2024 Ferrari Roma Spider: Blurring the lines between open-top luxury and performance

In the quest for sports car excellence, coupes have traditionally ruled the road. However, Ferrari is challenging this status quo with the 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider, the convertible iteration of the sleek and dynamic Roma coupe. This convertible is designed to provide the same exhilarating driving experience and precision as its closed-top counterpart.

Historically, sports cars began as roadsters, as roofs were seen as burdensome additions that compromised performance and handling. Over time, engineers recognized the importance of a rigid body structure to accommodate stiffer suspensions, favoring coupes with roofs for their greater rigidity-to-weight ratio. Convertibles were deemed the softer choice for those not fully committed to peak performance.

The 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider seeks to alter this perception. Featuring distinctive bodywork behind the doors and a unique soft top available in five colors, it shares its windshield with the coupe but with subtle enhancements to improve aerodynamics when the roof is raised. Additionally, the active rear spoiler on the decklid provides up to 209 pounds of downforce at 124 mph.

Beneath the surface, the Roma Spider undergoes structural enhancements. Strengthened sills, reinforced rear structures, and improved A-pillar support eliminate scuttle shake. Despite the added weight from the electrically actuated soft top, which can be operated at speeds up to 35 mph and takes just 13.5 seconds to open or close, the Roma Spider weighs only 185 pounds more than the coupe.

Mechanically, the Roma Spider shares its hardware with the coupe, including a potent 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine generating 612 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic differential. The suspension is a multilink design, and the brakes are steel with substantial dimensions.

Ferrari claims the 2024 Roma Spider can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.3 seconds and reach 124 mph in 9.7 seconds, with a top speed approaching 200 mph. These performance figures rival those of the coupe, with the Spider lagging behind by only three-tenths of a second in the 124 mph sprint.

For those fortunate enough to enjoy a top-down drive through picturesque landscapes, the Roma Spider doesn’t disappoint. The twin-turbo V-8 and eight-speed gearbox offer a versatile combination. In Sport or Race mode, the powertrain becomes more responsive and exhilarating, with precise throttle control and linear power delivery.

Despite its convertible design, the Roma Spider maintains impressive handling thanks to Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 6.0 system, compensating for the reduced chassis rigidity. Whether in Comfort, Sport, or Race mode, the car remains composed with minimal body shake, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.

 

Ferrari’s Latest Convertible Delivers Thrills On and Off the Boulevard

With the top down, the Roma Spider delivers an amplified sensory experience, adding rawness to the driving pleasure and a touch of Italian charm. A patented wind-blocker enhances aerodynamics and comfort, while a neck-heater system keeps occupants cozy on cooler days.

With its roof up, the Roma Spider matches the coupe’s quietness, offering a familiar and luxurious cabin experience. The interior features user-friendly touch switches, a large central touchscreen, and additional screens for navigation and vehicle information.

In summary, the 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider not only replaces the Portofino but also surpasses it in terms of comfort, refinement, and performance. This soft-top Ferrari represents a perfect blend of open-top luxury and sports car excitement, making it one of Maranello’s finest front-engine roadsters to date.