Ferrari stands as an enduring symbol of Italian passion, precision and performance. With each new release, the Maranello marque pushes the boundaries of engineering and design, captivating enthusiasts and aficionados alike. During a recent trip to Dubai, Kristian Harrison experienced two of Ferrari’s latest creations first-hand: the new Roma Spider and Purosangue, courtesy of Euro Motors Ferrari Bahrain.
Revving up two of Ferrari’s latest marvels, the Roma Spider and Purosangue, felt like stepping into the motoring version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Everywhere I looked, I was captivated by a sound, a design quirk or a luxury flourish that made me feel like I had won the golden ticket to petrol-fuelled paradise.
First up was the Roma Spider, a convertible wonder that marries elegance with exhilaration. Slipping into the driver’s seat, I was greeted by a cockpit that oozed sophistication, like a swanky Italian lounge on wheels.
I was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. The cabin exudes craftsmanship, with sumptuous leather upholstery (the terracotta in my model was a fine touch!), carbon fibre accents and intuitive technology at every touchpoint. The driver-centric cockpit places all controls within easy reach, emphasising the Roma Spider’s focus on the art of driving.
In fact, the centre console is reserved for little more than climate control, navigation and audio, with almost all buttons and toggles consigned to the wheel. That includes the ignition, which is a touch button to spur the Roma Spider into life with a purr that quickly escalates into a symphony of roaring cylinders. Thereafter, the thrill of 612 horsepower at my command was like being handed the keys to a rocket disguised as a sports car.
Zooming through twisty roads and long highways alike, the Roma Spider danced with the agility of a ballerina, gracefully pirouetting through every corner. Its chassis is finely tuned, delivering precise handling and exceptional agility through every twist and turn, leaving me with the sense of conducting an orchestra of rubber and asphalt.
But don’t be fooled by its elegance; the Roma Spider is a party animal at heart. Switching into Sport mode unleashed its inner beast, transforming the serene cruiser into a fire-breathing dragon.
Next on the agenda was the Purosangue, which represents Ferrari’s bold foray into a high-performance four-door utility vehicle. As soon as I opened the door, however, all of the doubts and questions just melted away. In contrast to the Roma Spider’s refined elegance, the Purosangue commands attention with its muscular stance and commanding presence. Yet, beneath its rugged exterior lies the soul of a thoroughbred, ready to unleash unparalleled performance at a moment’s notice.
The Purosangue’s spacious and meticulously crafted interior has room for four people and blends opulent comfort with cutting-edge technology. Supple leather adorns every surface, while brushed aluminium and carbon fibre accents add a touch of contemporary flair. Despite its SUV proportions, the driver’s seat offers a commanding view of the road ahead, instilling confidence and authority behind the wheel.
Firing up the engine, the Purosangue roars to life with a primal growl, courtesy of its potent powertrain – a glorious V12 engine delivering a staggering 715 horsepower. With such prodigious output, the Purosangue accelerates with relentless force. Yet, it’s not just straight-line speed where the Purosangue excels; its sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension ensure unparalleled agility and stability, even in the most challenging driving conditions.
Taking it off-road (or as off-road as a Ferrari can go), the Purosangue proved surprisingly capable. Sure, it wasn’t designed for mud-slinging like a traditional 4x4, but it handled itself with confidence.
Speaking of brave ideas, the Purosangue completely forgoes ‘normal’ SatNav and instead makes it usable only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Let’s face it – in-car satellite navigation options tend to be outdated very quickly and operate much slower and less efficiently than the ones on our phones, so it’s good to see such an esteemed brand take the courageous step into the future.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Purosangue is its ability to blend practicality with performance. With ample cargo space and comfortable seating for four, it caters to the needs of both thrill-seekers and families alike. Yet, true to its Ferrari lineage, the Purosangue never compromises on driving dynamics or excitement, delivering an exhilarating experience that transcends traditional norms.
Ultimately, with the Roma Spider and Purosangue, the joy of driving comes in spades. Whether you’re cruising along the highway with the wind in your hair or ferrying the family along city streets, these Italian stallions deliver a fun-filled fiesta that’s impossible to resist.
