New Ferrari Amalfi: Vicki Butler-Henderson's First Drive Verdict

What Is the Ferrari Amalfi?

The Ferrari Amalfi succeeds the Roma as the entry point into Ferrari's current model range, positioned as a front-engined V8 grand tourer. Named after the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, it is slightly longer than the Roma with a redesigned front end and a more aerodynamically efficient body. The car was tested in Albufeira, Portugal.

The Amalfi launched as a coupé, with the Amalfi Spider subsequently unveiled in March 2026. The 12Cilindri, Ferrari's V12 grand tourer, sits above the Amalfi in the range. Ferrari classifies the Amalfi as a 2+ coupé. The rear seats are very small, with Vicki considering them better suited to booster seats than a full-size child seat for a very young child, although ISOFIX mounting points are fitted.

What makes the Ferrari Amalfi stand out:

• 640hp from a multi-award-winning 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 with improved turbo lag reduction and warm-up efficiency
• Carbon ceramic brakes standard, which Vicki notes can be multi-thousand-pound options elsewhere
• Active rear spoiler with three settings adjusting between maximum downforce and minimum drag
• Side Slip Control 6.1 and magneto-rheological dampers for precise electronic chassis management
• Proper steering wheel buttons reinstated after customer feedback about the Roma's haptic controls
• Optional front lifter raising the nose 40mm at speeds up to around 22mph for urban use
• ISOFIX child seat mounting points standard despite 2+ classification

What Does the Ferrari Amalfi Look Like?

The Amalfi's front end is defined by extremely slim full matrix LED headlights designed not to dazzle oncoming traffic, with an active-matrix LED option available for approximately £3,500. The long, sculpted bonnet helps give the Amalfi its distinctive proportions, although unlike the 12Cilindri, it does not use a clamshell bonnet design. At the rear, simple, clean lines replace the Roma's more complex styling. The rear screen merges with an active spoiler that operates across three settings. A 20mm integrated nolder manipulates airflow at the rear to enhance downforce and stability.

How Does the Ferrari Amalfi Drive?

Performance and Power Delivery

The 3.9-litre V8 produces 640hp with improved turbo response compared to previous iterations. Power delivery is immediate from the throttle and smooth at lower speeds, making the car genuinely usable in everyday conditions. At higher revs the engine builds through the V8's characteristic sound range, delivering on Ferrari's reputation for aural character despite increasingly tight noise regulations. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts rapidly and holds gears precisely in manual mode.

Handling and Balance

The manettino selector adjusts the car's setup from maximum electronic intervention to fully open rear-wheel-drive handling with no safety net. Side Slip Control 6.1 and Ferrari's magneto-rheological dampers (SCM-E Frs) manage stability through quick direction changes. A Bumpy Road manettino setting provides additional suspension compliance for poor surfaces. Launch control functionality is available for maximum acceleration deployment.

Vicki describes the Amalfi as the best-balanced Ferrari in the current lineup, less intimidating than the 12Cilindri and more rewarding than it appears in specification. The balance of accessibility and performance makes it suitable for both road use and occasional track days.

Braking

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard on the Amalfi. The brake-by-wire system delivers pedal feel approaching race car levels, with precision and modulation that builds confidence quickly.

Is the Ferrari Amalfi Practical?

Boot capacity measures 273 litres, one litre more than the Roma and equivalent to a Volkswagen Golf hybrid. The rear seats fold to provide additional storage space. Despite a compact boot opening, the space accommodates carry-on luggage for two people on shorter trips.

An optional front lifter raises the nose by 40mm at speeds up to around 22mph, a practical feature for urban speed bumps and steep driveways. ISOFIX fixings are fitted in the rear, although Vicki considers the limited space better suited to booster seats than a full-size child seat for a very young child.

What Is the Ferrari Amalfi Interior Like?

Steering Wheel and Controls:

Proper physical buttons have returned to the steering wheel in response to customer feedback about the Roma's haptic controls. Ferrari's traditional array of controls flanks both sides of the wheel, with gearshift paddles positioned within fingertip reach. A traditional push-button aluminium start button has also been reinstated.

Infotainment:

A new touchscreen design sits in the centre console alongside an aluminium centre tunnel housing the gear selector, key slot and wireless charging pad. The dual-aspect dashboard design, shared with the 12Cilindri, includes an optional passenger display for approximately £4,000, showing data including G-forces and engine revs.

Materials and Finish:

The cabin features a mix of quality materials with contrasting stitching throughout. The seats on Vicki's test car were fitted with the optional massage function. The Amalfi also offers a broad range of technology and driver aids, with features such as the front lifter available as options.

What Wheels and Tyres Does the Ferrari Amalfi Have?

The Amalfi rides on 20-inch alloy wheels with a staggered tyre fitment.

The Amalfi tested by Vicki was fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres. According to Goodyear, the Eagle F1 SuperSport is designed to combine wet and dry grip with high-speed stability. The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport has received strong ratings from drivers on DriverReviews.

Ferrari also offers a Michelin option in these sizes as a factory fitment, complete with the Ferrari specific sidewall marking indicating that the tyre has been developed in collaboration with Ferrari.

OE tyre options:

• Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport, R20
• Bridgestone Potenza Sport, R20
• Pirelli P ZERO, R20

Sources: Ferrari Amalfi official technical information

How Does the Ferrari Amalfi Compare to Rivals?

Ferrari Amalfi vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Porsche 911 Turbo S sits in a similar price bracket to the Amalfi. It offers substantially more power and a more rounded all-weather capability with its all-wheel drive system. The 911 Turbo S suits buyers who want maximum performance and practicality; the Amalfi suits those who prefer rear-wheel drive character and Ferrari's grand tourer positioning.

Ferrari Amalfi vs Aston Martin Vantage

The Aston Martin Vantage is substantially less expensive than the Amalfi and is a strict two-seater. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional rather than standard on the Vantage. The Vantage suits buyers who want a more focused sports car at a lower price; the Amalfi offers a more refined grand tourer experience.

Is the Ferrari Amalfi Worth Buying?

The Ferrari Amalfi makes a strong case as the most accessible entry point into Ferrari ownership without compromising the brand's character. At £202,459 it includes carbon ceramic brakes as standard, while an optional front lifter adds extra everyday usability. Its powertrain rewards drivers at both road and track pace. Buyers who want more outright performance and all-wheel drive should consider the Porsche 911 Turbo S from £199,100; buyers who want a lower entry price and are comfortable with a two-seater should consider the Aston Martin Vantage from £169,500.

The case for the Ferrari Amalfi:

• 640hp twin-turbo V8 with improved turbo response and everyday usability
• Carbon ceramic brakes standard, typically a multi-thousand-pound option on rivals
• Best-balanced Ferrari in the current lineup according to Vicki
• Optional front lifter available for urban use
• 273-litre boot, one litre more than the Roma
• Optional passenger display showing G-forces and engine data

Before you buy:

• 2+ rear seating is very limited; Vicki considers the space better suited to booster seats than a full-size child seat
• Options list is extensive; realistic specifications exceed £250,000
• The Porsche 911 Turbo S offers more power and all-weather capability for approximately the same price