Ferrari has revealed a new 612bhp V8 front-engined coupé called the Roma, featuring bold styling to try to capture a new audience.
The new model, unveiled in the Italian capital and set to go on sale next summer with a starting price of around £175,000, shares some underpinnings the Ferrari Portofino drop-top but has all-new styling – including active aerodynamics – and a revamped and upgraded powertrain.
Described by the Italian firm as an all-new model, Ferrari commercial chief Enrico Galliera said it represents "a new gran turismo". "Nobody can question this is a sports car," he said, "but it's also very elegant."
Galleria said that the Roma has been designed to appeal to potential customers who would "love to drive a sports car or a Ferrari but might be a bit afraid of one." He added: "This car will attract people who have never driven a sports car, who drive something less aggressive and now want something a bit more extreme."
The fifth new model Ferrari has launched in 2019, the Roma is termed a 2+ coupé, thanks to the option of two small seats or a storage compartment in the rear.
The Roma has a retro design that Ferrari design chief Flavio Manzoni said was inspired by classic front-engined Ferraris from the 1960s, such as the 250 GT Berlinetta and 2+2. Despite that, Manzoni said the design is intended to look to the future. "We don't like the nostalgic approach," he said. "We like to innovate. The idea was to develop a car that would be perfect to take to the track and then to drive to the opera."
The Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT rival features a bold, new-look grille - described as a porous surface – at the end of its elongated front bonnet, which Manzonio said was inspired by the simplicity of Formula 1 cars. There are also sharp lines over the wheel arches and a notable bulge in the front bonnet.
The rear features a sloping window, distinctive, narrow lights and quad exhausts. An active rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen deploys automatically at high speeds for optimal downforce and features three different settings.
