Ferrari is known for dramatic supercars, screaming engines and unmistakable racing DNA. But the new Amalfi takes a different approach, combining the performance expected of a Ferrari with the comfort and elegance of a grand tourer.
As the successor to the Ferrari Roma, the Amalfi is a front-mid-engined 2+2 coupe designed to be more approachable as an everyday Ferrari. It retains the brand’s performance credentials while putting greater emphasis on refinement, usability and long-distance comfort.
That character becomes clear from its styling. Rather than adopting the aggressive, low-slung appearance associated with Ferrari’s more extreme sports cars, the Amalfi has a long bonnet, flowing bodywork and a wide rear stance that give it a more sophisticated presence.
Its design also moves the car further away from the Roma visually, despite sharing the same basic role in Ferrari’s line-up. Top Gear Philippines noted that the Amalfi’s proportions emphasise its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, while its integrated rear spoiler and wide rear haunches give it a distinctly sporty appearance.
Under the bonnet is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing around 640hp and 760Nm of torque, depending on market specification. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The numbers are serious. The Amalfi can accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in about 3.3 seconds, while 0 to 200kmh takes roughly nine seconds. Yet the car’s appeal is not simply about how quickly it can reach those figures.
The V8 delivers its power in a relatively progressive manner, making the Amalfi surprisingly manageable in ordinary traffic. But press the accelerator harder and the character changes quickly, with strong torque throughout the rev range and the engine building towards its high-revving peak with the distinctive sound expected from a Ferrari V8.
The driving experience is equally important. Reviews have praised the Amalfi’s steering, body control and ability to remain composed while being driven enthusiastically. At the same time, its suspension is capable of absorbing rougher road surfaces, helping reinforce Ferrari’s argument that this is a car that can actually be driven regularly rather than reserved for special occasions.
That dual personality was particularly noticeable during a first drive around Kuala Lumpur. Despite the city’s traffic and relatively limited opportunity to exploit the car’s performance, the Amalfi was described as easy to live with, offering good visibility and a comfortable ride.
Ferrari has also equipped the car with technology aimed at making it more usable on imperfect roads. Its suspension can adapt to different conditions, while a dedicated setting helps the car deal with bumps and uneven surfaces.
Inside, the Amalfi continues the balance between sportiness and luxury. The cabin has the technology and driver-focused layout expected of a modern Ferrari, while still providing enough comfort for longer journeys.
There are compromises, however. The rear seats are best viewed as occasional-use spaces rather than genuine adult seating, and some reviewers have criticised the continued reliance on touch-sensitive controls. The brakes can also feel sensitive at very low speeds.
But those drawbacks do little to undermine the Amalfi’s overall purpose. It is not intended to be Ferrari’s most extreme machine. Instead, it occupies the role of a sophisticated grand tourer that can cruise comfortably through a city before becoming a seriously capable performance car when the road opens up.
That combination may ultimately be the Amalfi’s biggest strength. It delivers the visual drama, speed and driving involvement associated with Ferrari without demanding the compromises normally associated with a high-performance supercar.
For buyers looking for an everyday Ferrari rather than an uncompromising track-focused machine, the Amalfi could prove to be one of Maranello’s most convincing offerings yet.
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