For a nifty pre-tax, pre-insurance and pre-options price of RM1,908,000, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the most powerful car that has come out of Maranello so far. And Ferrari has by pairing the most powerful 8-cylinder in Ferrari’s history with a good dose of electricity.
In total, the SF90 Stradale produces 1,000hp through its engine and electric motors. 780hp of the 1,000hp comes from the 90-degree V8 turbo engine while the remaining 220hp comes from three electric motors. Two of the motors are placed on the front axle and one in the rear. The rear motor also called the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) comes from Formula 1 and placed between the engine and the new 8-speed dual clutch transmission on the rear axle.
The full-electric front axle, which Ferrari calls RAC-e, that consists of two electric motors power each front wheel independently. Apart from providing pure-electric propulsion, the motors also work to aid torque vectoring.
Power goes to all four wheels, making this the first Ferrari to have 4WD. It is a move that the Prancing Horse said necessary to put all the power down to the road properly. A 0-100kph time of 2.5 seconds — and a more impressive 0-200kph in 6.7 seconds — justifies the decision.
The SF90 Stradale is as aerodynamic as it looks. It works not just to put more downforce for stability at any speeds but also dissipates the heat generated by the power unit. Notably, the shut-off Gurney, a patented active system located at the rear of the car, regulates airflow over the upper body. On top of that, the cockpit is now placed closer to the front to reduce drag.
Inside, the SF90 Stradale’s ergonomics and styling follow the ‘eyes on the road, hands on the wheel’ philosophy. The instrument cluster is a fully digital 16-inch curved HD screen that the driver can customise using the controls on the steering wheel. The wheel, too, is changed with added touchpad and haptic buttons.
There will be two SF90 Stradale versions that are offered — standard and the Assetto Fiorano, which is seen here. This sport-oriented specification adds a GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, extra lightweight carbon fibre parts and titanium that removes 30kg from the standard car. Also, the carbon-fibre rear spoiler can generate 390kg of downforce at 250kph, pinning the car to the road. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres is also included in this spec.
Orders books are open for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, but as the world is still in the vice grip of COVID-19, it will take sometime before this super PHEV arrives. We hear it might take up to two years before shipping begins. Wait for it?
