2024 Ferrari Roma Spider: Luxury Meets Power

While supercars often capture attention with their breathtaking performance and design, the reality is that most of these high-powered machines cater to a narrow segment of the automotive market. This is why many supercar manufacturers have pivoted towards SUVs in recent years, seeking to boost sales and expand their appeal. However, Ferrari stands out as a manufacturer that remains committed to the classic grand tourer ethos, exemplified by the 2024 Roma Spider. This remarkable vehicle challenges modern automotive conventions, proving that exceptional comfort and exhilarating highway driving can coexist with striking aesthetics and performance that nearly rivals that of a supercar.

Recently, I had the opportunity to drive the Roma Spider around the picturesque Monterey Peninsula during the renowned Car Week, an event that celebrates automotive excellence. The Roma Spider’s design is a seamless blend of smooth lines and muscular angles, evoking the timeless beauty of classic automobiles while maintaining a contemporary flair. This harmonious design felt right at home among the diverse range of vehicles showcased during the event, as I navigated through the scenic hills of central California. Although I typically favor the coupe version of most cars—save for the Maserati MC20—the convertible experience offered by the Roma Spider allowed me to relish the warm air until the morning fog lifted, before retracting the roof to soak in the sun-drenched atmosphere of the afternoon.

Inside, the Roma Spider impresses with a well-crafted, compact interior that, even with the roof closed, doesn’t evoke any feelings of claustrophobia. However, the rear seats, designed for occasional use, seem cramped, raising concerns about comfort for adult passengers. While Ferrari’s commitment to the 2+2 layout may sacrifice some practicality, the design choice allows the car to retain a sense of elegance and style. The interior does feature some technological advancements, such as a central touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay. Yet, the haptic controls on the steering wheel, which Ferrari insists on including, can be frustrating for drivers accustomed to more tactile feedback. In certain models like the 296 supercar, foregoing a touchscreen makes some sense, but in a vehicle like the Roma, it feels somewhat out of place. The argument here is that driving a Ferrari should keep the driver focused on the exhilarating experience of driving, and the Roma’s powertrain certainly delivers on that front. Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine generates an impressive 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque.

The Roma Spider’s engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the V8 to showcase a range of personalities, from smooth and subdued to thrilling and aggressive. During my drive through Monterey and the winding roads of Carmel Valley, I opted to keep the Manettino dial—Ferrari’s steering wheel-mounted driving mode selector—set to Comfort. This setting softened the suspension and muted the exhaust note, making for a relaxed drive. However, when I approached one of my favorite canyons, a quick adjustment of the Manettino transformed the driving experience. Switching to Race mode firmed up the suspension and unleashed the raw power of the engine. The canyon’s roads, with their temperature heaves and occasional debris, necessitated a balanced approach, so I adjusted the shock absorbers to a softer setting, ready to drop the top and enjoy the engine’s soundtrack without distractions.

The Roma’s engine delivers a symphony of sound, but it’s the handling and chassis tuning that truly astonished me. Ferrari’s renowned chassis engineering shines through, with electronically assisted steering that, while on the lighter side, provides exceptional precision. Even with a slight reduction in feedback, the steering maintains an impressive level of fidelity. During hard braking, I noticed only mild nose dive, transitioning smoothly into a subtle sway at cornering apexes before the V8 propelled me forward onto the straights. Despite the Spider variant adding 185 pounds to the overall weight compared to the coupe, it still tips the scales at a nimble 3,430 pounds. In a previous drive, I took a 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 along the same roads; however, the AMG’s torque-heavy 4.0-liter engine had to contend with nearly 1,000 additional pounds. While both convertibles handled the canyon’s challenges gracefully, the Roma Spider offered a more engaging and characterful experience, highlighting the importance of lightweight design in an age dominated by heavy electric, hybrid, and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Moreover, the Roma’s reduced weight allows it to require less tire width for effective handling, leading to a quieter highway cruising experience. Though its restrained styling may not attract as much attention as flashier supercars—especially for a vehicle approaching half a million dollars, including over $150,000 in options atop its $272,290 base price—the Roma Spider still managed to turn heads during Monterey’s automotive extravaganza. In conclusion, the 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider encapsulates the essence of modern grand touring. It artfully combines style, performance, and comfort, proving that driving a supercar doesn’t have to sacrifice daily usability. This Ferrari stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of grand touring, inviting enthusiasts to experience the thrill of open-air driving without compromising on luxury or performance.