Ferrari Roma unveiled as 620hp super GT
The Maserati GranTurismo is dead; long live the all-new '2+' Ferrari Roma
Well then. When PH received a mysterious invite to attend a Ferrari event in Rome, at which an entirely new vehicle would be unveiled, we assumed the same as most in the industry would. With details in the build-up limited to the revelation that the new car did not represent "a derivative or a replacement [of an existing] model" and would see the manufacturer launch "a new car in new segment" there was only one logical conclusion to draw: that the much talked about FUV was finally upon us.
To be presented with this, the new Ferrari Roma, then, is an even sweeter surprise than it might otherwise have been. A '2+' coupe, with its power drawn from a front mid-mounted V8, the car is said not only to be "the pinnacle of performance" in its segment, but is also said to embody a "contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and '60s." Delightful.
Such models, of course, have long been the remit of Maserati; Ferrari's sister brand being left to cover the more laid-back end of the performance market while the Prancing Horse built 488 Pistas, 812 Superfasts and, um, Portofinos. But with the dust barely settled on GranTurismo production, and the successor to that car expected to be heavily electrified, Ferrari has wasted no time in revealing its own take on the formula.
There's no confirmation of rear seats yet, although the '2+' designation and a headrest silhouette in one of the photos do suggest their presence. If the FF and subsequent GTC4 Lusso could be seen as the first signs of mission creep, then, the Roma could be a full-scale territorial invasion.
Expect the new model to offer the sort of driver-focussed dynamic experience that Ferrari customers have become accustomed to, though, while anyone deciding to take the likely-sizeable step up from a GranTurismo will be met with styling, architecture and interior features over a decade newer - and an automotive echelon higher. "Refined proportions and timeless design combined with unparalleled performance and handling," is how Ferrari sums it up.
The presence of its sensational twin-turbo V8 - a unit closely related to those which have won the International Engine of the Year award four years running - producing 620hp at 7,500rpm and resulting in a 3.4-second 0-62 time speaks to those performance claims. As does the new eight-speed DCT gearbox from the SF90 Stradale. That, and a 1,472kg kerb weight, is all the info we have for now, though, meaning there's still plenty to be learned about Ferrari's most surprising new model in years. Luckily the full reveal takes place less than 24 hours from now, so we don't have long to wait to find out more. La dolce vita indeed.
Believe it or not some people in this world have better cars than you and some have better cars than me.
03.09.2019
Dear Mr N******,
Graypaul Nottingham are delighted to invite you to an unmissable event in Maranello.
Named 'Universo Ferrari' - this is your exclusive opportunity to join us to experience the past, present and future of Ferrari in a stunning environment; a purpose built experience at Ferrari's own Pista di Fiorano circuit… along with a very exclusive Private Viewing.
You and a guest (sharing a hotel room) can visit a superb structure constructed specifically for this event. Ferrari reserves exclusive opportunities for its international clientele to see its latest models in private viewings. Universo Ferrari will feature areas covering all aspects of the company's activities, from classic cars to racing, in addition to the current model range.
Of special interest to visitors will be the chance to see the SF90 Stradale - Ferrari's new series-production supercar hybrid - on its European Premiere; a rare occasion for the public to take a closer look at the latest Ferrari outside an international motor show.
Event Details
We recommend the below flights:
2nd September - 08:00 British Airways from London Heathrow to Bologna.
3rd September - 12:05 British Airways from Bologna to London Heathrow.
Our team will meet you at Bologna Airport upon your arrival and will provide a private coach to the hotel where you will check in and then head to Universo Ferrari for your unique experience, followed by a coach transfer back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
The next morning, a private coach will take you back to Bologna Airport for the flight home.
To confirm your place, please reply to this email or call us on 0115 *** ****.
Did you get an invitation to this Simon ?
I did
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