Ferrari attack for the young elite!

Anyone who is familiar with Ferrari must be familiar with the pace of new sports cars. Since Ferrari went public on the U.S. stock market in 2015, the pace of its new car launches has indeed been more intense than ever.

In recent years, it has launched not only the 488’s successor, F8, but also the SF90, a hybrid supercar, and the elegant Roma.

In particular, Roma’s starting price from MYR 968,000 ( before tax )makes the dream of owning a Ferrari a step closer to many rich people, but also constitutes an obvious blow to competitors.

This V8 turbocharged engine has won the International Engine of the Year Award for four consecutive years, with a maximum power output of 620CV. New technologies include a new CAM profile design, a speed sensor that measures turbine speed and increases the maximum measurable speed by 5,000 RPM, and a gasoline particle filter that meets stringent emission standards.

Roma can accelerate to 100 km in just 3.4 seconds and has a performance/weight/power ratio of up to 2.37kg/ CV.

Roma is equipped with Version 6.0 vehicle sideslip Angle control system (SSC 6.0), which uses advanced algorithms to transmit accurate and estimated sideslip Angle information to the on-board control system. The system also incorporates advanced technologies such as E-Diff, F1-Trac, SCM-E FRS and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer.

In addition, Manettino knobs are available in five modes — Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race, and ESC-off — designed to provide a relaxed handling experience and easy-to-control grip performance.

The new car is equipped with an all-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The gearbox is more compact than the 7-speed transmission previously used and achieves a weight reduction of 6 kg. While helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the gearbox uses low-viscosity lubricants and dry sumps to minimize loss of hydrodynamic efficiency and achieve superior riding comfort in urban road conditions as well as start-stop conditions.

The gearbox is designed with a dual-clutch oil groove architecture, inspired by the new 8-speed transmission available in the SF90 Stradale model. Further improvements have been made to the transmission in the Ferrari Roma, including a wider range of gears and the introduction of reverse gears (the SF90 Stradale does not use reverse gears because an electric motor can do this). 

Compared to the previous 7-speed gearbox, the new gearbox uses a new clutch module, which reduces the size of the gearbox by 20%, while the torque output is increased by up to 35%. The software strategy for the gearbox has been further improved thanks to the enhanced electronic control unit (ECU) and the optimization of integration with engine management software to provide a faster, smoother and smoother shift experience.

The new Ferrari Roma, in line with the other turbocharged models, offers the ultimate in instantaneous throttle response (perfect for Ferrari’s philosophy of “no turbine lag”). This is mainly due to the following factors: the planar crankshaft uses a more compact structure to achieve lower rotational mass, resulting in improved hydrodynamic performance; Compact turbine design ensures lower moment of inertia; Dual eddy current technology can increase the pressure of exhaust pulse to maximize the release of power potential; The use of an all-in-one cast exhaust manifold with an equal-length layout helps to optimize pressure fluctuations in the turbine and reduce energy losses.

The Ferrari Roma is also equipped with Variable Boost Management. The control software, developed by Ferrari, adjusts the torque output according to the selected gear, ensuring a stronger start as the engine revs up, while optimising fuel economy. As the gear increases, the engine torque output continues to increase until it reaches a peak torque of 760 N · m in 7th and 8th gear. Benefit from this, the new car has a wider range of gear transmission speed ratio in high gear, effectively reducing fuel consumption and emissions; Switching to lower gear allows for a smooth and consistent acceleration with steeper torsion curves.

Each Ferrari engine has its own unique sound, and the engine on the Ferrari Roma is no exception. The geometry of the exhaust system was redesigned to ensure a unique sound effect, eliminating two rear silencers and significantly reducing back pressure in the exhaust pipe. The bypass valve adopts a new oval design to reduce exhaust back pressure and improve sound quality. According to the specific driving conditions, the new car can achieve balanced, continuous and progressive control of the bypass valve.

Roma’s design, as well as its performance, not only inherits the acclaimed design elements of the most legendary GT model of the 1960s, but also incorporates the ultimate design sense. The front adopts the design of the overhanging shark nose, which is simple and neat. The pure and concise shape with the perfect harmonious proportion combine the power performance and sporty touch of this car.

What’s more, Roma uses an optimized and upgraded “dual cockpit” design, with smooth lines and layout to create an uninterrupted driving space and functional area for both driver and passenger. The interior feels luxurious not only with lots of high-end leather, but also with a lot of digital features. Roma also concentrates most of the operation on the steering wheel. As long as the driver holds the 3 or 9 o ‘clock position, it is easy to operate and concentrate on driving.

And unlike other driver-centric prance horses, the Ferrari Roma’s clever cockpit design, especially the co-pilot display, allows passengers to fully experience the joy of driving as a navigator. The 2+2 seat layout also provides great ride convenience. Of course, rich customized program is also indispensable to Ferrari sports car.

Roma’s optional Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS SAE Level 1) includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, which is controlled directly from the steering wheel for faster and safer interaction; Autonomous Emergency Braking; Lane Departure warning with Traffic Sign Recognition; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Surround View Camera.

For Roma, after a day of test driving, it was like an F1 car in an evening suit. The performance is still the familiar flavor of sports car, but what is rare is that it also provides good GT comfort, fully capable of daily driving. Not only can you drive it to all sorts of high-end events, or to a track day, but you can even take it on a long trip without having to worry about running out of space for your luggage or your friends. For many young elite men and women, the Roma is their first Ferrari in life.