Know the last Ferrari introduced front-engined convertible with a soft top? The 365 GTB/4, otherwise known as the Daytona coupe and Spyder, which went out of production. The new Roma Spider introduced to Ferrari clients in Morocco brings that absence to an after 50 years with the same formula we’ve grown used to over the past couple of decades: It’s everything about the Roma plus a little extra and a retractable roof. The 185 pounds of additional heft compared to the coupe is note than news, because there’s still a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 in front that makes revs to 7,500 rpm, makes 612 horsepower and 561 of torque, and will sound even more glorious without any between the pipes and the cabin.
The fabric weave roof comes in two flavors, one leaning toward elegance, one in a technical fabric emphasizing sportiness. Personalization options encompass a two-tone weave palette in four colors, plus a range of contrast stitching colors for the few hours the the top is both us and moving slow enough to be savored. One of the options bestows an iridescent red. The mechanism raises and lowers the roof in 13.5 seconds at up to nearly 37 miles per hour.
A few revisions to the serve occupant comfort. The top rail of the windscreen features an aero device called a nolder to separate and manage airflow over the cabin, and at the press of a button, the headrests on the rear seats slide forward and up to create a wind deflector. The deploying rear also slots into three positions to provide downforce levels commensurate with the coupe whether the Spider’s top is up or down.
A few ergonomic, cosmetic, and performance revisions make their way in as well. The steering wheel buttons are said to be easier to use, the start button now glows red, oil pump’s been tweaked to reduce the time it takes to reach system operating pressure, and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox benefits from changes.
Ferrari revealed as the newest convertible in its lineup.
The car takes over from the Portofino M as the brand’s entry-level droptop, and sees the return of a soft-top roof.
Such a solution hasn’t been used on a front-engined Ferrari since the 365 GTS/4 Daytona dating back more than, a car that ay was the inspiration behind the Roma Spider’s design.
The five-layer fabric roof takes 13.5 seconds to and can be activated at speeds of up to 37 mph. By eschewing the bulkier retractable hardtop used on the Portofino M, Ferrari said it was able to deliver more trunk space with the roof folded. When raised, there’s nine cubic feet of storage. A hatch between the rear seats allows for longer items to be stored.
Standard features include 18-way-adjustable seats up front, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. A third screen in front of the passenger can be added. Ferrari’s “manettino” drive mode selector is standard and features five settings including a Race mode.
