Top-down Italian Riviera nights have just got a whole lot more carefree, pleasurable and glamorous; cue the Ferrari Roma Spider.
When Ferrari makes a promise to unveil a car that embodies the spirit of La Dolce Vita, you can bet your bottom dollar they're going to deliver. And they've done just that with the enchanting Ferrari Roma Spider.
Now, the Ferrari Roma made its grand entrance in 2020, flaunting a body that oozed '50s and '60s charm, capturing the essence of an era synonymous with carefree Italian living. It was a showstopper, to say the least. But the Roma Spider? Well, it takes that glamour quotient up a few notches.
Imagine a sun-soaked drive along the Amalfi Coast with the wind tousling your hair. The Roma Spider is the chariot of choice for such an adventure. It's a convertible; in a world that seems to obsess over folding hard-tops, Ferrari has opted for something different - a choice that underscores the Roma Spider's retro spirit.
However, I do find myself missing the Portofino’s metal folding roof just a bit.
Why a soft top? Simple. It's lighter, more compact, and it doesn't gobble up precious boot space. Plus, it gives the car a slender, sleek silhouette that complements its vintage flair. But in true Ferrari fashion, they didn't just settle for ordinary materials. Oh no. This soft top is wrapped in 'bespoke' fabrics, complete with contrast stitching. It's like wearing a tailored suit, but for your car.
You can unfurl the roof while cruising at up to 60km/h. Just 13.5 seconds, and you're in the open-air haven of the Roma Spider. La Dolce Vita indeed.
Now, let's talk about the Roma Spider's aesthetics. Instead of a conventional grille, the front end features perforations designed to cool the engine. These seamlessly transition into the headlamps, creating a sleek shark-nose look. A nod to Ferrari's history with a modern twist.
One glance at the sides, and you'll notice a lack of the iconic Prancing Horse shields and fender vents. It's a refreshing departure from the ordinary, giving this car a distinctive character. The rear flaunts a more extended overhang, a design flourish reminiscent of classic Ferraris.
Slip inside, and you'll encounter the 'dual cockpit' concept - a term coined to describe the separated spaces for the driver and passenger. The driver gets a digital instrument panel with an anti-glare binnacle. In the centre, an 8.4-inch display houses the infotainment and climate controls. You can also opt for an extra screen that keeps your co-driver in the loop with essential driving info.
And speaking of a driving experience, the Roma Spider doesn't hold back. Its beating heart is a 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 churning out 612bhp and 760Nm of torque. It's mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring this rear-wheel-drive convertible can sprint to 100km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds. Zero to 200km/h? A brisk 9.7 seconds. And if you're eyeing the horizon, Ferrari claims this beauty can blaze past 320km/h.
But it's not all about speed; it's about control too. The Roma Spider sports an active spoiler and a mobile spoiler, both seamlessly integrated into its form. These adjust depending on your speed - Low Drag (LD), Medium Downforce (MD), or High Downforce (HD).
Helping you master this beast's dynamics is the Side Slip Control System 6.0, or SSC. It's like your guardian angel on the road, ensuring you stay on the right path even when pushing the limits.
The Roma Spider dances in at $1,233,379, and that’s factoring in the new 8% GST (wow thanks a lot!). But remember, that's just the beginning. It doesn't account for any extra options you might fancy or the cost of a Certificate of Entitlement (COE).
La vita è bella, indeed.
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)