2021 Ferrari Roma: The shapely coupe is the latest model to come out of the company’s Maranello headquarters and is named after the country’s capital—Rome. While its sheet metal recalls Ferraris from the 50s and 60s, the grand tourer also hides serious performance hardware and cutting-edge technology.
A 612-hp turbocharged V-8 is at its heart and specifically tuned to make beautiful music. Likewise, its lightweight components and myriad dynamic systems aim to make the Prancing Horse badge proud.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Stuffed under the 2021 Ferrari Roma‘s lengthy hood and mounted near the middle of the car is a turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 that makes 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a.k.a. DCT) that debuted on the even more exotic Ferrari SF90 Stradale.
While we’ve had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Roma, we haven’t had a chance to test its performance at the track. Still, our drive taught us that this Ferrari can be enjoyed during a nonchalant cruise or raced around winding corners.
Its high-revving V-8 produces glorious sounds, and the DCT quickly adapts to requests for snappy gear changes. While its steering was light on effort, we appreciated the helm’s directness and precision.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
With a powerful engine and sporty pretensions, the 2021 Ferrari Roma isn’t fooling anyone that it’s going to be especially fuel-efficient. The EPA estimates the 2021 model will earn 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
However, we can’t evaluate its real-world mpg unless we have an opportunity to run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
Stitched together with leather and swathed in faux-suede, the 2021 Ferrari Roma‘s interior mixes upscale materials with a unique layout. Each front-seat passenger is cocooned by a sweeping dashboard that flows into the doors and floating center console.
The driver faces a giant 16-inch fully digital gauge cluster that responds to haptic controls on Roma’s button-heavy, flat-bottom steering wheel.
A pair of rear seats make it a 2+2 coupe, and the space is actually suitable for adults in short spurts as long the front seats are properly adjusted. Unlike most other Ferrari models, the Roma has a large center section, just don’t expect its interior cubby storage to be plentiful.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
Despite wearing the iconic Prancing Horse logo, the Roma is more of a grand tourer than a focused track star. As a result, it treats passengers with more infotainment and connectivity features than some other Ferrari models. This includes a vertically mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen as well as a separate screen for the front passenger.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
While driver-assistance technology is usually an afterthought on ultra-pricey sports cars, the Roma offers several advanced assists. For more information about the 2021 Ferrari Roma’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites
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