The entry-level marvel in Ferrari’s prestigious lineup has undergone a transformative makeover, evolving from the Roma into the captivating Amalfi. Although these two models share similar layouts and technical frameworks, the new Ferrari Amalfi takes the Roma's elegance and sharpens it to perfection—just in time for a face-off against formidable competitors like Aston Martin, Bentley, and Porsche. Ferrari asserts that the upgrades are so profound that a name change was necessitated. Upon first glance, it’s hard to argue with that assertion; the front profile of the Amalfi has been completely reimagined, offering a bold visage that echoes the modern aesthetics of the Purosangue, moving away from the more traditional GT looks of its ancestors.
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Nestled within a tightly crafted opening, the LED headlights come alive, elegantly adorned with a LED lightbar and a compact intake positioned above. Concealed in the sleek bar separating the headlights are advanced sensors, while the main radar remains prominently placed below the striking grille. This newly designed lower grille is now a sweeping, wraparound opening, elegantly covered in a refined mesh. Every metal body panel has received a fresh design touch with crisper lines and a more assertive volume, even though the Amalfi retains the same fundamental architecture as the Roma. Interestingly, the windscreen and front windows remain unchanged between the two models.
As we shift our focus to the rear, the once bulbous contours of the Roma yield to a more sophisticated and technical appearance that draws parallels to the iconic 12Cilindri. The redesigned twin-element lights now rest against a sculptured ledge, which also cleverly accommodates the boot release. Just above, a state-of-the-art active wing now delivers a staggering 110kg more downforce compared to its predecessor in its most aggressive setting, amplifying the Amalfi's sporting credentials.
However, it is within the cabin where significant enhancements truly unfold. Thanks to an entirely new dashboard and center console, the interior now radiates an expansive feel without any alterations to the core dimensions. At the heart of this redesign is a central bridge that elegantly bisects the front seats, replacing the more stylized console of the Roma. While many drivers will choose to outfit this feature in carbon fiber, the standard finish is an impressive solid piece of anodized aluminum, meticulously milled from a single block, which harmonizes magnificently with Ferrari's luxurious selection of premium leathers, carbon, and Alcantara.
The rear seats remain tightly packaged, suitable only for small children, a trait shared with most competitors in this segment. However, the Amalfi doesn't skimp on practicality, with a spacious 273-liter boot that can easily accommodate a couple of carry-on suitcases. If you fancy fitting a set of golf clubs, however, you might have to fold the rear seats down. Acknowledging customer feedback, Ferrari has instituted several major enhancements to the vehicle's digital interfaces. First on the list: the controversial haptic steering wheel buttons have made way for tangible physical controls, simplifying the navigation of the intricate menu structures within the instrument cluster. A new, easy-to-find red starter button has replaced the previous touch control—a shift welcomed by many in the Ferrari community.
Adding to the modern aesthetics, the center display now features a more conventional horizontal layout, drawn from the 12Cilindri, which sits comfortably below the redesigned dashtop. This transformation not only aligns the Amalfi more closely with its sibling but also creates a more open ambiance compared to the Roma’s previous, snug design.
Underneath this striking new façade, Ferrari has concentrated on optimizing the existing hardware, introducing new technical capabilities to enhance performance. A cutting-edge ECU now harmonizes various chassis systems more effectively, while a revamped braking setup promises improved feel and consistency. Additionally, upgraded springs and dampers endow the Amalfi with a wider spectrum of capabilities, bridging the gap between sportscar excitement and GT comfort seamlessly.
The beating heart of this magnificent machine continues to be its re-engineered 3.9-liter V8 engine, now producing an impressive 631 hp and a robust 760 Nm of torque. This dynamic power is deftly routed through a sophisticated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, complemented by an electronically controlled differential for seamless power distribution. As competition heats up, with Aston Martin unveiling a potent version of its DB12 and Bentley’s Continental GT Speed gearing up for a faster variant, as well as Porsche’s impending hybrid-assisted 911 Turbo, the Amalfi will have its work cut out for it upon its debut in the first quarter of next year. With a projected starting price around €232,000, it’s poised to dazzle amidst a cadre of new challengers.
