The Ferrari Amalfi Spider is a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts who prioritize the open-air experience, though its lack of exhaust volume with the top down creates a notable conflict. This latest iteration of Ferrari’s front-engined V-8 roadster builds upon the chassis of the Roma, introducing a retractable softtop that feels surprisingly rigid despite the inevitable weight penalty. On paper, this is the configuration I typically prefer, offering the sensation of wind in the hair and an immersive audio environment that only a convertible can provide. However, the driving experience here reveals a complex relationship between performance, regulation, and desire.
Removing the roof reveals a design that looks even cleaner than the coupe, with the Rosso Tramonto paint and Tecnico Ottanio weave softtop drawing attention to the car’s profile. Ferrari designers aimed to create a silhouette inspired by speed itself, using a “speedform” model for the Roma refresh. The retractable fabric roof is a five-layer piece with acoustic-deadening fabric, allowing the cabin to be so quiet with the top raised that the driver can forget they are piloting a convertible. The electric operation is swift, taking just 13.5 seconds to lower, and the wind deflector deploys easily to minimize buffeting when the windows are down.
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Style and Sound in the Open
Despite the physical changes, the Amalfi Spider’s powertrain remains the same 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 found in the coupe, now producing 631 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a more advanced turbo management system, allowing for greater independent control of each turbocharger. This engineering achievement provides a robust power delivery, but the exhaust note is where the car struggles to match the driver’s expectations. The mufflers are engineered to meet Europe’s strict noise emission regulations, resulting in a quiet exhaust note that fails to fill the cabin with the Ferrari howl typically expected from the brand. The car sounds significantly better with the roof up, a trade-off that leaves the open-top version feeling slightly incomplete.
While the sound is underwhelming, the mechanical execution is excellent. The car has been equipped with an extensive array of stiffening kit to maintain rigidity, and the difference between the coupe and convertible is negligible on the road. Active dynamic systems allow the car to handle the power with ease. Comfort mode keeps the chassis forgiving, Sport mode introduces slip angle, and Race mode offers a level of driver engagement that few other automakers match. The brakes feature the same ABS Evo system found in the 296 GTB, offering a firm feel that eliminates the initial sponginess of the previous model. This chassis stability allows for precise throttle applications, making the driving experience addictive rather than overwhelming.
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Interior and Practicality
Inside, the Amalfi Spider addresses the awkward screen positioning of its predecessor. The new skyward-facing touchscreen in the Roma Spider was difficult to read in direct sunlight, but the landscape-oriented screen in the new car is much more usable. The interior materials are a significant upgrade, featuring tactile elements like a real aluminum start/stop switch and physical toggles that simplify complex menus. While there could be more physical controls for climate settings, the overall refinement of the cabin is a vast improvement over the Roma. For a grand tourer, this level of comfort is essential, especially during long highway drives where the roof remains raised.
Practicality remains limited, as is typical for a car in this segment. The trunk is spacious enough for two small carry-ons, but any additional luggage would require folding down the rear seats. Given the limited space, it is fair to assume that passengers in the back will rarely be occupied by adults. The price difference between the coupe and Spider is approximately 10 percent, pushing the estimated starting price of the Spider to around $300,000. This places the Amalfi Spider in direct competition with other ultra-luxury convertibles like the Bentley Continental GTC and the Aston Martin DB12 Volante.
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There is a familiar pattern in the automotive industry where a convertible version of a high-performance car often feels like an afterthought. The Amalfi Spider is no exception; it is a fantastic car that excels in chassis trends and interior refinement, but the suppression of the engine note is a fundamental flaw for a vehicle of this caliber. The sound of a Ferrari is as much a part of the driving experience as the power output, and cutting that away diminishes the emotional connection. While the Spider offers the freedom of the open road and a more comfortable cabin, the coupe ultimately provides a more complete and engaging experience.
