Hot on the heels of their F9 Tributo, a replacement for their popular mid-engine 488 GTB, Ferrari have also had another project in the wings, one aimed much further up the hierarchy. The rumours really began to swirl toward the beginning of May before the Maranello automaker confirmed an all-new model will be arriving before month’s end. Here it is, the SF90 Stradale.
Poised to sit atop Ferrari’s production car line-up, even above the mainstay V12 grand tourer currently occupied by the 812 Superfast, the SF90 Stradale is both mid-engine and features a hybrid powertrain capable of a combined output of 746kW.
The lofty power figure arrives thanks to the pairing of the same F154 twin-turbocharged V8 from the F9 Tributo and 3 electric motors (one for each front wheel and the other for the rear axle), endowing it with capabilities not seen since the LaFerrari hypercar.
However, unlike that 2013 limited run model, the SF90 Stradale is a plug-in capable, meaning it will be able to charge up its internal lithium ion battery from the mains instead of merely relying on kinetic energy recuperation. This also lends it an EV-only mode that can run the car for roughly 25km at up to 137km/h without invoking the V8.
That isn’t much, true, but it is the first time Ferrari has ever offered a car with such a feature, and we’re sure they weren’t keen on installing a battery any larger or heavier than absolutely necessary to extend this electric range.
All EV malarkey out of the way, the real advantage of electric motor supplementation is obviously the mountains of torque and response they provide, essentially eliminating any lapse in immediacy brought on by turbocharger lag or power availability at a given engine RPM.
When asked to deliver maximum performance, the combination of that trio of electric motors and the bi-turbo V8, which on its own produces 574kW and 800Nm, is able to propel the essentially all-wheel driven SF90 Stradale to 100km/h from rest in just 2.5 seconds before topping out at 340km/h.
Sitting between the engine and rear axle is a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises even quicker shifts as well as lighter assembly and added durability. Interestingly, the new gearbox lacks a typical reverse ratio as the car will instead call upon its front-mounted electric motors when backing up.
When viewed from the exterior, though, the car definitely isn’t trying to be especially derivative of today’s range of Ferrari’s. Instead, it sports a far more subtle look that blends rather busy visual elements with gentle curves and fewer harsh angles. Some will prefer this faux future-retro design, but we suspect it to become a point of debate.
Stepping into the cabin, the SF90 Stradale is clearly trying to take a more progressive evolution to the mainstay interior language of Ferrari’s of late. It’s still very much driver oriented with most controls condensed within the steering wheel Manettino array.
This time, though, it is augmented by digital instrumentation. A 16-inch curved display sits within the binnacle, controllable via a new touchpad on the wheel itself and even provides haptic feedback. The rest of the gauge cluster is dynamic, depending on which spread of information is deemed most important by the currently engaged driving mode.
In parallel to the road-friendly SF90, Ferrari are also rolling out a more performance-focused variant called the Assetto Fiorano. Much of the mechanical package remains intact but features a more aggressive aerodynamics and new Multimatic shock absorbers as well as lightened components such as titanium exhausts and springs.
Its doors and underbody tray are also replaced by carbon fibre units while grip is maximised by the fitment of wider carbon wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
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