Ferrari SF90 Stradale: first plugin hybrid

J-C Etter

6 years ago

Ferrari crowns its range with a plugin hybrid mid engine sports car.

The SF90 Stradale is the second new model presented by Ferrari in 2019, out of an array of five new cars announced to investors. After the F8 Tributo at the Geneva Motorshow, the second wave of this product offensive, nicknamed “project F173” or “Big Brother” on the internet, does not replace the F8, but occupies a new slot above the 812 Superfast in Ferrari’s model range.

Dimensions remain very similar to those of the F8 and 488. The 2650 mm wheelbase in particular remains unchanged:

	SF90 Stradale	F8 Tributo
Length	4710	4611
Width	1972	1979
Width	1186	1206
Wheelbase	2650	2650

The SF90 breaks new ground in a number of areas for Ferrari: first plug-in electric vehicle, and first sports car with four wheel drive. And for the first time in the history of the prancing horse, a V8 tops the model range.

The powertrain comprises one combustion engine and three electric motors. The twin turbo 90 degrees V8 is a derivative of the unit powering the 488 and F8 Tributo, with a slighly larger displacement achieved through an increase of the bore to 88 mm. It is force-fed with fresh air by two turbochargers with electronically controlled wastegates.

Power peaks at 780 hp at 7500 rpm while maximum torque is 800 Nm at 6000 rpm. Specific power is a dizzying 195 hp/l and the rev limiter is set at 8000 rpm. The turbochargers have been lowered in the engine bay to lower the center of gravity, while the exhaust lines are routed above the rear diffuser. The dual clutch gearbox now features 8 ratios instead of 7 previously.

The electric system comprises three electric motors. Two drive the front wheels while the third is nested between the engine and the gearbox. The three motors are supplied by a Lithium Ion battery located behind the seats. Its 7.9 kWh allows a 25 km range in pure electric mode, and peak electric power is 220 hp, learing to a system power of 1000 hp. The two motors driving the front wheels can vectorize torque.

Four driving modes are supported. The eDrive mode operates fully electrically up to 135 km/h. Hybrid mode is selected by default and balances use of the V8 and hybrid system depending on circumstances. Performance is recommend for spririted driving, keeps the V8 on in all situations and keeps the battery charged. Qualify delivers peak system power and optimum performance.

This complex hybrid system lead Ferrari to develop new control electronics to deliver optimum handling. The eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) regulates torque delivered to the four wheels, whether via the V8 or the electric motors. This system also splits braking power between electric regeneration and the traditional braking system.

Claimed performance figures are spectacular: 0-100 km/h in 2.5s, 0-200 km/h in 6.7s and a 100-0 km/h braking distance in only 29.5 mètres. Top speed is 340 km/h. The trunk is however much smaller than other Ferraris with a volume of only 74 litres. Dry weight is claimed at 1570 kg.

The SF90 Stradale has been styled by the Ferrari design center under Flavio Manzoni. The front trades the traditional L shaped headlights and now forms a C which integrates the brake cooling intakes. The rear headlights evolve from the traditional rounded elements for a quatuor of flattened units.

Interior design is also a departure from the layout introduced on the 458 Italia and will be carried over on new Ferrari models. The fully digital 16″ cockpit retains the rev counter in its center with a battery charge indicator, while GPS data is grouped on the right and infotainment on the left. A head up display is proposed for the first time.

The steering wheel retains F1-like controls with side blinkers and windshield wiper switches. The manettino is available for driving mode selection. Ferrari has added two tactile areas with haptic feedback under the thumbs to navigate through the various display modes and set up cruise control functions.

The SF90 Stradale will include in its price a 7 year maintenance programme. Maintenance intervals are 1 year or 20’000 km. All Ferrari service centers worldwide will be able to service the car. Pricing and market introduction date have not been disclosed but rumours point to a price of 600’000€.