Convertible said to equal dynamics and performance of 612bhp V8 Roma coupé
WILL RIMELL
OFFICIAL PICTURES
Ferrari has revealed a convertible variant of the Roma as its first car with a soft top since the F430 Spider was retired in 2010.
Arriving as Maranello’s new entry-level convertible, the Roma Spider has been extensively reworked at the rear, taking inspiration from the Portofino M that it replaces. It uses the same underpinnings as the Roma coupé but with added rigidity measures, due to the loss of the roof.
The Spider weighs 84kg more than the 1570kg coupé, owing to the addition of the roof-retraction mechanism, wind deflector and integrated headrests for the rear seats.
Its headline addition is the soft top itself. Breaking a decade-long trend of folding-hard-top convertibles, the Roma Spider is Ferrari’s first front-engined soft-top since the 365 GTS4 of 1969.
The roof is made from a five-layered bespoke fabric, offers similar sound insulation to the coupé’s tin top while saving on weight and can be opened in 13.5sec at road speeds of up to 37mph.
The 255 litres of boot space is not believed to be severely compromised by the roof when it is stowed, although Ferrari has yet to reveal further details.
Wind buffeting is negated by a new, patented deflector that is integrated into the rear bench. This can be raised at road speeds of up to 106mph.
The Roma Spider’s interior is identical to that of the coupé, with an 8.4in infotainment display set between two cockpit-style areas.
Power is sent by a 612bhp 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine (the same as used in the coupé) to the rear axle through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Extensive aerodynamic modifications, such as an active spoiler and a curved roofline, combat the added drag and enable the Spider to match the coupé’s 0-62mph sprint time of 3.4sec and top speed of 199mph.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the Spider, but it is expected to command a premium over the coupé, which retails at more than £170,000.
Extensive personalisation options, including bespoke colours and fabrics for the roof, are expected to raise the Spider’s price even further.
First deliveries of right-hand-drive cars are planned for the start of 2024.
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