The new Ferrari is extreme on every level and represents a true paradigm shift, because it delivers unprecedented performance for a production car. Figures such as 1,000bhp, and a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57kg/hp, allied to 390kg of aerodynamic downforce at 155mph not only puts the SF90 Stradale at the top of its segment, but also means that a V8 is the top-of-the-range model for the first time in Ferrari’s history. ‘SF’ stands for Scuderia Ferrari by the way.
Featuring a 90° V8 turbo engine capable of delivering 780bhp alone, the highest power output of any eight-cylinder in the company’s history, the remaining 220bhp is delivered by three electric motors, one at the rear, known as the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) due to its derivation from the Formula 1 developments, which is located between the engine and the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, with the other pair on the front axle. All the driver has to do is select one of the four power modes and concentrate on driving. Sophisticated control logic takes care of the rest, managing the flow of power between the V8, the electric motors and the 7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The SF90 Stradale is the second Ferrari model to be equipped with 4WD, a step necessary to unleash its immense hybrid power and become the new benchmark for standing starts: 0-60mph in 2.2s and 0-124mph in just 6.7s. Its top speed is comfortably in excess of 200mph.
Another major innovation is the steering wheel which now has a touchpad and a series of haptic (feedback) buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just thumbs. The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16.0-inch curved HD screen which can be fully configured and controlled via the steering wheel.
On the central tunnel, improved ergonomics have been combined with an element from the past: the automatic gearbox controls are now selected by a grille-style feature that references Ferrari’s legendary manual gear-shift gate. The new Ferrari also debuts a new ignition key with full keyless technology, which will be introduced gradually across the rest of the range; it is personalised with the model’s name and slots into a special compartment in the central tunnel, to become an integral part of the car’s cockpit styling.
The SF90 Stradale drives through a completely redesigned 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch transmission. New gear ratios and improved transmission efficiency yield a significant reduction in fuel consumption in urban and motorway driving (-8% in the WLTP cycle) without having to compromise on performance. In fact, there is even a 1% improvement in efficiency on track.
