Despite all the trials and tribulations of the modern world, whisper the name ‘Ferrari’ and the eyes of car enthusiasts mist over as they ponder the delights of owning such an iconic Italian sports car.
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, with Winter approaching, we probably are not considering the merits of open-top motoring, but in Kenya, say, or New Zealand, a wonderful country currently approaching glorious Summer, it must be around now that a convertible sports machine will seem appealing. Fortunately, MHH International export Ferrari cars to these and other destinations from the UK, VAT-free. It’s a thought and just to whet the automotive taste buds, the latest Ferrari Roma convertible may be an idea to consider.
This timelessly elegant, high-performance car is a contemporary take on the chic, pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s. The Spider carries over the proportions, volumes and specifications of the Ferrari Roma, 2020’s car design award winner, but now with the adoption of a soft top.
On The Outside
This 2+ spider boasts a sophisticated fabric soft top, which is designed not just to maintain, but to enhance the flawless proportions of the coupé on which it is based without modifying that car’s elegantly flowing silhouette. Redesigning the coupé’s tapering, fastback roofline meant modifying the rear screen to incorporate it into the soft top so that it can fold below the tonneau cover when open. The soft top deploys in just 13.5 seconds and can be actioned even on the move.
The fact that it is so compact also yields a larger boot and boosts the car’s versatility. A new, patented wind deflector integrated into the backrest of the rear bench can be deployed by a button on the central tunnel, guaranteeing exceptional in-car occupant comfort without taking up any space in the car.
The long front bonnet underscores the side-view silhouette, lending a sense of sleekness to the entire body. The minimalist front of the car looks as if it were cut from single block of metal, creating that overhanging, shark-nose effect, seen in the pictures. The bonnet and wings flow into one another yet also effortlessly hint at Ferrari’s traditional styling while the edges of the front grille flow into two linear, full-LED headlights which lend the front of the car a distinctive character all of its own.
On The Inside
For the Ferrari Roma Spider’s cabin, the designers took the same approach to volumes and forms introduced on the Ferrari Roma. Two separate spaces, one each for driver and passenger, were created in an evolution of the dual cockpit concept, which has its roots deep in the brand’s history with cars from the 1970s. The innovative look of this dual cockpit was achieved so that the design of two modules wrap around driver and passenger and extend and integrate with the two rear seats.
The Ferrari Roma Spider’s cabin has an almost symmetrical layout delivering spacial distribution, form and function. The result is that the passenger feels very involved in the driving experience – almost like a co-driver, in fact. Created by paring back the volumes and underscored by piping along their edges, the two cockpits are cocooned in a wraparound volume and extend from the dashboard all the way back to the rear seats.
The technology inside is derived from the Ferrari Roma: the digital instrument cluster is protected by an anti-glare binnacle which extends out naturally from the dash. The passenger has an optional display that allows them to share the driving information. An 8.4 inch central display set between the two cockpits and partly floating between the dashboard and central tunnel incorporates the other infotainment and climate control functions.
The Formula One style gearbox controls have been set into a modern metal plate in the centre of the tunnel and inclined to make it easier for the driver to reach and see. The steering wheel is a refined version of that seen on the Ferrari Roma with touch controls on its spokes. The left-hand spoke has indents corresponding to the touch controls to ensure the driver can feel which one to use. The track pad on the right-hand spoke has been improved – there is now an indent that makes it easier to use. These solutions help the driver know where the controls are, in line with the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy Ferrari has been adopting for quite some time. The Engine Start button is now also backlit in red to underscore the thrill of the moment the iconic Ferrari twin-turbo springs to life. Yes, we know that’s a bit of a gimmick but, well, who wouldn’t want to push that button?
On The Road
The Ferrari Roma Spider is powered by an engine belonging to the V8 turbo family named “International Engine of the Year” for four consecutive years and also voted “Best Engine of the Last 20 Years” in 2018. Tried and tested then. The twin-scroll-turbo 3,855cc power unit can punch out 620bhp at 7,500 rpm, which it combines with the flexibility of low-end pick-up, thanks to 80% of the torque being available at just 1900 rpm and it all drives through a sublime eight-speed gearbox. It does of course result in a typically Ferrari soundtrack.
More to the point, Like the Ferrari Roma, the Ferrari Roma Spider’s Manettino (a rotary switch available on some Ferrari models that enables quick adjustment of the car’s suspension, traction control, electronic differential, and electronic gearbox to suit a variety of different driving conditions) has five positions to make its handling and traction performance even more accessible with the added introduction of a truly dynamic and not for the faint-hearted Race position. It’s all designed to boost fun behind the wheel. A touch of La Dolce Vita.
Why compromise? Please get in touch with us here at MHH International about the Roma, the Roma Spider and other currently available Ferrari models and find out about our comprehensive and trusted export service from the UK.
