With its elegant lines and timeless allure, the Ferrari Roma Spider captures the essence of Italy’s most stylish decades, enhanced by the modern twist of a luxurious soft top. This new model nods to its ancestors yet cruises firmly in the present, celebrating 54 years since the iconic front-engined 365 GTS4 debuted.
The return to a classic canvas soft top, chosen over the more recent trend of retractable hard tops, marks a pivotal shift. Ferrari opts for a quintet of layered canvas, promising enhanced refinement and an aesthetic boost. The roof is available in hues ranging from Riviera chic to a striking, iridescent red that gives it a dramatic 3D effect.
Dive deeper, and you’ll find thoughtful engineering designed to preserve the coupe’s dynamism without compromise. The car's architecture has been tweaked with new sills, reinforced structures at the rear, and an integrated wind deflector. This clever addition reduces turbulence, making for a smoother ride with the top down – transforming in just 13.5 seconds at speeds of up to 50 mph. The changes add a modest weight penalty of 84kg, but the aesthetics and performance payoff are immeasurable.
Visually, the Spider may even surpass its coupe counterpart. The design elements are meticulously crafted, from the perforated, body-coloured grille to the chiselled nose. However, the integration of the camera sensor might raise an eyebrow, appearing slightly less refined in the context of Ferrari’s typically seamless design.
The Roma Spider’s rear view is nothing short of mesmerising, reminiscent of the iconic barchetta style from Ferrari’s storied past, particularly the 166 MM. Modifications to the coupe’s rear screen allow it to fold neatly away, further enhancing the Spider’s silhouette.
Performance-wise, the Roma Spider isn’t just about good looks. It packs a punch with settings for Low Drag, Medium Downforce, and High Downforce, ensuring that it performs as well on the highways as it does in the heart. While it might not be the first choice for a track day, it’s a Ferrari that invites you to drive with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair – truly a car for all seasons.
This is Ferrari doing what Ferrari does best – blending incredible performance with undeniable style while respecting its rich heritage. It’s several things at once: an experience, a lifestyle, and a piece of mobile art that captures the spirit of an era and the promise of the future.