FIRST DRIVE: 612bhp Ferrari Roma Spider | Top Gear REVIEW

Is Ferrari’s Roma Spider the most attractive two-seat compact supercar on sale today? Well, that’s for you to decide. But here are the facts. While the bulk of the Roma’s slender lines remain as per the coupe, the rear has most obviously been reworked to incorporate the new folding roof. Comprised of special weaves and five layers, it’s the first time fabric has been deployed as a roofing material on a front-engined Ferrari since the 365 GTS4 back in 1969. This Spider is exactly 84kg heavier than the Roma Coupe, thanks in part – says Ferrari – to the new and very clever wind deflector, which when deployed rotates the backrest of the rear seats (sans passengers, of course) into position behind the front two’s heads. This itself is as much a comfort solution – less turbulence – as it is an aerodynamic one. Ferrari also worked on the rear spoiler’s geometry and added a 5mm nolder on the windscreen header rail along with the new deflector, itself deployable by a small button on the centre console. The addition of which is the only interior change over the coupe. There’s the Roma’s familiar wraparound ‘dual-cockpit’ concept enforced by that high central console, itself containing a neat nod back to Ferrari’s open-gate-gearbox roots, and the 8.4in floating display. The driver gets their own digital display of course, reflecting the V8’s current state. And with 612bhp on offer, there will be many states. Mostly excitable. The 3.9-litre V8 turbo comes in unchanged from the Roma Coupe, along with the same eight-speed dual clutch gearbox, a new exhaust tune for better noise, and the ability to run 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. Flat out, it’s just shy of 200mph. But what’s it like to drive? We sent Top Gear Magazine’s Jason Barlow out to Italy to experience la dolce vita and find out. WATCH MORE TOP GEAR: