Ferrari Amalfi Spider debuts – 640 PS/760 Nm soft-top convertible arrives as the Roma Spider replacement

Ferrari has unveiled the convertible version of the Amalfi, presenting the Amalfi Spider eight months after the coupe’s global introduction. Its introduction yesterday also coincided with the Amalfi coupe’s regional debut here in Malaysia.

Like its hard-top sibling, the soft-top V8 2+2 rolls in as a like-for-like replacement for the Roma Spider. In terms of proportions and specifications, that on the Spider largely mirrors the coupe, with the same front minimalist front-end that includes a floating body-coloured wing above a dark slim band, which integrates sensors and narrow headlights in it.

The removal of the roof means that certain design elements have of course been reworked, notably in the flow through section of the rear part of the cab. The route also makes the Spider four millimetres taller and alters its weight distribution to 48% front/52% rear compared to the 50/50% of the coupe.

As it was with the Roma Spider, the soft top on this one opens in 13.5 seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 60 km/h. The top is constructed with a five-layer fabric that the automaker says delivers a level of soundproofing and heat insulation comparable to that of a retractable hard top, and when stowed, only measures only 220 mm thick, ensuring more than adequate luggage space – with the top up, boot volume is 255 litres, while 172 litres is available with the top down.

The unit has personalisation options, being available in four tailor-made fabric colours and two technical fabric options, including a new option called Tecnico Ottanio, which has a distinctive weave to create a three-dimensional, shimmering effect across all lighting conditions.

Otherwise, the rest of the mechanicals are identical to the hard top, including all the technical revisions that were carried out for the latter, from the inclusion of the ABS Evo from the 296 GTB to the reworked electric power steering. The active rear aero from the coupe is found here too, with the same three configurations – Low Drag, Medium Downforce, and High Downforce (HD).

Like the Amalfi, the Spider gets a F154 BH 3.9 litre twin-turbocharged V8, which provides 640 PS at 7,500 rpm and 760 Nm from 3,000 to 5,750 rpm, the output being 20 PS higher than on the Roma Spider. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a revised eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, which was first seen on the SF90 Stradale.

Despite being 86 kg heavier as a result of the soft-top mechanism and corresponding – if unmentioned – structural reinforcement work, at 1,556 kg (dry) to the Amalfi coupe’s 1,470 kg, there’s very little to separate the speed performance of the duo. The Spider takes the same 3.3 seconds to do the 0-100 km/h sprint, and it also hits a 320 km/h top speed. It does take about four-tenths of a second more to hit the 200 km/h mark from standstill, taking 9.4 seconds to do so compared to the coupe’s 9.0 seconds. Not that it’ll matter to anyone.

Like the coupe, the Amalfi Spider’s interior departs from the dual-cockpit design from the Roma, replacing it with a twin-cowl design that makes the cabin a much airier place. There’s a new HMI, and hardware includes a 15.6-inch digital instrument display, 10.25 inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and an optional 8.8-inch slim passenger screen. Also to be found is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a Qi wireless charger.

Like with the coupe, which introduced a new Verde Costiera exterior colour option, the Amalfi Spider also debuts a new exterior colour. Called Rosso Tramonto, the shade is distinguished by subtle orange undertones that are inspired by the hues of the Amalfi coast, bathed in the warm light of the setting sun.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.