The Prancing Horse’s Hybrid Hypercar: Ferrari SF90 Stradale Accelerates 0-100 km/h in Bugatti Chiron Territory

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercar with a mid-mounted engine, first introduced in 2019. The car shares its name with the SF90 Formula 1 car, with the number 90 commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Scuderia Ferrari team, and “Stradale”, an Italian word meaning “made for the road”, hinting that the SF90 Stradale is a race car for the streets.

Ferrari positioned the SF90 Stradale in the high-end market, with a price tag double that of their commercial supercars, only undercut by their hypercar and Icona classic offerings. With a price tag of over $600,000, the SF90 Stradale attracts not only Ferrari enthusiasts but also new customers looking to experience the thrill of a high-end PHEV.

In Vietnam, there are around 8 privately and officially imported SF90 supercars, including 2 Spider convertibles and 6 Stradale coupes, all residing in Ho Chi Minh City. However, a recent acquisition by a Hanoi-based car dealership has brought one of these stunning vehicles to the capital city, much to the delight of local car enthusiasts.

Upon its release, Ferrari boasted that the SF90 Stradale could generate downforce of 390 kg at 250 km/h, thanks to new discoveries in aerodynamics and heat management. A key feature of its design is the two-part rear wing, inspired by the drag reduction system (DRS) used in Formula 1. A fixed component in the wing houses the taillights, while the movable parts (referred to as “shut-off Gurney” by the manufacturer) are integrated into the body using electric actuators to maximize downforce.

The SF90 Stradale utilizes a development of Ferrari’s vortex generator, mounted at the front of the car. Its cabin-forward design not only enhances the effectiveness of these new aerodynamic components but also accommodates the cooling requirements of its hybrid system. This design is a result of close collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Centre and Ferrari engineers.

The rear of the car incorporates iconic Ferrari Styling elements, such as the flying buttresses. The engine cover is kept as low as possible to optimize airflow. According to the car’s chief designer, Flavio Manzoni, the SF90 Stradale’s design blends the aesthetics of a spaceship with those of a race car. The rear side profile evokes the 330 P3/4 of the 1960s.

Inside the SF90 Stradale, a standout feature is the 410 mm curved screen behind the steering wheel, displaying critical vehicle statistics to the driver. The car also employs a new configurable windshield-mounted display that adapts to the selected driving mode.

The steering wheel, borrowed from the F8, now incorporates multiple touch interfaces to control various vehicle functions. Traditional paddles and buttons remain unchanged. According to the manufacturer, the interior design also acoustically channels engine sound towards the driver.

The SF90 Stradale’s all-new chassis combines aluminum and carbon fiber to enhance structural rigidity and provide a suitable platform for its hybrid system. The car has a total dry weight of 1,570 kg, including the 270 kg weight of the electrical system.

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is equipped with three electric motors, adding 217 horsepower to the twin-turbocharged V8 engine, resulting in a combined output of 986 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 800 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.

The engine is an evolution of the unit found in the 488 Pista and F8 Tributo, with a displacement of 4.0 liters achieved by increasing the bore of each cylinder to 88 mm (3.46 in). The intake and exhaust systems of the engine have been completely redesigned, and the cylinder heads are now narrower, featuring brand new centrally-injected fuel injectors operating at a pressure of 35 MPa (5,100 psi).

The assembly for the turbochargers is lower than the exhaust assembly, and the engine sits 50 mm (2.0 in) lower in the chassis compared to other mid-engined V8 offerings to maintain a low center of gravity. The engine utilizes a smaller flywheel and Inconel exhaust pipes. The front wheels are powered by two electric motors (one per wheel), providing torque vectoring capabilities. These motors also act as reverse gears, as the main transmission (a dual-clutch eight-speed) lacks a dedicated reverse gear.

The SF90 Stradale’s engine is paired with a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is 10 kg lighter and more compact than the existing 7-speed unit used in other Ferrari models. This reduction in size is partly due to the absence of a dedicated reverse gear, as reversing is handled by the electric motors mounted on the front axle. The new transmission also offers 30% faster shift times. The SF90 Stradale accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, matching the performance of megacars like the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Regera.

The car features a 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery for regenerative braking, providing an all-electric range of 26 km. The SF90 Stradale offers four driving modes, selectable via the eManettino dial on the steering wheel, depending on road conditions. The eDrive mode runs the car solely on electric power, while the Hybrid mode, which is the default setting, combines the internal combustion engine and electric motors, with the system deactivating the engine under ideal conditions to conserve fuel while allowing the driver to restart it instantly.

The Performance mode keeps the engine running to charge the battery and ensures the car is always responsive for optimal performance. The Qualify mode unleashes the full potential of the powertrain, providing the most exhilarating driving experience the SF90 Stradale has to offer. Ferrari claims that the SF90 Stradale can reach a top speed of 340 km/h. As of 2020, it is the fastest Ferrari on the Fiorano Circuit, outpacing the LaFerrari by seven-tenths of a second.