Review: The Ferrari Roma Spider Embodys the Californian Spirit

California has a long history of ties with Maranello. California’s influence on automotive enthusiasts can be traced back even further, thanks to its ideal climate along the coast, its vast deserts that are conducive to high-speed driving, and its dense forests slicked by world-class, winding roads. John von Neumann, a Ferrari importer and racing legend, was prompted to request an open-top sports car in the Golden State during the 1950s. Von Neumann wanted a road-and-track open top car specifically built for the American customer. Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s importer in New York, also echoed the appeal, citing the strong demand for this type. Enzo Ferrari initially hesitated to build it and cited the 250 GT Cabriolet. As documented in Dennis Adler’s “Ferrari 70 Years”, von Neumann and Chinetti responded that the Cabriolet was not the car their customers wanted. Their collective influence in Maranello, owing to the steadily increasing sales across Europe, was undeniable. As Adler tells it, this convinced Ferrari to “send Pininfarina back to the drawing board and his engineers to task on a revised chassis and suspension.” The result was the 250 GT Spyder

California, named after the home of its target audience. It was designed by Pininfarina, and built by Sergio Scaglietti. It is one of the most valuable and iconic Prancing Horses. The 365 California wore the name until the 1960s. However, the Prancing Horse resurrected it in 2008 when the Ferrari California was introduced. In 2017, the moniker was removed as the model wearing it ceased production. Portofino was the next model, named to conjure up images of the Italian Riviera. It was a significant improvement in terms of structural and mechanical aspects, which eventually led to the creation of the stunning by Ferrari. It’s been 60 years since von Neumann & Chinetti’s initial request. Yet California’s influence on Maranello is still intact. I’m driving the Ferrari Roma Spider which, like its predecessors, is front-engined with rear-wheel drive. The open-top GT is a great example of the Californian spirit. The use of a and

in Volante or Cabriolet forms is the same. You can keep some sunscreen in your glove box and be ready to go. The Roma Spider is an exception. The change from hardtop to convertible changes the way you drive and where. Take the Roma Coupe. It is heavily marketed by Ferrari in the spirit of La Dolce Vita. Its low, sloping rooftop and curves inspired by the 60s conjure up images of driving up to extravagant parties or red carpet premiers hidden deep in the city. It captures that

Bond

essence that has driven AM sales over the years. You might be able to inherit the mysterious, brooding character from the movie. The Coupe is mechanically identical, and it draws power from the same twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 with 612 horsepower. It encourages a more relaxed driving style. The Coupe’s dry weight is 3,245 lbs, while the Spider’s is 3,430 lb. The 185 extra pounds is not insignificant, but in the case of this car it doesn’t matter. The 3.4 second sprint from 0 to 62 mph and the 199 mph maximum speed should be enough for those who are looking for performance. It’s still a rear-engine front-drive Ferrari and the dual-clutch auto changes gears quickly. If you wish, the rear lights can be lit. Instead, you can lower the top, activate the automatic wind deflector and cruise along the coast in comfort with the magnetic ride suspension. In terms of grand touring, the Coupe is superior in terms versatility. Its roof can be folded in just 13.5 seconds, at speeds up to 37mph. This brings you closer to its quad exhaust tips. The interior of this Prancing Horse is one of the most user-friendly in current production. It features a central infotainment display that makes it easier to use. My tester has a denim roof instead of the metal one that was on its predecessor. The cabin is still very well isolated. Roma CoupeFerrari took great care to make sure that the rear headrests matched the new rear deck. This attention to detail is paying off. Roma Spider’s design is stunning in and of itself. The Verde Masoni Optiaco exterior of this tester, the black wheels and the massive fender guards, lean more towards sporty territory rather than an elegant cruiser. The Spider still has the same stunning roofline as the Coupe. The Ferrari Roma Spider is a welcome departure from the Coupe. The two-seater is still gorgeous, makes great V8 sounds and is just as fast as you would expect from a Prancing Horse. It’s still a beautiful two-seater that makes great V8 noises and is as quick as you would expect from a Prancing Horse. The Roma Spider proves that the influence of California on the Prancing horse dates back to the 1960s.