The Ferrari SF90 Spider Is The Prancing Horse’s Gold Standard Of Hybrid Convertible Super Cars

Equipped with the same Plug-In Hybrid platform as the coupe, the Spider comes with three electric motors (two on the front axle and one F1-derived MGU-K on the rear axle) and a 769hp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 internal combustion engine. The total system puts out 986hp and 900Nm of torque transmitted through an eight-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) pushing the SF90 Spider through the century sprint in just 2.5 seconds and to a top speed 340kph.

Based on the design found on the Ferrari 458 Spider, the retractable hardtop (RHT) of the SF90 Spider utilises a full aluminium construction that is up to 40kg lighter than a traditional folding metal roof. It is also more compact with a simpler mechanism, taking just 14 seconds to deploy.

Losing the top does not mean the SF90 Spider loses rigidity. The chassis has higher torsional rigidity than previous platforms without increasing weight. The entire mechanism of the RHT adds just 70kg to the overall weight of the Spider over the coupe. An adjustable electric rear window adds to the occupant comfort even at high speeds when the RHT is lowered.

The SF90 Spider has a similar profile to the coupe with the RHT deployed. While it is no small task to seamlessly integrate the tonneau cover with the B-pillars of the coupe, it was a vital structural component as it preserved the rigidity of the chassis. Moreover, the V8 is on full display in all its glory even with the RHT open.

Aside from having the same silhouette as the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider has a unique dynamic allure when its top is down as the absence of the roof seems to visually lower the car’s centre of gravity. With the cockpit shifted forward, the roof is 20mm lower, and the slender A-pillars and more raked windshield all lend to the more aggressive profile.

Going from coupe to convertible has not adversely affected the SF90’s aerodynamics. With a focus on minimising aerodynamic turbulence and optimising airflow towards the engine, Ferrari has sculpted the body of the SF90 Spider so that its form fits both function and the typical Italian aesthetic. Active aero is a dominating factor when it comes to airflow management. The shut-off Gurney flaps adds rear downforce and underbody vortex generators on the front generates maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

At 250kph, the SF90 Spider generates an impressive 390kg of downforce, planting the convertible to the road. Moreover, as the RHT mechanism would block the heat extraction vents for the internal combustion engine, the louvres have been moved from behind the roof to the rear screen, ensuring that the engine is adequately cooled while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.

The SF90 Spider is also available with the Assetto Fiorano pack that brings a buffet of hardware upgrades, enhancing the convertible’s dynamic driving experience. Emphasising the use of high strength, lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and titanium, the pack shaves of 21kg from the overall kerb weight and adds a carbon fibre spoiler and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres for improved track performance. The Multimatic shock absorbers from Ferrari’s GT racing cars are also included in the performance pack.

With similar performances between the Stradale and the Spider, the only choice you have to make is if you want to drive with the Ferrari hybrid with the top up or the top down.