Have you ever wondered if the Ferrari “Roma” has anything to do with Rome, Italy? The name is a reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle in Rome during the 1950s and 1960s. Previously, the Ferarri Roma made its Malaysian launch in June 2020, now the Roma Spider has made its way onto our shores with a starting price of RM3,200,000 after taxes and duties, before options.
Replacing the Portofino M, it still retains the “2+” soft-top convertible grand tourer body but with 70% entirely new components. Ferrari claims that the reworked bodyshell and chassis incorporate the latest weight-reduction technologies and achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 2.37kg per hp.
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Powering the Ferrari Roma Spider is the same F154 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, producing 620 hp and 760 Nm. Paired with an 8-speed DCT (wet), the RWD soft-top grand tourer propels from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, onwards to a top speed beyond 320km/h.
The Ferrari Roma Spider carries over many design cues from its coupe counterpart with a retractable soft top. At the front, the Roma gets body coloured front grille with the prancing horse logo in the middle. Within the headlights are also simple horizontal LED DRLs that pierce through the headlights.
Moving to the sides, you’ll find the side profile resembling the Mercedes AMG GT with its long front bonnet and short overhang at the rear. If you look closely, you’ll also find the absence of the iconic Scuderia Ferrari shields, an influence from road cars of the 1950s. Fortunately, the Scuderia Ferrari shields are still available as an option if you so desire. There are also no aggressive side scoops or vents as Ferrari designed the Roma based on the concept of “Minimalist Elegance”.
The fabric soft top can be stowed away at speeds of up to 60km/h in just 13.5 seconds. Made out of special multi-layer fabric, it is said to offer “acoustic comfort on par with retractable hard tops”.
At the rear, the Roma gets a flat twin taillight design with only the brake light illuminating at the very end. Unlike other Ferraris, the Roma Spider actually gets a boot. Upon opening up the sedan-like boot, it offers class-leading storage space of 255 litres with the roof up – practicality in a Ferrari.
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On the inside, the Roma Spider mirrors the Roma’s interior with the driver and front passenger cocooned in their own space divided by the centre console. You can let the front passenger in for a bit of the action if you opt for the optional 8.8-inch passenger-side touch display. The display shows information such as performance figures, infotainment and climate control.
The Ferrari Roma Spider is priced from RM 3,200,000 after local duties and taxes, before customization options. Those interested should contact Ferrari Malaysia to make a prior booking for a private viewing. Included in the price are a 3-year manufacturer warranty and a 7-year scheduled maintenance service (20,000 km or annually, whichever comes first).
GALLERY
