Ferrari Roma Spider review

Inside, Ferrari’s bold adventures in the world of HMI continue. The main instrument display is a configurable 16in curved HD screen with some seriously hi-def graphics. As before, you can configure it in various ways, but almost always end up having the rev counter front and centre.

Audio and other functions are navigated via a capacitive touchpad on the right hand spar of the wheel, with another on the left to flick through temperature, oil pressure et al. The system has been de-bugged since the Roma arrived in 2020 and seems to be subject to constant fettling, if a Ferrari insider is to be believed. Now you get a little extra under-thumb ‘zizz’ to reinforce whatever it is you’re doing.

We admire the commitment to innovation but, as ever, some things are just better done using physical buttons rather than jabbing at a screen or trying to persuade your thumbs to get onboard.

The long-serving wheel-mounted manettino remains tangible and elegant proof of this thesis. Where it once had things to itself, it’s now surrounded by myriad other buttons. ADAS – advanced driving assist systems, including lane assist and its associated (dys)functionality – arrives in the Spider. Urgh. It’s a legal requirement as of 2024 but there are shortcuts in the Spider to switch it all off. And believe us, you’ll want to, unless you like being serenaded by various warning chimes.

Fortunately, audio and air con are controlled via a central screen, as well as providing the Apple CarPlay or Android interface. It’s odds-on that they’ll do most of the connectivity heavy lifting. And we love the gear selector panel that mimics the open gate of classic Ferrari manuals. These are the elements drivers will interact with most often.