Ferrari Amalfi– A Grand Tourer Refined by Reality

By Tarek Hawchar

Ferrari’s modern GT philosophy has always been about balance—beauty without fragility, performance without intimidation, and everyday usability without diluting the brand’s racing DNA. Testing the Ferrari Amalfi on the undulating roads of Albufeira, and crucially in rainy, less-than-ideal conditions, proved exactly why Ferrari continues to define what a true Grand Tourer should be.

Portugal’s Algarve region is visually stunning, but when rain arrives and the tarmac turns uneven and slippery, it becomes a genuine test of engineering integrity. The Amalfi didn’t just cope—it impressed, calmly and confidently.

Exterior Design: Elegance with Purpose

The Amalfi’s design language is unmistakably Ferrari, yet noticeably more mature and resolved. Clean surfaces replace aggressive excess, giving the car a timeless presence rather than a loud statement. The long bonnet, compact cabin, and muscular rear haunches reinforce its classic front-engine GT proportions.

At the rear, the active rear wing is more than a visual signature. Subtly integrated into the bodywork, it deploys progressively depending on speed, braking force, and driving mode. On wet Portuguese roads, it proved invaluable—adding stability under heavy braking and enhancing rear-end confidence without ever feeling intrusive.

Aerodynamics here are not about drama, but efficiency. Airflows are carefully managed through sculpted channels and an optimized diffuser, contributing to both high-speed stability and low drag—essential traits for a car designed to cross continents as comfortably as it attacks mountain roads.

Interior: Driver-Focused, GT-Comfortable

Step inside the Ferrari Amalfi and it becomes immediately clear that Ferrari has listened—to drivers, to purists, and to those who believe that a GT should feel instinctive, not digital-first.

The steering wheel is the heart of the experience, and in the Amalfi it marks a welcome return to what Ferrari does best. Physical buttons are back—real, tactile, and perfectly weighted. No guesswork, no distracting haptic surfaces. Each control can be found by muscle memory alone, allowing the driver to stay fully focused on the road, especially in demanding conditions like wet, uneven tarmac.

Most importantly, the iconic red start button has returned. It’s not just a design element; it’s a ritual. Pressing it reconnects the driver emotionally with the car in a way no touchscreen ever could. It’s a small detail, but one that reinforces Ferrari’s commitment to driving engagement.

Beyond the wheel, the cabin blends motorsport intent with GT comfort. Premium leathers, carbon fiber accents, and precise stitching create an environment that feels both luxurious and purposeful. The seating position is low and perfectly aligned with the steering wheel and pedals, offering excellent visibility and support for long journeys without fatigue.

Digital displays are present, but they serve the driver rather than dominate the cabin. Information is clear, configurable, and easy to read at a glance—crucial when driving in poor weather or at higher speeds. The result is an interior that feels modern yet timeless, technologically advanced yet deeply human.

In the Amalfi, Ferrari reminds us that true luxury in a Grand Tourer isn’t about more screens—it’s about connection, control, and confidence behind the wheel.

Engine & Performance: Power You Can Trust

At the heart of the Ferrari Amalfi lies a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, a modern Ferrari classic refined for GT duty without losing its emotional edge. In Amalfi specification, the engine produces 640 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque, delivering strong, immediate response across the rev range.

Performance figures are every bit worthy of the Prancing Horse:

• 0–100 km/h: 3.3 seconds

• 0–200 km/h: approximately 9.0 seconds

• Top speed: over 320 km/h

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What truly stands out, especially during our rainy drive around Albufeira, is not just the outright performance but how accessible it feels. Power delivery is smooth and progressive, allowing confident throttle application even on low-grip surfaces. The engine never feels nervous or overwhelming—rather, it works in harmony with the car’s advanced electronic systems to translate performance into usable, controlled speed.

This V8 perfectly embodies Ferrari’s modern GT philosophy: thrilling when pushed, refined when cruising, and always reassuring—whether on dry tarmac or wet, imperfect roads.

Where the Amalfi truly shines is how it manages performance in real-world conditions. Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 6.1 continuously monitors grip, steering angle, throttle input, and yaw, subtly orchestrating traction without cutting the joy. In the rain, this system allowed confident throttle application exiting corners, giving reassurance rather than restriction.

The brake-by-wire system, paired with ABS Evo, is a standout. Pedal feel remains consistent regardless of conditions, delivering precise modulation and impressive stopping power even on slippery surfaces. Descending wet roads around Albufeira, the braking performance inspired complete trust—arguably one of the car’s most impressive achievements.

Safety & Technology: Invisible Confidence

Ferrari has mastered the art of making advanced technology feel invisible. Systems such as adaptive stability control, advanced traction management, and predictive braking work quietly in the background. You feel supported, not supervised.

The integration of ABS Evo with brake-by-wire ensures optimal braking force distribution at all times, while Side Slip Control 6.1 fine-tunes dynamics corner by corner. Add to that active aerodynamics and a finely tuned chassis, and the Amalfi becomes a car that adapts instantly to changing road conditions—dry or wet, smooth or broken.

This is not technology for headlines; it’s technology that builds confidence mile after mile.

Verdict: The Definition of a Modern Ferrari GT

The Ferrari Amalfi is not about chasing lap times or intimidating drivers. It is about refinement, confidence, and depth of engineering. Testing it in rainy, imperfect conditions in Portugal revealed its true character—a Ferrari you can trust every day, in any weather, without sacrificing emotion or performance.

It delivers breathtaking performance when asked, yet remains composed, comfortable, and reassuring when conditions turn challenging. The combination of elegant design, a sophisticated V8, advanced chassis systems, and real-world usability makes the Amalfi one of the most complete Grand Tourers Ferrari has ever built.

This is Ferrari proving, once again, that true performance is not just about speed—it’s about control, confidence, and the ability to enjoy every kilometer, no matter the road or the weather.

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