The Amalfi arrives as Ferrari’s new 2+ front-mid-engined coupe, replacing the Roma and proving that “entry level” is just a price factor. This is a wonderfully athletic GT that keeps the recipe refreshingly simple: a twin-turbo V8 up front, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, balanced rear-wheel drive and driver-focused technology that encourages rather than distracts.
The heart is the latest development of the F154 V8. It delivers 640 hp at 7,500 rpm with a redline of 7,600 rpm, good for 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 9.0 seconds. Ferrari claims a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 2.29 kg per hp. On the road, you’ll feel the thrust of the Amalfi stacks: razor-sharp throttle response, clean launches and upshifts that take you into an even stronger torque range. A highlight is the dual clutch transmission. The shifts go very quickly; If the standard knocking feels a bit theatrical when upshifting aggressively, a quieter map will tone it down.
Turbo control and calibration ensure the numbers feel natural. Independent turbo speed management for each bank, a higher maximum turbo speed and special pressure measurement help the engine accelerate from low speeds and boost to peak. The flat-plane crank and the runners of equal length ensure a clear response and a targeted tone as the speed increases. Hold down a gear and the Amalfi rewards you with pull and sound that stretches to the limit.
Chassis set-up is convincing from the first kilometer. Steering and primary controls feel “very Ferrari”: immediate, precise, never hectic. Side Slip Control 6.1 combines the E-Diff, torque management and brake control to ensure a confident, playful balance. The front axle engages quickly, the wheel gains reassuring weight just off center, and when the Manettino is in more permissive modes, the rear wheel breathes without biting. ABS Evo uses a 6D sensor to estimate the actual vehicle speed and optimal tire slip, ensuring clean straight-line stops on mixed surfaces and increasing stability when the road is not perfect.
The only system that required a short acclimatization was brake-by-wire. Pedal feel is consistent as your foot learns the first bite, and modulation soon becomes second nature. The “Bumpy Road” mode remains a tried-and-tested Ferrari trick for broken asphalt in everyday life, while the nose lift proves itself for monumental speed bumps.
The aerodynamics are cleanly integrated and not noticeable. Underbody panels reduce drag, the floor and diffuser control wake, and an integrated rear wing switches between low drag and higher downforce settings to keep the car quiet at speed without visual fuss. The effect is simple: the Amalfi stays on the ground as the lateral load increases, and no amount of lift could undo the good work of the steering.
Inside, Ferrari has remedied the crucial frustration. The steering wheel now has physical buttons, including a proper aluminum start button. The three-screen HMI combines a 15.6-inch driver display with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch passenger screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a neatly milled aluminum center tunnel houses the charger and switchgear. The materials feel rich and well put together. Only one type of seat is offered; Deeper cushions would be welcome if you live near the limit, but heating, ventilation and massage make long days pain-free. The rear seats are best suited for bags and jackets, which meets the requirements.
The design further develops the clear, sculptural theme of the Roma. Fewer lines, more surface. The nose looks tidy and technical without decoration, while the rear hides the lamps in clear graphic cuts above a functional diffuser. It reads as modern and confident rather than theatrical, which suits the character of the car.
What remains is the ease with which the Amalfi performs. The steering is precise, the throttle is reliable and the chassis invites you to explore the balance. Ferrari’s control philosophy: SSC 6.1, ABS Evo, predictable DCT mapping; works quietly in the background, ensuring you feel competent and unsupervised. This is a driver’s GT in the best sense of the word: fast, communicative and easy to understand.
The Amalfi may be the entry point into Ferrari’s offering, but it feels anything but basic. The drivetrain is lively, the chassis is well thought out and the interior finally combines modern technology with sensible ergonomics. If you want a Ferrari that looks elegant, is powerful and communicates clearly, without hybrid complexity or all-wheel drive weight, then this is for you. Entry level is just the label. The experience is pure Ferrari.
