OHLALA EMBARKED ON A TRIP TO PORTUGAL TO MEET A STRIKING CREATION THAT COMBINES ELEGANCE AND PERFORMANCE: THE FERRARI AMALFI.
Following a very welcome invitation from Ferrari Middle East and Euro Motors Bahrain, we arrived in Lisbon from the Gulf and were swiftly transferred south to the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira – a setting that felt entirely appropriate for the unveiling of Ferrari’s latest Grand Tourer. After a welcoming drink overlooking the Atlantic, OHLALA’s team spent the evening listening intently to Ferrari designers and engineers, gaining insight into the thinking behind the new Amalfi before watching footage that introduced the car in detail. It was a refined, unhurried start – one that allowed the philosophy behind the model to unfold naturally.
The following morning, we regrouped early and headed out on a test-drive route designed specifically for the Amalfi. The course traced the coastline around Albufeira before climbing into the surrounding mountains, combining flowing roads, elevation changes and wide-open views. As Ferrari’s new front-mid-engine V8 2+ coupé – and the model created to replace the Roma – the Amalfi arrives with a clear mandate: to evolve the Grand Touring concept for a modern audience. From the first kilometres, it was evident that this Ferrari had been shaped with balance, composure and everyday usability firmly in mind.
A MODERN SCULPTURE
The Ferrari Amalfi presents itself with a composed, contemporary elegance. Finished in its launch colour, Verde Costiera – a light teal inspired by the reflections of the Amalfi Coast – the sculpted bodywork subtly shifts character as light moves across its surfaces. It is expressive without excess, refined without restraint.
The design follows a fluid, minimalist philosophy, with clean surfaces and sculpted volumes forming a sleek, monolithic speedform. At the front, the absence of a traditional grille is immediately noticeable. A floating body-coloured wing sits above a dark recessed band integrating sensors and lighting, while a long, sculpted bonnet stretches forward, hinting at the twin-turbo V8 beneath. The lower splitter adds visual width and a sense of purpose.
Along the sides, a wedge-shaped theme and lighting units integrated into technical cuts create a sense of motion even at rest. At the rear, precise graphic cuts conceal the taillights, referencing Ferrari heritage through a modern lens. A wide diffuser communicates aerodynamic intent, while the integrated active rear spoiler remains discreetly hidden until required. The overall effect is cohesive and assured – a design confident in its clarity.
“As the successor to the Roma, it builds on familiar foundations while introducing meaningful advancements in design, interior execution and driving confidence.”
MINIMALIST MASTERY
Inside, the Amalfi adopts a dual-cockpit layout that envelops both driver and passenger in two visually connected cells. While certain architectural elements reference the Roma, the majority of the interior has been newly developed for the Amalfi, resulting in a cabin that feels more contemporary, focussed and refined.
Ferrari has simplified the interior language, prioritising clean architecture, premium materials and seamless technology integration. The dashboard introduces a monolithic layout, merging the instrument cluster and air vents into a single sculptural form. The central tunnel, milled from a block of anodised aluminium, appears suspended, housing the gear selector gate, wireless charging pad, key slot and secondary controls.
Carbon fibre accents and contrasting stitching add exclusivity, while the bold interior colour palette – highlighted by Verde Bellagio in the launch configuration – draws attention toward the driver-focussed front section. The 2+ seating configuration enhances practicality, allowing the rear seats to expand cargo capacity or accommodate children. Optional comfort seats, available in three sizes, feature ventilation and a multi-programme massage function – a welcome indulgence that enhances the already relaxed atmosphere on board.
HUMAN-MACHINE HARMONY
Ferrari’s renewed Human-Machine Interface marks a meaningful step forward in usability. The new steering wheel returns to physical buttons, improving ergonomics and ease of recognition while driving. The iconic aluminium start button has also returned, positioned on the left.
Three displays anchor the digital experience. A 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster presents driving and vehicle dynamics information with clarity, while the 10.25-inch central touchscreen controls multimedia, navigation, climate, seat functions and vehicle settings. An 8.8-inch passenger display allows the co-driver to view engine revs and G-forces, encouraging engagement without distraction.
Connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless smartphone charging as standard, alongside the MyFerrari Connect system for remote vehicle monitoring. The optional Burmester Premium Audio System, delivering 1,200 watts through 14 speakers, transforms the cabin into an immersive listening environment well suited to long coastal drives.
PRECISION AND POWER
At the heart of the Ferrari Amalfi lies the latest evolution of the 3,855cc twin-turbo V8 from the award-winning F154 family. Producing 640cv and paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it delivers immediate throttle response and a progressive surge of power that feels both exhilarating and composed.
Performance figures are emphatic – 0–100km/h in 3.3 seconds and 0–200HP/ h in 9.0 seconds – yet what impressed us most on the roads around Albufeira was balance. Power delivery is smooth and confidence-inspiring, allowing the Amalfi to flow naturally along the route rather than overwhelm it.
Braking performance stands out just as clearly. Brake-by-wire technology and the ABS Evo controller deliver strong, consistent stopping force with excellent modulation. Pedal feel remains progressive and reassuring, even under repeated heavy use, reinforcing the Amalfi’s sense of control during dynamic driving.
INTEGRATED ASSISTANCE
The Amalfi is equipped with a comprehensive suite of next-generation driver assistance systems designed to support rather than intrude. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness detection. Optional Surround View and Rear Cross Traffic Alert enhance awareness in everyday scenarios.
These systems integrate seamlessly with Ferrari’s electronic architecture and work in harmony with Side Slip Control 6.1 and the car’s dynamic systems. The result is a Grand Tourer that feels secure and composed without diminishing engagement – an essential balance for a Ferrari intended to be driven regularly.
THE FINISHING LINE
The Ferrari Amalfi represents a thoughtful evolution of the modern Grand Tourer. As the successor to the Roma, it builds on familiar foundations while introducing meaningful advancements in design, interior execution and driving confidence. From its sculpted exterior and largely reimagined cabin to its responsive V8, assured braking performance and advanced driver assistance systems, the Amalfi delivers a cohesive and refined experience.
For the OHLALA team, our time with the Amalfi in Portugal revealed a Ferrari defined by balance. It is a luxurious GT that understands elegance, usability and emotion are strongest when they work together – quietly, confidently and without compromise.
For more information, please call Euro Motors Bahrain on
1773 4734 or
visit www.bahrain.ferraridealers.com/en-GB
@ferraribah