ferrari introduces the hybrid SF90 stradale supercar, extreme on every level

a new chapter in ferrari’s history begins with the hotly anticipated reveal of its first series production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the SF90 stradale. the new model delivers unprecedented performance for a production car, with a weight-to-power ratio of 1.57 kg/cv, and 390 kg of downforce at 250 km/h that situates it at the top of its segment. the SF90 stradale is a manifestation of how ferrari transitions the knowledge and skills it acquires in racing and competition, to its production cars.

the ferrari SF90 stradale boasts a 90° V8 turbo engine capable of delivering 780 cv — the highest power output of any 8-cylinder in the brand’s history. the remaining 220 cv is delivered by three electric motors, one at the rear, and two on the front axle. while the system is highly complex, it doesn’t complicate the driving experience, but actually does quite the opposite. drivers simply select one of the four power unit modes, and the sophisticated control logic takes care of the rest, managing the flow of power between the V8, the electric motors and the batteries.

the development of ferrari’s hybrid supercar demanded the innovation of aerodynamic solutions. a significant boost in the power unit’s performance brought on an increase in the amount of heat energy to be dissipated, requiring an in-depth review of the aerodynamic flows on the radiating masses. downforce needed to be increased efficiently and maximum stability had to be guaranteed at all speeds, and in all driving conditions.

from a stylistic perspective, the SF90 stradale draws inspiration from ferrari’s recent supercar models. its unique architecture — which sees the cabin located ahead of the mid-mounted engine — provided the designers with an ideal platform on which to craft a genuine supercar. a very low center of gravity allowed the team to lower the cabin by 20 millimeters, which — combined with a curved windshield and wide track — creates a beautifully-proportioned car with sleek volumes. a compact, bubble-shaped cabin has an almost aeronautical cockpit feel, further emphasized by the geometry of two, body-colored rear flying buttresses that enclose the rear.

internally, the cockpit is placed closer to the front of the car, which reduces drag. a major innovation is the steering wheel, which now boasts a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using only their thumbs. the central instrument cluster has been entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16” curved HD screen, which can be fully configured and controlled using the steering wheel controls. meanwhile, on the central tunnel, improved ergonomics see past meet present: the automatic gearbox controls can now be selected by a grille-style feature that references ferrari’s legendary manual gear-shift gate.