The new Ferrari Amalfi Spider is perfect for a summer drive along the Italian coastline

It’s always a good day when Ferrari reveals a new car, and as I type this while it pours with rain outside, the new Amalfi Spider will have you longing for an open-top drive along the Italian coastline.

The Crucial Numbers - Speed, Power & Roof Opening Times

Ferrari unveiled the Amalfi last year, and like the Roma it replaced, it is now joined by an open-air variant. Powering the new model is an upgraded version of the Prancing Horse’s twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine, which puts out a maximum 631bhp and matches its sibling’s 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds, despite the extra 86kg of weight from the 220 mm thick drop top roof.

Of course, that soft top roof is what will draw punters into showrooms, opening in 13.5 seconds at speeds of up to 37mph and available in four different colour options. Ferrari says that its five-layer fabric design helps deliver soundproofing and heat insulation comparable to that of a Ferrari retractable hard top’, while its 255 litres of luggage capacity with the roof closed and 172 litres with the roof open puts the Amalfi Spider among the ‘leaders in its class’, including the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster.

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the Amalfi Spider stays true to the coupe version with a similar silhouette and aerodynamic capability with the roof closed, which was a ‘clear goal’ during the design process. A new three-position rear wing generates 110 kg more downforce at 155 mph, with a drag increase of less than 4%, while an integrated electric wind deflector built into the rear bench backrest has been added to the model to improve the turbulence at high speeds.

There is also the rear spoiler, similarly seen also on the regular Amalfi, which is now activated depending on longitudinal and lateral acceleration, rather than by the driver.

New Ferrari, New Red

And despite the exterior looking like another red Ferrari at first glance, the Italian marque has actually used the Amalfi Spider as the first model to showcase its new Rosso Tramonto colour. The new red includes subtle shades of orange that apparently ‘evoke the warm light of the setting sun’. It is added to the list of over 50 other shades of red that the Prancing Horse now offers to its customers.

Interior

Inside, everything feels the same as the Amalfi coupe, with the 2+ layout complemented by two compact seats in the rear. The slightly lower centre console contains a 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch central display and an 8.8-inch passenger screen that gives information like G-forces, speed and revs. Apple CarPlay and Android are both compatible, while wireless charging for your phone is available in the central tunnel. Fans of physical buttons will be happy to see them on the steering wheel, where you can choose between five different ‘Manettino’ modes (‘Wet’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’, ‘ESC-Off’). These sit alongside the much-lauded, and some say iconic, start button.

As for price, Ferrari hasn’t specified a figure as of yet. However, expect the new Amalfi Spider to be north of the £200,000+ figure that its coupe sibling commands.

Deliveries are set to begin in the coming months.

If red’s not your thing, check out the alternative Ferrari Amalfi Spider Verde Costiera, which is inspired by the hues of the Amalfi Coast.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ferrari North Europe