The new Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a plug-in hybrid

LEVERAGING the knowledge gained from its Formula 1 cars, Ferrari has now brought out its first production Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the SF90 Stradale.

The SF90 Stradale, whose name references the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferarri (the carmaker’s race team), packs a 90-degree V8 turbocharged engine producing 769hp — the highest power output of any eight-cylinder mill in Ferrari’s history. Besides the engine’s output, another 217hp is delivered by three electric motors.

One of the motors is located between the engine and the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle. The two other motors are placed on the front axle. A sophisticated control logic takes care of managing the flow of power between the V8, the electric motors and the batteries, according to Ferrari.

It added the SF90 Stradale puts out “unprecedented performance for a production car,” citing the model’s weight-to-power ratio of 1.58 kg/hp and 390kg of downforce at 250kph place the SF90 Stradale at the top of its segment. A first in Ferrari’s history is that a V8 has become the brand’s top model.

The new model is equipped with all-wheel drive, which Ferrari said is necessary considering the car’s power output. The carmaker said the SF90 Stradale can accelerate from zero to 100kph in 2.5 seconds, and from zero to 200kph in 6.7 seconds.

Helping the power get to the tarmac is the RAC-e, or electronic cornering setup regulator, which let the two motors in front to independently control the torque delivered to the front wheels. This, Ferrari said, extends the capability of torque vectoring.

The carmaker said it compensated for added weight brought about by the SF90 Stradale’s hybrid architecture by constructing the car’s chassis and bodyshell in various advanced composites, including carbon-fiber.

Ferrari said the SF90 Stradale is “epoch-changing from a stylistic perspective as it completely rewrites the mid-rear-engine sports berlinetta proportions introduced on the 360 Modena 20 years ago” as the new model instead takes inspiration from the brand’s recent supercars. An example is the cockpit, which has a smaller frontal section and is placed closer to the front of the car to reduce drag.

For the first time on a Ferrari, clients can choose between the standard car and a version with a more sports-oriented specification. Ferrari said the Assetto Fiorano spec includes upgrades like GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers; extra lightweight door panels, underbody, springs and exhaust system; a high downforce carbon-fiber rear spoiler; and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires designed specifically for the track.

The SF90 Stradale enters new territory with regards to its interior specifications, Ferrari said. The carmaker cited the track-derived “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy has influenced the ergonomics and styling of the car’s cabin, resulting in a human-machine interface and layout concept that completely departs from previous models.

Another major innovation is the steering wheel which now has a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons. These allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just his thumbs. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16-inch curved HD screen which can be fully configured and operated using the controls on the steering wheel.

Yes, a new era has arrived at Maranello.