Black 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider

A black 2024 Ferrari Roma Spider arriving at and leaving the Motor4Toys Charity Car Show & Toy Drive at Los Angeles Pierce College. Introduced in March 2023, the Roma Spider features a softtop that opens and closes in 13.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 37 mph. It is powered by the same 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the Roma coupe producing 612 horsepower. The Roma Spider is Ferrari's first front-engined softtop convertible since the 365 GTS/4 Daytona introduced in 1969 and has a starting price (MSRP) of over $270,000.

It took Ferrari over three years to build an open-top version of the Roma - a long time in today's increasingly fast-paced market. I can't help but believe that it was because everyone knew a convertible Roma would make Ferrari's own Portofino essentially obsolete. Sure enough, when the Roma Spider was launched, Ferrari also axed the Portofino. Apparently it was clear to the folks in Maranello that buyers preferred the more modern and tech-focused Roma over the Portofino. I still find the Roma's rear end disproportionately plump especially in contrast to its sleek front, and the Spider makes no attempt at hiding that. The choice of color also doesn't help, since black tends to emphasize a car's overall shape and hide its design details. But from the right angles, this is quite a sexy car. There was a new Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo parked nearby with a similar spec, and personally I'd prefer that car. But for those who can't resist the allure of the Prancing Horse and are willing to fork up an additional $70,000, the Roma Spider is definitely a compelling choice.

And yes, that's a slammed Buick Park Avenue with its top chopped off at the end of the video. The Southern California car scene never ceases to surprise!

Do you prefer the Ferrari Roma as a coupe or as a Spider? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!