Just in time for the Australian winter, Ferrari have revealed their Spider version of the Roma, their first new soft top since the 365 GTS4 in 1969. It’s the perfect car to experience la dolce vita which the Roma so effectively aims to achieve. 

The main difference with the Spider compared to the Roma coupe is the roof through which a few changes in design and structure have appeared. Modifications to the rear deck are apparent including a compartment for the roof to fold into in just 13.5 seconds at speed of up to 37mph (59.5km/h) and a revised active spoiler finished in carbon fibre. Ferrari designer, Flavio Manzoni, said that he and the team had to re-proportion the overhand to “hug” the rear of the car using technical solutions used on the Portofino M. 

As stated previously, the roof uses a specially developed material available in different coloured weaves or a two-tone colour scheme. One of more interesting additions is the new wind deflector. Patented by Ferrari, this deflector eliminates as much bluster from the wind as possible in the cabin. Ferrari claims that the wind turbulence is roughly 30% lower than its last “+2” convertible. Due almost entirely to the deflector, the Spider is 84kg heavier than the Coupe.

Mechanically nothing has changed. There’s still a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 with an eight-speed dual clutch gearbox capable of pumping out 612bhp (456 kW) and 561 lb ft (760Nm). Ferrari say the Spider can do 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199mph). 

Ferrari claim that “The Ferrari Spider is not just rewardingly easy to drive, it is also extremely dynamic and responsive.” Part of the confidence may be due to the implementation of their latest Side Slip Control (6.0) which enhance high-speed handling by electronically optimising grip while cornering.