilege of having the best weight/power ratio for a car of its type. And by updating 70% of parts for better bump absorption, they’ve ensured it’s also one of the smoothest.

10. The sound of style

Raw, powerful and primal. Nothing sounds quite like a Ferrari. To create a truly unique soundtrack, the Ferrari Roma has taken away the two rear silencers while boosting the backpressure in the pipes. Add to this a new by-pass oval valve for better sound quality and you have a new exhaust line geometry for a new chapter of Ferrari.