Ferrari Amalfi First Drive: Is it a Forced Purchase or a True Successor?

Evolution from Roma to Amalfi

• 🚀 The Ferrari Amalfi is introduced as the successor to the Roma, continuing the lineage that began with the California in 2008.
• 💡 While visually distinct with a new fascia and recessed tail lights, the Amalfi shares design cues with the Roma and the Maserati Alfieri concept.
• 🚗 Key technical changes include a new brake-by-wire system and an evolution of the 3.9L TT V8 engine, now producing 640hp and 760Nm.

Driving Experience and Comfort

• 🛣️ The Amalfi is designed as a comfortable GT, suitable for long weekends, offering a smooth and gentle driving experience on various road conditions.
• 🎶 Engine sound is slightly subdued due to new 72-decibel regulations, though Ferrari engineers incorporate sound through 'hot tubes' rather than speakers.
• ⚙️ The car features a new control pad for the dual-clutch gearbox and an updated Manettino with various driving modes, including a 'bumpy road' setting for enhanced comfort.

Interior and Technology Updates

• 📱 The interior adopts a cockpit layout similar to the Purosangue and 12Cilindri, featuring a 15.6-inch curved driver's display, a 10.25-inch central screen, and an 8.8-inch passenger screen.
• 🔘 A significant change is the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel, alongside a physical engine start-stop button, replacing previous haptic controls.
• 🔌 The car includes modern amenities like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though some plastic elements are noted as less premium.

Design and Aerodynamics

• ✨ The exterior design emphasizes elegance with smooth curves, a new bar-style front fascia, and recessed tail lights, hiding sensors and cameras for a cleaner look.
• 💨 An active rear spoiler is integrated into the new rear panel, offering low drag, medium downforce (20°), or high downforce (50°) positions for stability and air braking.
• 💎 New five-spoke wheel designs, inspired by traditional Ferrari styles, incorporate cutouts for weight reduction and improved airflow to the carbon-ceramic brakes.

Collector's Perspective and Market Position

• 🤔 The question of whether the Amalfi is a 'forced purchase' for collectors is addressed, with the speaker clarifying that Ferrari no longer mandates purchases of entry-level models to secure limited editions.
• 💰 With high spec configurations potentially reaching over £300,000, the Amalfi competes with lightly used higher-tier Ferraris, making its value proposition a consideration.
• 📊 The speaker notes that the Roma and Roma Spider have not held their value exceptionally well, a factor for potential buyers to consider, especially with the impending Amalfi Spider.

Final Thoughts on the Amalfi

• ✅ The Amalfi is praised as a proper Ferrari, offering a lively and exciting GT experience that serves a different purpose than mid-engine supercars.
• 🔊 A desire for more engine sound is expressed, acknowledging the challenges posed by modern regulations on passion-driven automotive design.
• 🌟 Despite minor criticisms regarding interior materials and screen placement, the Amalfi is considered a phenomenal car that does a very nice job as a super sports GT, offering practicality and a spectacular new car experience.