The Ferrari SF90 Spider we wrote about last year is finally introduced in Malaysia. Distinctively an SF90, the SF90 Spider exterior was inspired by the same principles used to develop the coupe, focusing on downforce without compromising aerodynamic efficiency. While still featuring the retractable hardtop (RHT), the SF90 Spider retains the coupe’s sleek silhouette, contrasted by the different coloured trim on the roll-hoops and buttresses.
Operated by a complex, all-aluminium lever system and deployed in just 14 seconds, the RHT weighs 40kg’s less than a conventional convertible system and takes up only 100 litres of space. The tonneau cover integrates seamlessly with the B-pillars, preserving the original styling theme. Even the buttresses behind the passengers’ headrests, a Ferrari spider signature, blend harmoniously as if they were always part of the design. Unlike most mid-engined convertibles, the SF90 Spider’s V8 engine is still visible through the rear window even when the roof is folded down.
The front of the SF90 Spider is dominated by a pronounced low nose with aggressively styled triple air intakes to cool the electric motors (front) and the internal combustion engine (sides). Thanks to active beam control, sleek Matrix LED headlights adorn the front to improve visibility in all driving conditions.
Over on the rear, high set exhaust pipes dominate the fascia with an integrated wing and Gurney flap. The low tail area with an integrated diffuser clearly highlights the SF90 Spider’s track-inspired personality. Moreover, the elongated rings create a more horizontal perception of the taillights that fit snugly in-between the spoiler and the rear deck.
Part of the SF90 Spider’s appeal, or any Ferrari for that matter, is its powertrain. And what a powertrain it is. As Ferrari’s first production hybrid, and its most potent road-going vehicle to date, the SF90 Spider has the same total power output as the coupe with 986hp (1,000CV). Featuring a 770hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 combustion engine, the hybrid Ferrari also features three electric motors totalling 216hp.
Two motors on the front axle feature the RAC-e (Cornering Angle Regulator, Electric) system. The other motor is rear-mounted between the engine and the eight-speed DCT gearbox. The rear motor borrows technology from Ferrari’s Formula 1 team, incorporating the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) to harness kinetic energy from the engine during hard acceleration and deceleration.
The SF90 Spider has four different driving modes controlled by the steering mounted eManettino switch. The first, eDrive, put the Spider in EV mode, allowing the super-hybrid to travel up to 25km, with a maximum speed of 135kph, with the 7.9kWh battery alone. In addition, Hybrid mode optimises the car’s efficiency. Performance forces the V8 to work constantly with priority on charging the battery. Qualify fully opens up the system for an all-out attack.
At the maximum available performance, the SF90 Spider does 0-100kph in just 2.5 seconds, 0-200kph in 7.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 340kph. Energy recovery is done via regenerative braking on both axles, overbraking during the lift of coasting and the engine recharging the MGUK electric motor directly.
More than just a figure-chasing pony, the SF90 Spider has its roots firmly honed on the race track, evident in the dynamic systems and active aerodynamics engineered for maximum driving prowess. The new eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) dynamic control system incorporates Electronic Traction Control (eTC) for the powertrain, Torque Vectoring utilising the two front electric motors, and Brake-by-wire control with ABS and EBD.
With extensive use of carbon fibre, and Inconel exhaust system and a lighter and quicker shifting transmission, Ferrari has managed to keep the weight of the SF90 Spider down to just 1,670kg despite the complicated hybrid infrastructure.
As with the coupe, the SF90 Spider is available with the Assetto Fiorano pack that includes a list of exclusive upgrades such as the Multimatic shock absorbers, titanium and carbon fibre parts that reduce 21kg off the car’s weight and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Ferrari has thrown the entirety of their aerodynamics package into the SF90 Spider to maintain aerodynamic efficiency with the RHT deployed, minimising aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted, and optimising flows in the engine bay. The main features in the SF90 Spider’s aero design include an actively controlled shut-off Gurney flap at the rear, front underbody vortex generator strakes, and forged wheels with wing profiles. The performance results are impressive, with a massive 390kg of downforce generated in cornering at 250kph with the special Assetto Fiorano specification.
While all is well and good on the go-faster bits, Ferrari has made sure that the occupants of the SF90 Spider are well taken care of. The predominantly digital instrument cluster features a 16-inch curved HD screen with a large central rev counter. The steering wheel now features touch-sensitive surfaces for controls such as the Engine Start/Stop button, controls for the infotainment and audio systems, and controls for the cruise control. However, traditional controls are still maintained for the turn signals, headlights, wipers and the Manettino switch. Wrapped in swaths of plush Italian leather, the SF90 is just as lovely to be in as it is to drive.
The Ferrari SF90 Spider is available from the base price of RM2,088,000 (before taxes and options) and comes with a class-leading extended 7-year maintenance programme. The Ferrari Genuine Maintenance Programme also covers regular maintenance (20,000 km or once per year), original spare parts and after-sales care for all customers of the Scuderia, including owners of pre-owned Ferrari’s. Although not yet available for public viewing due to FMCO, you can contact the Ferrari Malaysia Showroom to bug for details.
Now that the price for both SF90 versions is available, you now have a choice to make — do you want to feel the wind in your hair or be discreet under the hardtop?
