You know that guy in the gym, wearing a loose round the waist Italian t-shirt, no grunting, and just gently nodding his head to the music, on his earbuds? He’s probably listening to Andrea Bocelli or Il Divo, not your usual house vibes, and getting emotional with his strength exercises. Well, in short, this is the Ferrari Roma!
Ferrari has been in the GT marketplace since the day they were born. So, what makes this different. The Ferrari Roma has come at a time when the world has had to take a step back and think about itself. The lives of so many have been challenged in so many ways. Versatility and diversity are key, becoming a jack of all trades is now a respected attribute, and working those side hustles has increased. The Ferrari Roma therefore, I feel is following this way of living. Dressed in a carefully prepared and tailored wide notch lapel suit, no fancy pins or handkerchiefs like flames from the top jacket pocket, and depending on the occasion, a slim not brightly coloured symmetrical Pratt knot tie. Finished, with a simple pocket square, and maybe a slim elegant watch.
Unlike all of its former Ferrari family and pedigree genes, the Ferrari Roma embodies an understated luxury that had almost been forgotten, dropping some of the signature elements, like the rear lights and side shields. It draws back to a time of romance. Subtle sounds that still hint there is power. Without the need to sing across the ceramic rooftops like Pavarotti. It shares progress in a beautifully proportioned body. It is quite possibly the perfect GT.
Driving the Ferrari Roma away from the showroom was quite emotional. Ferrari does that for me anyway. I always spend a few minutes drawing in the car’s soul. My hands caressing the interior, understanding where all the functions are and the ergonomics. Then the moment comes I press the button and light up the engine. The signature button is no longer here, I press a touch-sensitive area on the bottom of the steering wheel, and the hairs almost stand up on my arms. I adjust my driving position, mirrors, and so on, select reverse, pull out of the parking area, and start my adventure in a carriage pulled by 612 bhp of Cavallinos.
I am driving off in one of three driving modes. Each selection basically changes horsepower, rev limit, and suspension. Suffice to say I am cruising to start with in Comfort Mode. Understanding the functions, finding myself in the seat, and getting to know my positioning on the road. If like me you are lucky to have a beautiful city like Dubai, blessed with great coastal areas, world-famous buildings, and wonderful weather, then you have some great ingredients for a drive in a Roma.
The general attitude is one of a second glance. Cars almost drive by on the highway, then slow down to take that second look. It’s still relatively new to the roads here and thus a novel sight for so many. Again, this is that understated luxury I have pointed out. My cruise took me around downtown, home of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, and outer roads to explore quiet areas to better test the handling and capabilities. Comfort, Sport, and Race modes are all tested. I think I have a chance at taking on the guys. Le-Clerc and Sainz off-course. Tech falls down from areas of motorsport like that of F1, and the Ferrari Roma is no different. So many manufacturers have the same tech, but the challenge is getting all that tech to work seemlessly with car and driver. After all, we all have different styles. The greatest challenge of ego for many will be coming out of Comfort or Sport mode and switching things up in Race mode. Your attention to driving then needs to be razor-sharp. Here in the UAE, we have the challenges of dusty roads and heat. And one wrong move or lack of concentration will upset the apple cart. The amazing 8-speed gearbox instantly reacts to your commands, or you can leave in auto and let the car decide.
It is worth noting, that the interior of the car has a lot to do with the way you drive. Having a great position and comforts in the right place all go to somehow make the drive a more romantic and commanding place to be. The seating for me was sublime. It just hugged me, as if somehow, they knew my body type. The leather was soft, with a memory-type foam, and the ergonomics were perfect. Buttons and switches are all within short reach and all positioned to keep your eyes as high as possible, and off course on the road. I absolutely love the indicator switches. Perfect location on the steering wheel.
I love that Ferrari involves the passenger also. The passenger side dash area has a dedicated display, that allows them to see your revs, your speed, and gear selection and they can even select their choice of music. So, if your passenger is not the nervous type, eyes lit up thinking “HOW FAST” and gripping the edges of the seat, then they can enjoy some fine Andrea Bocelli too.
There is only one thing I shall say that I was not so keen on. Sorry Ferrari, but that Tom-Tom System is not the best. Maybe there was a missing Firmware update or similar, but it was slow to respond, the touch screen could be a little more reactive. After all, we are in a GT.
Alas comes the time to return back to the dealership. There I will sadly have to renounce my temporary 3-day ownership of the Roma. I arrived back at the showroom with but a few kilometers left in quota and a huge smile. I grab my shades and camera bag, which carry the memories of an emotional drive. My days with the Ferrari Roma have been amazing. My only gripe here was the Sat-Nav, but what a car, an absolute pleasure to drive and experience. It decorates the streets with subtle elegance, it sings the gentle note of performance between the buildings and shares the very best of Italian style.
James has a most positive and illuminating view of the world, finding soul and animation in our ever-manufactured global environments.
A traveler by nature, James has grown his professional and diverse career in Supply Chain, Photo-journalism and Digital Marketing management by acquainting himself with different traditions and cultures of more than 35 countries around the world. Capturing memories, creating identities, and gaining great perspectives.
In addition, James takes on the recent challenge of founder and creator to push his internationally recognized freelance and corporate experiences into new and exciting times with the advent of Brand Command. A brand and marketing company recognizing the creative talents of others around the world and placing soul and emotion into the image of its clients.