Ferrari Roma 2016-2019

Designers: Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari Design, Ferrari SpA.,
Maranello (MO), Italy
Manufacturer: Ferrari SpA., Maranello (MO), Italy

Created by the Ferrari Design Centre, under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Roma is the latest coupé from Maranello features harmonious proportions and elegantly balanced volumes which are very much in line with Ferrari’s frontengined grand touring tradition. Timeless and sublimely refined, from a technical point of view the Ferrari Roma introduces a series of unparalleled features that put it at the top of its segment in terms of performance and driving enjoyment. These include most notably a new powertrain with 8-speed gearbox, the introduction of the five-position manettino for the first time on a Ferrari grand tourer, and a best-in-class power/weight ratio.

The Ferrari Roma’s design took inspiration from the concept of sporty elegance celebrated in the most legendary grand touring Ferraris of the 1960s, front-engined cars with simple yet elegant forms and a 2+ fastback coupé design. The Ferrari Roma shares many of these characteristics and embodies an extremely modern design language; its pure, refined styling and perfect proportions cleverly conceal the car’s power and sportiness.

The sober, spare front of the car creates an overhanging ‘shark nose’ effect. The wide front bonnet and sinuous wings flow into one another, in line with Ferrari’s traditional styling cues. The designers sought to preserve the minimalist elegance of the car’s forms by removing any vents or superfluous decorations; for instance, engine cooling is guaranteed by surfaces locally perforated only where strictly necessary, creating a new interpretation of the grille concept. In addition, the car was designed without the Scuderia Ferrari side shields, reflecting the approach taken with the road cars of the 1950s. The two linear full LED headlights, which lend the front of the car a distinctive character, are traversed by a horizontal light strip that brings a sense of tension to the car, in a nod to the iconic Ferrari Monza SPs.

The leitmotif of the entire Ferrari Roma design is its purity, as evidenced by the active rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen. The tail of the car is very modern; technological developments made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the taillight assemblies, resulting in a minimalist form.

The twin taillights look like gems set into the volume while linear light strips create a dialogue with the nolder, generating a sort of continuous virtual line. A compact diffuser that incorporates the fences and the exhausts completes the rear of the car.

INTERIOR
A new architectural concept for volumes and forms was developed for the Ferrari Roma’s cabin. The idea was to create two separate spaces or cells, one each for driver and passenger, in an evolution of the Dual Cockpit concept introduced on other cars in the range. A cleverly balanced combination of elegance and sportiness brings a sense of exceptional refinement and unique character to the interior, thanks to a spare, modern design language that underscores the formal purity of both lines and volumes. Thus, the cabin is defined by elements that develop organically and as one around the whole concept of space and its perception. Unlike the Prancing Horse’s sports cars, which are typically more driver-oriented, the Ferrari Roma’s cabin has an almost symmetrical structure which produces a more organic distribution of both spaces and functional elements. In fact, the passenger will feel very involved in the driving experience, almost like a co-pilot.

In line with this integrated architecture approach, forms have been crafted to create a sculptural volume in which there is a sense of textural continuity between all the various cabin elements. Created by paring back the volumes and underscored by piping along their edges, the two cockpits are cocooned in a wraparound volume and extend from the dashboard all the way back to the rear seats, organically incorporating the dash, doors, rear bench and tunnel.

The Ferrari Roma’s F1 controls have been set into the central console in a modern metal plate which references an equally iconic feature from the past: the classic gear lever gate. This element is angled to make it easier for the driver to reach and see. The second a driver or passenger sits in the Ferrari Roma they are instantly aware of a feeling of modern yet iconic luxury, combined with the use of the most exclusive materials, not least full-grain Frau® leather, Alcantara®, chromed aluminiumand carbon-fibre. The result is a distinctive car with a design that means the Ferrari Roma effortlessly meets the tastes of the most sophisticated clients.

In line with this integrated architecture approach, forms have been crafted to create a sculptural volume in which there is a sense of textural continuity between all the various cabin elements. Created by paring back the volumes and underscored by piping along their edges, the two cockpits are cocooned in a wraparound volume and extend from the dashboard all the way back to the rear seats, organically incorporating the dash, doors, rear bench and tunnel.

The Ferrari Roma’s F1 controls have been set into the central console in a modern metal plate which references an equally iconic feature from the past: the classic gear lever gate. This element is angled to make it easier for the driver to reach and see. The second a driver or passenger sits in the Ferrari Roma they are instantly aware of a feeling of modern yet iconic luxury, combined with the use of the most exclusive materials, not least full-grain Frau® leather, Alcantara®, chromed aluminium and carbon-fibre. The result is a distinctive car with a design that means the Ferrari Roma effortlessly meets the tastes of the most sophisticated clients.