Does it whizz and buzz?
Actually no. There’s no fancy hybrid stuff or electric motors in sight, apart from those that operate the roof, which is a good thing as far as we’re concerned. Up front you have a beautifully straightforward 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 capable of 631bhp and 0-60 in just 3.3sec. It’s more like an actual car than an exercise in modern engineering, and we’re all for it.
So no fancy tech at all?
There is an active three-position rear wing that adjusts automatically and can add an extra 110kg of downforce. It has an eight-speed twin-clutch gearbox, stops via brake-by-wire and uses Ferrari’s slick side slip control traction and stability management system. But in the cockpit you’ll find proper buttons rather than screens.
Soft top folds to 220mm
Bet it’s heavy though
All convertibles are, due to the need to stiffen the chassis to make up for the rigidity that is lost when you lop the roof off. The spider weighs in about 86kg heavier than the coupé but does match its performance figures pretty much pound-for-pound. The hood has been designed to match the aerodynamic profile of the original roof, so extends over the rear deck behind the headrests instead of stopping short. It’s also one of the fastest electric roofs around, retracting fully in just 13.5sec and the car can be travelling up to 37mph while it does so. It’ll do 198mph too.
Minimalist interior
What about the name?
Ferrari named it after the stunning Amalfi coast in Italy. Which is, coincidentally, one of Italy’s most expensive destinations.
Will it look as good by Southend Pier?
Most probably, although you’ll likely want the roof up.