Not least thanks to its clean-cut looks, the Ferrari Roma was an instant hit when launched online in late 2019. To many, if not most, people’s eyes, the coupe is a prettier proposition compared to its Portofino open-top sibling, which is why enthusiasts have wondered whether a Roma Spider would eventually replace the Porto. And, as hinted by a recent spy video showcasing the open-top Roma resuming testing earlier this month, it looks like this change is set to take place after all.
A Roma Spider (that name is tentative for now) prototype was spotted testing in Maranello a couple of days ago, with the Italians sending out the vehicle in the middle of the night. This reminds one of the 2019-2020 rumors about such a model, some of which included test vehicle activities.
Even with the nighttime testing, there are a few images showcasing the heavily camouflaged tester exiting the Ferrari factory gates and even a brief video that brings a dynamic take on the matter. And, to top it all off, the spy stunt also includes a shot of what appears to be an uncamouflaged Roma Spider—lens tip to YouTuber Varyx and Instagram users zff passion and simone_masetti_99 for the camera work.
Alas, with the white test car exposed here being far from a showroom offering, we can’t make out the details that would answer a pair of key questions: will the probable Roma Spider lose the compact rear seats of the coupe? Is it going to continue the folding hardtop trend of recent Prancing Horses or will it bring back the soft top of the good old days?
The history of the Roma/Portofino chassis seems to allow for such a takeover
Now, the sheer existence of an open-top Roma has been the subject of debate over the past few years. At first, it seemed that, with Ferrari having introduced the Portofino M revamp of the open-air model in 2021, there would be no room in the range for a folding-roof iteration of the Roma. For the record, the update gave the Portofino M a Roma engine with GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) and more power, along with Roma calibration for the seven-speed auto and minor styling changes.
Zooming in, the two share their platform, even though the carmaker has repeatedly stated they are not different versions of the same car. Truth be told, their looks and aerodynamics are different and so are their cabins—with the Roma reportedly aimed at an even younger audience than the Portofino (M), the former’s interior is more tech-laden.
However, if we consider the history of the aluminum structure serving both models, a Roma Spider taking over, say, in 2023, does seem to make sense.
You see, this chassis was introduced in 2008 with the California. And, having driven the model, I can confirm this didn’t quite live up to the Ferrari standard, not even when talking about an entry-level model. Alas, the same can be said about the California T which added serious grunt via two turbochargers and was built between 2014 and 2017 when the Portofino took over.
Ferrari needs a constant steam of all-new and refreshed cars
As aptly pointed on in the YouTube clip below, Ferrari has changed quite a bit over the past few years. Being a separate company (as opposed to an integrated part of FCA, which has since merged with PSA to form Stellantis) and listed on the stock exchange has seen the carmaker exceeding the 10,000-unit annual production cap.
This means launching a plethora of all-new and upgraded models each year. And it looks like 2023 will bring novelties on both fronts. The former breed is set to be represented by the Purosangue crossover. And you can expect the latter camp to welcome the Roma Spider (deliveries may only start a year later), regardless of what roof type it uses to bring that V8 soundtrack closer to one’s ears.
