2027 Ferrari Amalfi Spider: The Latest Evolution of Ferrari's Entry GT

The 2027 Ferrari Amalfi Spider is the latest nameplate in a line of front-engine V-8 grand tourers that stretches back over a decade. Starting with the California T, then the Portofino, Roma, and now the Amalfi, Ferrari has continuously refined the same basic twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8 platform on a 105.1-inch wheelbase. While each update might appear cosmetic, the cumulative effect has turned this entry-level Ferrari into an impressively polished machine.

Compared with the coupe version, the Amalfi Spider gains 19 horsepower, a heavily revised interior, and a rear spoiler that now offers two raised positions instead of one. The exterior is updated with minimalist fascias that tie the car to the broader Ferrari family, though the front end has drawn some comparisons to Japanese sedans. Despite that, the Spider embraces its role as the most accessible Ferrari, far removed from the track-focused F80 both in price—$300,131 versus $3.9 million—and in driving character.

On the road, the Amalfi Spider excels as a grand tourer. The three-layer soft top suppresses wind and road noise remarkably well, and the magnetorheological dampers in their softest setting deliver a comfortable yet controlled ride. The steering is light and quick, lending a Miata-like nimbleness to the roughly 3,700-pound car, though it sacrifices on-center precision. In Comfort mode, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission races to top gear and can be reluctant to downshift promptly when full power is called upon.

How the Amalfi Spider Sharpens the Front-Engine V-8 GT Recipe

More Power and a Familiar Transmission Character

The 19-horsepower bump continues a trend of incremental improvement, but the real story is how the powertrain delivers the experience. The V-8 remains silky at low revs, humming along at 2,000 rpm without betraying its potential. However, the Comfort-mode calibration leaves the transmission hesitating under hard throttle, sometimes stopping one gear short of full kickdown. Ferrari’s approach contrasts sharply with Porsche’s PDK, which remains sharper in relaxed settings—a point that continues to puzzle.

Advertisement

A More Cosseting, Yet Agile, Grand Tourer

The Spider’s suspension tuning and sound insulation advance the GT formula meaningfully. The ride strikes a sweet spot between comfort and tautness, and the soft top’s triple-layer construction brings coupe-like quietness. The feathery steering, while enjoyable for low-effort cruising, does dilute precision. Still, for buyers who prioritize everyday usability and long-distance refinement, the Amalfi Spider delivers a level of polish that earlier iterations lacked.

Market Positioning and the Competition

Ferrari makes no secret of the Amalfi Spider’s place at the mild end of its athleticism spectrum, positioning it as far from the F80 as possible. At a $300,131 starting price, it competes with other luxury GTs from Aston Martin, Bentley, and—given the transmission critique—the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. The Amalfi’s blend of badge prestige, V-8 sonority, and newfound everyday comfort strengthens its hand, but the driving purist may still find the steering and transmission tune lacking compared to rivals.

What the Amalfi Spider Means for Luxury GT Shoppers

  • For buyers prioritizing grand-touring comfort: The Amalfi Spider offers a significantly quieter cabin and a suspension that soaks up bumps without losing composure, making it a strong choice for long drives.
  • Test the transmission in all driving modes. In Comfort, downshifts are leisurely; plan to use Sport or manual paddle inputs if immediate response matters. The V-8’s explosive character is accessible, but only when the gearbox is prodded.
  • Steering feel requires acclimation. The light, quick steering is tailor-made for relaxed cruising but lacks a reassuring on-center zone—expect to adjust your inputs on winding roads.
  • Consider the soft top’s acoustic performance. The triple-layer roof rivals a fixed roof for quietness, minimizing the usual convertible penalty and adding everyday usability.
  • Price-conscious luxury GT shoppers: At just over $300,000, the Amalfi Spider undercuts several front-engine rivals while offering modern cabin tech and Ferrari cachet. If the transmission quirks are acceptable, it presents a compelling value proposition in this rarefied segment.