The Roma convertible model only weighs 185 pounds more than the hardtop (All photos: Ferrari)
Designed to embody the spirit of la dolce vita in automotive form, Ferrari removes the top of its glamorous Roma to create its newest Spider. Hot on the heels of the innovative but divisive four-door Purosangue, the Maranello marque once again delved into its storied archive and romantic roots to create a convertible that instantly gained reputation as the brand’s most delicate and tasteful model to date.
Evocative of the pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 1960s, the Ferrari Roma Spider perpetuates the proportions, volumes and specifications of Roma’s hugely successful V8 2+ concept. But what makes it extra special is a soft-top design that deploys swiftly and silently in just 13.5 seconds. Fabric roofs have come a long way since they appeared on the true front-engined 365 GTS4 in 1969.
Their modern successor is more user-sensitive as a new, patented wind deflector has been integrated into the backrest of the rear bench, assuring exceptional in-car comfort.
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The silhouette of the sparkling Spider turns heads and a seamless cockpit makes it rewardingly easy to manoeuvre. Boasting a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio thanks to its soft top, the speedster has an all-aluminium chassis with the iconic and exhilarating V8 engine playing in the background. The latter is coupled with Ferrari’s universally acclaimed 8-speed DCT known for its fast shift times as well as excellent standards of mechanical efficiency.
To add more versatility to an already nimble looker, the marque has included a category-topping boot size, which features a hatch via the rear seat backrests to allow larger items to be carried, and standard wireless connectivity by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay WiFi.
And if you are cruising the countryside in the middle of a frosty winter, stay toasty with an 18-way-adjustable heated ergonomic seats and neck warmer.
This article first appeared on Mar 27, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
