Ferrari doesn’t just make cars; it crafts icons. And with the new Roma Spider, they’ve managed to turn up the charm without losing an ounce of performance. This is the kind of car that doesn’t need to scream—it quietly, confidently owns every road it touches. If Ferrari ever had a grand touring masterpiece, this might be it.
For those keeping score, the Roma Spider marks Ferrari’s first soft-top front-engine car since 1969. But this isn’t just nostalgia; it’s innovation wrapped in a beautifully restrained silhouette. The soft top itself is a revelation, using an exclusive weave that blends modern technology with haute couture. Ferrari even offers an optional iridescent finish, giving the roof an eye-catching 3D surface that’s as impressive as the car underneath it. Practicality isn’t overlooked either—the top lowers in just 13.5 seconds while driving at speeds up to 37 mph, meaning you’ll never miss a moment of sunshine or V8 acoustics.
The Roma is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 that churns out 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari says it’ll hit 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and with a top speed of 199 mph, it’s anything but subtle. Yet what’s remarkable is how approachable it feels. The throttle response is sharp, the steering razor-like, and the handling agile enough to make every corner an invitation. Whether you’re cruising the coast or tackling tight backroads, the Roma feels planted, light, and alive.
Driving it feels like an occasion every time you hit the ignition. Even at low speeds, the Roma has a way of turning everyday drives into something special. Ferrari has nailed the ride quality—soft enough to soak up road imperfections, yet firm and responsive when you want it to be. It’s an effortlessly balanced grand tourer that can be as docile or as thrilling as you demand.
But let’s talk about the soft top. Unlike the typical convertible fabrics you see elsewhere, Ferrari has taken things to a new level. The Roma Spider’s roof uses a bespoke fabric with a two-tone weave that adds depth and sophistication, highlighting the car’s dual nature: elegant and sporty. If you opt for the advanced technical weave, you get a finish so striking it practically shimmers. Even with the top up, the Roma Spider retains its silhouette, proving that beauty doesn’t have to be sacrificed for function. And when you’re ready to drop the top, the entire operation is as quick as it is mesmerizing. Watching it fold away in just over 13 seconds at speed is like mechanical poetry in motion.
Inside, Ferrari’s commitment to luxury and driver-focused design shines through. The cabin wraps you in premium materials—supple leathers, brushed aluminum, and a dash of carbon fiber to remind you this car doesn’t just look good; it performs. The layout is clean and modern, with a driver-centric cockpit that makes every control feel intuitive. Digital screens replace traditional gauges, offering a wealth of information without overwhelming you. Ferrari has managed to blend cutting-edge tech with timeless design, a feat few can pull off.
One of the Roma Spider’s surprises is its versatility. Sure, it’s not a family car, but those rear seats? They’re more functional than you’d expect. Perfect for short jaunts with a passenger or a spot to toss your weekender bag. The Spider doesn’t demand compromises—it adapts to your lifestyle without sacrificing its edge.
Of course, no Ferrari experience is complete without its signature sound. That twin-turbo V8 doesn’t just accelerate; it sings. Drop the top, and the Roma delivers its soundtrack in full surround sound, with the exhaust note building to a crescendo that feels almost orchestral. It’s refined, never brash—the kind of sound that can only come from Maranello.
What truly sets the Roma Spider apart is its dual personality. It’s a car that can play the role of laid-back cruiser one minute and high-octane performance machine the next. It’s comfortable on long drives, quick on the twisties, and stunning everywhere it goes. There’s something refreshing about a Ferrari that doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to shout its presence—it simply turns heads with quiet confidence.
After a week behind the wheel, the Roma Spider feels like the perfect modern Ferrari. It’s more approachable and livable than the hardcore supercars the brand is known for, yet it never loses sight of what makes a Ferrari a Ferrari. It’s elegant, fast, and unmistakably special. If the goal was to create the ultimate soft-top GT, Ferrari may have just nailed it.
The Scorecard:
| Performance | 9.5/10 | Blazing speed, seamless handling—Ferrari DNA. |
| Design | 10/10 | Timeless elegance with modern flair. |
| Comfort | 8.5/10 | Grand touring luxury with a sporty edge. |
| Practicality | 8/10 | Rear seats and usability make it versatile. |
| Sound | 9.5/10 | The V8 growl is pure, unfiltered bliss. |
Specs to Know:
- Engine: 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8
- Horsepower: 612 hp
- Torque: 561 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 199 mph
- Transmission: 8-Speed Dual-Clutch
- Starting Price: $250,000
Words by Doug McLaughlin
