Ferrari raises the heat with the Roma Spider

The much anticipated Ferrari Roma Spider has finally broken cover. If there was a beauty contest for cars, this convertible from Maranello would take top honours.

The Roma Spider is powered by the same 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine mounted in the front, with drive going to the rear axle. The engine develops 620 hp @ 7,500 rpm and is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

On the outside, the open-top version looks similar to the Roma coupe. It has the same low-slung front fascia with sleek LED headlamps and a body-coloured front grille. Unlike other models in Ferrari’s line-up, the Roma Spider is void of odd strakes and gaping intakes. However, it does have a retractable rear spoiler, which deploys to stabilize the car at high speed. Maranello has also patented a unique air deflector that is claimed to reduce turbulence when driving with the roof down. Speaking of the roof, the Roma Spider comes equipped with a fabric top, which retracts in 13.5 seconds.

Step inside and you are greeted by a modern cabin replete with a digital instrument cluster, a vertically oriented central touchscreen and Ferrari’s latest steering wheel with haptic switchgear. That being said, the interior is identical to the coupe, which isn’t a surprise.

The Roma Spider is one of at least four new Ferrari supercars scheduled for 2023. Here’s a list of the upcoming Ferrari launches to lookout for.