Ferrari SF90

The Ferrari SF90: A Bold Step into the Future of Hybrid Hypercars

The Ferrari SF90 series represents Ferrari’s bold entry into the realm of high-performance plug-in hybrids, marking a transformative moment for the brand as it embraces electrification without compromising on performance.

Named in honor of Ferrari’s 90th anniversary in 2019, the SF90 series signifies Ferrari’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability, all while delivering the exhilarating driving experience the brand is known for. This article delves into the SF90 model range, including the SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider, and the exclusive SF90 XX Stradale and Spider models.

History and Development of the SF90 Series

When Ferrari introduced the SF90 Stradale in 2019, it was the brand’s first series-production plug-in hybrid. Built as both a technological statement and a performance marvel, the SF90 symbolized Ferrari’s shift toward a sustainable future. The SF90 was engineered with insights drawn from Ferrari’s Formula 1 hybrid expertise, which influenced its powertrain, handling, and lightweight construction.

Named after Ferrari’s Formula 1 car, the SF90 was envisioned to push the boundaries of hybrid technology in a production car. It’s the first Ferrari to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with an electric-only driving mode (up to 25 km or about 15 miles) for zero-emission operation, yet it maintains Ferrari’s performance DNA.

SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider, and SF90 XX Stradale/Spider

1. SF90 Stradale: The original SF90 variant, the Stradale is a coupe that combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors. This setup produces a jaw-dropping 986 horsepower (780 kW), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The Stradale comes with two trim options, Assetto Fiorano and standard. Assetto Fiorano adds lightweight carbon fiber, titanium parts, and a track-focused suspension.

2. SF90 Spider: Launched in 2020, the SF90 Spider brings the same powertrain and performance of the Stradale to an open-top experience. With a retractable hardtop, the Spider offers a blend of exhilaration and luxury. The Spider can drop its top in just 14 seconds, delivering an immersive drive that enhances the sound and feel of Ferrari’s hybrid system.

3. SF90 XX Stradale and XX Spider: Revealed in 2023, the XX Stradale and XX Spider represent the ultimate track-focused iterations of the SF90, designed for Ferrari’s most passionate customers. Inspired by Ferrari’s XX Program, which typically develops cars exclusively for track use, the SF90 XX variants are street-legal but boast significant performance upgrades, including enhanced aerodynamics, more aggressive suspension tuning, and a power boost to over 1,030 horsepower.

Engineering a Hybrid Powerhouse

Powertrain and Hybrid System

The SF90 Stradale and its variants are powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with three electric motors—two on the front axle and one integrated with the engine. Together, these components produce nearly 1,000 horsepower, allowing the car to hit 211 mph at full speed.

Ferrari engineered four driving modes that maximize the hybrid powertrain’s capabilities:

• eDrive: An electric-only mode that offers a quiet, zero-emissions drive up to 15 miles.

• Hybrid: Balances efficiency and performance by combining the V8 and electric motors as needed.

• Performance: Keeps the V8 engine engaged to ensure peak power is available at all times.

• Qualify: Prioritizes maximum power output from both the V8 and electric motors, delivering the highest performance levels.

In Qualify mode, the SF90’s acceleration and handling are heightened, showcasing Ferrari’s mastery in blending hybrid power with track-ready responsiveness.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

Equipped with all-wheel drive (a first for a Ferrari road car) and Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) 6.0, the SF90 models offer unparalleled traction and control. Ferrari’s new eSSC (electric Side Slip Control) system, which coordinates the torque vectoring from the front electric motors, further enhances agility by delivering power precisely where it’s needed, allowing the SF90 to navigate corners with pinpoint accuracy.

The car’s eManettino mode selector, inspired by Ferrari’s racing heritage, enables drivers to customize the car’s behavior instantly. With its lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and low center of gravity, the SF90 feels planted and agile, offering an incredibly engaging experience whether on city streets or high-speed circuits.

Reviewer Praise and Perceptions

At launch, the SF90 series received acclaim for its fusion of hybrid technology and Ferrari performance. Many reviewers noted the SF90’s balance between sustainability and speed. As Top Gear said, “The SF90 Stradale is not only ludicrously fast but also showcases a future where hybrid technology doesn’t have to mean compromising on performance.”

The SF90 Spider was praised for bringing the same capabilities as the Stradale but with the added thrill of open-top driving. Car and Driver remarked, “Driving the SF90 Spider with the top down, hearing the V8 and electric motors working in harmony, is an experience every Ferrari lover dreams of.”

With the XX Stradale and Spider, Ferrari redefined what a street-legal hypercar could achieve. The XX models received high marks for delivering track-level handling and power in a street-legal package, with MotorTrend commenting, “The SF90 XX Stradale blurs the line between race car and hypercar, challenging every performance metric.”

Aesthetic and Functional Aerodynamics

The SF90 series embodies Ferrari’s design philosophy, combining beauty and function. The exterior’s sculpted lines and low profile emphasize its aerodynamics, while the split tailpipes, active rear diffuser, and retractable spoiler in the rear help reduce drag and improve downforce.

The SF90’s interior is equally sophisticated, with a driver-centric layout featuring a 16-inch curved HD display that relays key performance data. Ferrari integrated the Human Machine Interface (HMI) into the steering wheel, so drivers can control nearly all functions without removing their hands from the wheel, in keeping with Ferrari’s Formula 1-inspired cockpit philosophy.

In the XX variants, Ferrari went even further, adding carbon fiber elements and racing-inspired touches, including lightweight bucket seats and revised aerodynamics. The SF90 XX cars feature an enlarged rear wing, dive planes, and additional air intakes, all designed to optimize airflow and increase stability at high speeds.

The SF90’s Role in Ferrari’s Hybrid Future

The SF90 series represents a pivotal moment for Ferrari, as it’s the brand’s first production plug-in hybrid and a statement of its vision for future hybridization. With its advanced technology, Ferrari has set a new standard for high-performance hybrids, proving that electrification can complement, rather than compromise, a high-performance vehicle.

Since its release, the SF90 has influenced Ferrari’s approach to both hybrid and electric technology. The knowledge gained from the SF90 program has fed into subsequent models, including the 296 GTB, which uses a similar hybrid approach. Ferrari has signaled that hybridization will continue to be a core component of its strategy, with more models embracing electric power as Ferrari seeks to combine tradition with innovation.

Reception and Critical Acclaim

The SF90 Stradale, Spider, and XX models have been met with admiration from reviewers and owners alike. Critics lauded Ferrari’s commitment to maintaining its driving dynamics while adopting a sustainable technology framework. Evo Magazine described the SF90 Stradale as “a landmark car for Ferrari—faster, more powerful, and yet lighter and more agile thanks to its hybrid powertrain.”

The SF90 Spider received accolades for combining open-air excitement with hybrid power, with Automobile Magazine noting, “Ferrari has achieved something extraordinary here: a convertible hypercar that’s both outrageously fast and undeniably sophisticated.”

The XX Stradale and Spider models were hailed as Ferrari’s ultimate road-legal track machines. Road & Track described them as “proof that Ferrari is pushing boundaries not just in terms of power but in terms of what’s possible for a street-legal, hybrid hypercar.”

A Masterpiece for the Hybrid Era

The Ferrari SF90 series, from the groundbreaking Stradale to the high-octane XX Stradale and Spider, epitomizes Ferrari’s ability to blend heritage with forward-thinking technology. As the brand’s first plug-in hybrid hypercar, the SF90 has redefined what’s possible in a hybrid vehicle, delivering performance, style, and sustainability in equal measure. With the SF90, Ferrari not only preserved its DNA of speed and exhilaration but also prepared for an electrified future that stays true to the brand’s roots.