Back in 1969, Pinanfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti propelled Ferrari into a modern styling reformation with his Daytona coupe and convertible introduction, replacing the much plumper 275 GTB/4. Over fifty years later, it’s quite fitting that the Roma Spider revealed this week—the initial front-engined Ferrari to provide a fabric roof since that Daytona Spyder—is once again a stylish Prancing Horse two-door at the verge of significant transformation for the corporation.
The Ferrari Roma Spider serves as a testament that Maranello’s passion lies in two-door models, even though its financial focus currently shifts towards taller four-door variants. The Roma retains much of its essence despite the transition to a soft-top: still equipped with a 3.9-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 generating 612 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, accommodating up to four individuals (though rear occupants might prefer shorter legs), and maintaining its opulent and stunning appearance. The convertible mechanism, offered with an elegant or sporty finish, can operate at speeds of about 37 mph and completes the opening or closing process in under 15 seconds.
Ferrari has stated that strengthening the spider’s structure to compensate for the absence of a roof only added an extra 185 pounds to the total weight, a negligible increment to the car’s initial power-to-weight ratio. The result is an open-air cruiser stepping into the spotlight from the Portofino M as the Ferrari most likely to be seen along the Riviera—choose any Riviera.
The specifications of the Roma Spider are equally remarkable. Ferrari estimates that the Roma can sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds, with a stopping distance of less than 100 feet to bring it to a halt. The Spider inherits the Roma’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with Ferrari introducing modifications to the oil pump for quicker cold starts and enhanced flow in the mid-range revs.
A wind deflector shields all passengers from the turbulent wind outside, and a new spoiler adjusts in three positions, depending on speed—low, medium, and high-downforce modes. Ferrari has integrated the latest iteration of its Slip Slide Control System to manage lateral movement during twisty drives; however, remember to lower the roof before taking the Roma Spider for a slide to provide passengers with an easy exit in case the unexpected occurs.
Ferrari has not disclosed the pricing or arrival date for the Roma Spider.
