A New Era of "La Nuova Dolce Vita": A Review of the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi

The sun-drenched coastal roads of Italy have long served as the muse for Ferrari's grand tourers, and the newest chapter in this storied lineage is the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi. Replacing the beloved Roma, the Amalfi arrives with a blend of refined elegance, enhanced performance, and a renewed focus on driver engagement. With a starting price that positions it as the entry point to the Prancing Horse lineup, the Amalfi aims to embody "La Nuova Dolce Vita"—the new sweet life—by combining exhilarating performance with everyday usability and style.

The Design: Evolving Elegance

Ferrari's design language, under the guidance of Flavio Manzoni, has moved toward a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic, and the Amalfi is a stunning example of this evolution. The Roma's "eggcrate" front grille is gone, replaced by a more aggressive and streamlined "sharknose" design with a prominent lower bib. This change gives the Amalfi a more technical and purposeful look, a subtle shift away from the Roma's retro-inspired charm. The headlights and taillights are sleeker, and the overall silhouette is even more fluid, with sculpted lines that flow effortlessly from the long, sensuous bonnet to the powerful haunches. The rear, in particular, borrows cues from the 296 GTB, giving it a more modern and muscular stance. The result is a car that is unmistakably a Ferrari, yet possesses a unique and sophisticated presence that sets it apart from its stablemates and competitors.

The Interior: A Return to Tactility

Perhaps the most significant and welcome change in the Amalfi is its interior. While the Roma's high-tech, multi-screen approach was futuristic, it was also criticized for its distracting capacitive controls on the steering wheel. Ferrari has listened to its customers and brought back physical buttons, a tacit admission that sometimes, the analog feel is simply better. The new steering wheel features a more traditional layout for key functions, making it easier and more intuitive to operate at speed.

The cabin still embraces modern technology with a triple-display Human-Machine Interface (HMI). A 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster presents vital driving information, while a 10.25-inch horizontal central touchscreen, replacing the Roma's portrait-oriented screen, handles infotainment and climate controls. The passenger also gets a dedicated display for an immersive experience. The overall design of the dashboard is cleaner and more horizontal, creating a greater sense of space. While some reviewers have noted a less-than-premium feel in certain plastic elements and the integration of the passenger screen, the return to physical controls is a major victory for driving enthusiasts. The seats, clad in high-quality leather and carbon fiber, are firm and supportive, and the driving position is excellent.

The Engine: A Refined V8 Symphony

Under the long, elegant bonnet lies the heart of the Amalfi: an evolution of Ferrari's award-winning twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine from the F154 family. While it’s not a hybrid, which sets it apart from newer models like the 296 GTB, this V8 has been heavily optimized for the Amalfi. Power has been boosted to 640 cv (631 horsepower), a 19-hp gain over the Roma, while torque remains a healthy 760 Nm. This increase in performance was achieved through several technical enhancements, including new, lighter camshafts, a redesigned engine block, and a new engine control unit adapted from the 296 GTB and 12Cilindri. The turbos now spin faster, and advanced management systems allow for independent control of the turbochargers on each cylinder bank, resulting in even sharper throttle response.

The engine is paired with the critically acclaimed 8-speed dual-clutch transmission first seen in the SF90 Stradale. This gearbox has been further refined for the Amalfi, offering lightning-fast and incredibly smooth shifts. The combination of the potent V8 and the precise gearbox allows the Amalfi to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and reach a claimed top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

Ferrari has also dedicated significant attention to the car's sound. Despite increasingly strict noise regulations, the Amalfi features a new silencer layout and an active bypass valve that uncorks a more characteristic Ferrari tone when the driver desires it. The flat-plane crankshaft and equal-length exhaust headers ensure a distinctive and aural experience that is unmistakably Maranello.

The Chassis and Performance: Balanced and Engaging

The Amalfi's mission is to be a true grand tourer, balancing long-distance comfort with genuine Ferrari performance. The car's weight distribution is a perfect 50/50, and the chassis features advanced electronic controls, including an updated version of Ferrari's Side Slip Control (SSC 6.1) and a new ABS Evo system derived from more extreme models. The addition of a Brake-by-Wire system and an active rear wing with three aerodynamic modes (Low Drag, Medium Drag, High Downforce) ensures the Amalfi remains stable and composed at high speeds, while still offering the agility expected of a Ferrari. The car's power-to-weight ratio of 2.29 kg/cv is the best in its class.

The Amalfi is not meant to be a track-day weapon, but its performance metrics are undeniable. It's a car that is thrilling to drive on a winding coastal road, yet comfortable enough for a weekend getaway. It strikes a compelling balance that many competitors in the luxury GT segment, such as the Aston Martin Vanquish and Bentley Continental GT, struggle to match.

Pricing and Conclusion

The 2026 Ferrari Amalfi is positioned as a compelling entry point into the Ferrari family. With a starting price around $283,000 (€240,000), it's a significant investment, but one that offers incredible value for a car that blends performance, style, and everyday usability so effectively.

The Amalfi is more than just a replacement for the Roma; it's an evolution. It takes the best of its predecessor's concept and refines it, addressing some of its key criticisms while pushing the envelope in technology and performance. It is a car that respects its heritage while boldly looking to the future. For those seeking a modern grand tourer with a timeless appeal, the 2026 Ferrari Amalfi may just be the most desirable car Maranello has produced in years.