A Night In Roma
We took Ferrari’s beautiful new Roma for a belt about Brisbane.
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There’s no denying the immediate appeal of Ferrari’s latest GT – the stunning Roma.
Partnering with Ferrari Brisbane, we recently awakened a docile city on a memorable night out with the turbo V8 newcomer.
Celebrated Australian race driver David Russell was the (lucky) man behind the wheel — and while pushed on certain specifics, he labels his night with the Prancing Horse a “blast.”
“The car’s a real head turner so any intersection or set of lights people were keen to see it close up,” offers Russell. “The first thing I noticed about the Roma was how nimble and agile it felt to drive, the vision from the driver’s seat out is very good and allows great visibility.”
The duality on offer was equally engaging.
“As a Grand Touring car it’s so easy to drive and cruise, or, with the touch of a button go to ‘Race’ mode. This transforms the car into what feels like a go kart on steroids — though on a serious note, it’s extremely well balanced to drive and very comfortable.”
As to his response to the purists who wail in regards to seeing the words ‘mid-front engine’ aligned to Ferrari?
“It’s important to understand the term mid-front engine — which means all the weight is behind the front axle which is a huge benefit for performance and handling,” explains Russell. “And the engine is the award-winning F154 3.9 twin turbo — it has such a great power delivery and is very, very smooth. It’s a familiar engine that Ferrari has used in the 488 Pista and which I’ve had so much fun driving; you know when you put the foot down it’s going to respond, and very quickly.”
A sense of throwback sophistication. That’s how Ferrari Brisbane’s Franco Giammattei views the Roma.
“I was truly taken aback on first seeing this car,” states Giammattei. “The throwback design to the 250s is obvious — a beautifully sculpted long bonnet with the cockpit being set further back just screams 1960s Ferrari. The integrated grill also pays homage to some inspirational Ferrari’s from the ‘60s and simply looks perfect in the metal.”
As for the Roma’s perceived audience?
“This is a Ferrari for people who love opulent luxury and powerful cars, but who wish to look incredibly stylish. It isn’t brash and in your face — a true ‘connoisseurs’ Ferrari.”
Ferrari Roma is available from $409,088 plus ORC; brisbane.ferraridealers.com
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