AN open-top version of the Ferrari Roma has been revealed - the first front-engined soft top from the Maranello marque for 54 years.

Ferrari says the Roma Spider 2+ is a contemporary take on the chic, pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s.

It was presented during an exclusive event at the El Badi Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco, where clients got their first view of the car.

The soft top deploys in just 13.5 seconds and can be opened at up to almost 40mph.

Like the coupe version of the Roma it is powered by a 620hp 3.9-litre V8 engine and in the open model it results in a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of around 200mph.

Fuel economy homologation is still being carried out.

The Spider is said to have acoustic insulation in its hood that gives noise levels on par with retractable hard top vehicles.

The Ferrari Roma Spider's long rear overhang, which is a characteristic of the Ferraris of the 1950s and 60s, has been re-proportioned resulting in a low, compact volume which hugs the rear axle Boot capacity is 255 litres.

As the spiritual successor to the 1969 365 GTS4 Daytona the engine of the Roma Spider is paired with an eight-speed DCT gearbox which has become renowned for its fast shift times and efficiency.

No prices have been released but it is expected to cost in the region of £200,000 - some £20,000 more than the Roma Coupe.