Ferrari’s SF90 Presents a New, Electrified Type of Performance
In total, the SF90 throws 986 horsepower to its wheels through three electric motors and a twin turbo V8.
Car and Driver has has some exclusive access to Ferrari’s SF90, and one thing is for sure: the future of performance is quiet, and unfathomably quick. Meet the SF90 Stradale. It has electric motors powering the front wheels. It can pull the prancing horse along at 84 mph for 15 miles. Ho-hum for those of us really interested in Ferrari’s scream, but there’s more to it than that.
As for the performance in EV mode, it’s more of a supplement than the core of performance. There’s no Tesla-like ludicrous mode to be found here. In fact, C&D specifically says; “think Nissan Leaf, and you’ll be in the ballpark.” What the electric motors actually do in EV mode is make the car greener and avoid congestion charges. Of course, you don’t have to wait to hit 84 miles per hour to open the taps. While taking on fuel, the motors assist the ICE engine with low end grunt, and fill gaps from any potential turbo lag.
With both front motors and a third motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission, you now have access to 986 horsepower. Ferrari claims this combo is good for a staggering 2.5 second flash to 60 miles per hour. In 6.7 seconds – the time it takes a hot hatch to reach 60 – the SF90’s speedometer is sweeping rapidly past 120 miles per hour.
But this performance come with ease. The EV side of the SF90 means the car is tractable in city driving, and utterly silent, keeping neighbors happy. As well, C&D describes the handling as great. If anything, it is due to the electric motors able to pull and tug the front axle in desired directions. This new found traction hides the hybrid’s 529 pound heft over an F8 Tributo.
Those motors also act as regenerators and work with a new brake-by-wire system. Car and Driver claims it is fine to use under hard braking, but needs gentle inputs for regular stopping. We can look past that. And we have to. With the LaFerrari having run its course, the SF90 is currently at the top of the totem pole in terms of performance at Modena. MotorTrend aptly points out that it is the first time a flagship Ferrari isn’t V12 powered.
And we have to mention the elephant in the room; the car’s looks. Ferrari, in our opinion, had a high point with the 458, and things have been an odd combination of sharp edges in some areas, and softened curves in others. The SF90 isn’t a bad looking car, but it just doesn’t have a strikingly beautiful flow such as the 458.
Photos: Car and Driver
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