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

The Ferrari Amalfi is a V8-powered coupé that replaces the Roma in Ferrari's current lineup. Named after an Italian holiday destination, the Amalfi features a more slippery shape and a more powerful engine than its predecessor. Starting at just over £200,000, it represents the entry point into Ferrari ownership.

This review is based on first-hand driving impressions from professional racing driver and motoring presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson, who tested the car in Albufeira, Portugal.

Reviewed by Vicki Butler-Henderson – a professional racing driver with extensive experience in motorsport and automotive journalism. Vicki brings decades of high-performance driving expertise to this assessment.

What is the Ferrari Amalfi?

The Amalfi is Ferrari's replacement for the Roma, positioned as the entry-level model in the brand's current family. It is slightly longer than the Roma and features a redesigned front end that distinguishes it from its predecessor.

The Roma remains notable for its shark nose and taut rear end styling. At the front, the Amalfi features extremely slim full matrix LED headlights designed not to dazzle oncoming traffic. An active-matrix LED option is available for almost £3,500. The long-sculpted bonnet helps create the car's proportions, though unlike Ferrari's flagship V12-powered GT, the 12Cilindri, the Amalfi does not feature a clamshell bonnet.

The rear end features simple, clean lines compared to the Roma's more aggressive styling. The rear screen merges with an active spoiler that has three settings to help the car slice through the air at speed or slow down quickly. A 20mm high integrated nolder manipulates airflow to enhance handling.

How fast is the Amalfi?

Under the bonnet sits Ferrari's multi-award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine producing 640hp. The unit features improved warm-up efficiency and incorporates the latest turbocharging technology used in other Ferrari models, eliminating turbo lag. Power delivery is immediate when pressing the throttle, and at slower speeds the engine operates smoothly, making the car viable for everyday use.

Performance figures include:

• 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds

• Maximum speed just shy of 200mph

• The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission.

Source: Ferrari official performance specifications

How does the Amalfi feel to drive?

The Amalfi delivers on Ferrari's characteristic sound despite tighter noise regulations. The driving experience centres around the manettino selector, which pairs the car's setup to road conditions or driver preference. Settings range from maximum electronic intervention to no safety net at all for rear-wheel-drive handling.

Electronic systems working in the background include Side Slip Control 6.1 and Ferrari's magneto-rheological dampers (SCM-E Frs), which keep the car stable through quick turns. The manettino offers settings for maximum comfort on bumpy roads as well as launch control functionality.

Braking and stopping power

The Amalfi features Ferrari's latest efficient brake-by-wire setup with precision and pedal efficiency approaching race car levels. High-performing carbon ceramic brakes come as standard, whereas these are typically multi-thousand-pound options on competitor vehicles.

What tyres does the Amalfi use?

The Amalfi sits on a set of 20-inch alloys which are fitted with a set of Goodyear F1 Eagle SuperSport tyres.
According to Goodyear, the tyre features an innovative U-shaped compound and specialised power zones for exceptional wet and dry performance, while a tread deformation protector and excellent footprint preservation ensure high-speed stability.

At the front, you will find the size 245/35R20 and at the rear it is 283/35R20. 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.

Is the Amalfi practical day to day?

Boot capacity measures 273 litres, one litre more than the Roma and equivalent to a VW Golf hybrid. The rear seats fold to provide additional storage space. Despite a compact-looking opening, the boot can accommodate a couple of carry-on plane bags

Source: Ferrari cargo capacity specifications and comparative manufacturer data

The Amalfi is classified as a 2+ coupé rather than a 2+2, meaning there is no space for full seats in the rear. However, ISOFIX rigging for child seats comes as standard.

Interior design and features

The interior has evolved from the Roma with several notable improvements. In response to popular demand, proper buttons have returned to the steering wheel instead of haptic controls. A traditional push-button aluminium start button has also been reinstated.

The steering wheel features Ferrari's usual array of controls on both sides and around the back, with gearshift paddles positioned within fingertip reach. The dual-aspect cabin design is similar to that in the 12Cilindri, with an optional passenger display for almost £4,000 that allows the co-pilot to view data including G-forces and engine revs.

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 car includes all necessary technology and driver aids. For locations requiring daily nose lift functionality, a front lifter system can raise the nose by 40mm at speeds up to 21mph. Comfort seats are available in three sizes with massage functions. The cabin features a mix of materials brought together with contrasting stitching.

How much does the Amalfi cost?

The Ferrari Amalfi starts at just over £200,000. The options list is extensive and includes:

• Airbrushed logo: £8,978
• Matt black paint: £27,396
• Passenger display option: almost £4,000
• Active-matrix LED lights: almost £3,500

Source: Ferrari official pricing and options list

For those seeking further personalisation, Ferrari's highly bespoke Tailor-Made department offers additional customisation options.

How does the Amalfi compare to rivals?

Competing for attention in this market segment is the substantially quicker Porsche 911 Turbo S and the substantially cheaper, strict two-seater Aston Martin Vantage.

What the Amalfi offers

From the reviewer's perspective, the Ferrari Amalfi offers a wonderful welcome to the brand. It is the least intimidating but the best-balanced and therefore the most rewarding Ferrari in the company's current line-up.

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