You don’t so much start the Ferrari Amalfi as you wake it. Press the ignition, and the front-mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 hums to life—not with a roar, but with the kind of precision purr that suggests this isn’t just a sports car, it’s something more deliberate. The Amalfi is Ferrari’s answer to a quiet shift happening in motoring circles: the desire for high-performance machines that can thrill on a mountain pass and still glide effortlessly through city traffic.

This new 2+ coupé is positioned as a luxurious yet high-performance machine that brings everyday usability into the traditionally uncompromising world of Italian exotics. The Amalfi stands out as a unique entry not only in the Ferrari line-up but also across the broader grand touring market.

At the heart of the Amalfi is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, borrowed from Ferrari’s proven powertrain pedigree but refined to suit the new GT brief. Producing 640 cv at 7,500 rpm and 760 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 5,750 rpm, the engine delivers immediate throttle response and thrilling acceleration across the rev range. Track-derived technologies ensure that performance is sharp, yet the driving experience remains smooth and controllable—qualities that define the best Grand Tourers. Ferrari quotes a top speed of 320 km/h, with a 0–100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds, and 0–200 km/h achieved in 9 seconds flat. Deceleration is just as impressive, with 100–0 km/h covered in 30.8 metres, and 200–0 km/h in 119.5 metres, thanks to the high-performance braking system.

Design-wise, the Amalfi captures the Ferrari ethos of elegance with edge. The proportions are purposeful—long bonnet, compact cabin, flowing rear—resulting in a stance that is both athletic and graceful. The sculpted exterior lines manage airflow as much as they please the eye, balancing aerodynamic function with form. There’s a confidence in the Amalfi’s design that hints at its potential without resorting to exaggerated aggression. Subtle details such as flush door handles, slim LED lighting, and refined alloy wheel options elevate its visual appeal. The car’s shape feels organic, yet engineered, as if carved by both wind and willpower.

Inside, the Amalfi is a fusion of high technology and grand touring comfort. Ferrari’s triple-display Human-Machine Interface (HMI) takes centre stage—offering a digital cockpit for the driver, a central infotainment screen, and a separate display for the passenger. This setup not only enhances functionality but turns the cabin into an immersive, shared driving experience. Materials are, unsurprisingly, top-shelf: fine leather, carbon fibre, and precision metalwork come together with remarkable attention to detail. A premium audio system, meticulously tuned for the cabin’s acoustics, ensures that long journeys are as emotionally engaging as they are aurally pleasing. Even with its sporting character, the Amalfi is built for travel, with generous boot space and rear seats that, while best for short trips or kids, offer welcome versatility.

Versatility is key to the Amalfi’s appeal. Unlike more track-focused Ferraris, this model is intended to be driven—daily, if desired. Adaptive suspension, multiple drive modes, and finely calibrated chassis dynamics make it as capable navigating tight city roads as it is devouring long stretches of tarmac. It’s the Ferrari you could take to a business lunch in Sandton, and then to a weekend drive along Chapman’s Peak—comfortably, confidently, and with no compromise on style or speed.

Of course, every car—Ferrari or otherwise—comes with trade-offs. The Amalfi, despite its balance of comfort and performance, still demands driver engagement and, in return, rewards those who appreciate mechanical precision. Its turbo V8 may not have the high-pitched wail of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated predecessors, and purists might miss the rawness of older models. Rear visibility, as with many coupés, is limited, and the rear seats, while useful in theory, are best seen as extra luggage space.

Fuel consumption, while improved through turbocharging and engine efficiency, remains relatively high by everyday standards. But buyers in this segment are unlikely to prioritise economy over experience. As for price, the Amalfi enters the market above many rival GTs, which could be a barrier for those cross-shopping brands. Still, for Ferrari enthusiasts and GT connoisseurs, the unique mix of performance, elegance, and usability may be more than worth the premium.

What makes the Amalfi stand out is its ability to evolve the Grand Tourer concept without diluting Ferrari’s identity. It’s a car that invites you to take the long way home, to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It offers the immediacy of a supercar, the poise of a luxury saloon, and the emotion of a true Ferrari. Whether weaving through mountain passes or cruising through the Karoo, the Amalfi delivers a layered, nuanced experience that’s rare in today’s automotive world.

The Ferrari Amalfi isn’t just another 2+ coupé. It’s a carefully considered response to how people drive today—fast when they want to be, comfortable when they need to be, and surrounded by beauty at every moment. For South African roads, which demand both agility and grace, it may well be the most complete Ferrari yet.