Maranello’s hybrid goes extreme

In a groundbreaking move, Ferrari has bestowed its renowned “XX” designation upon a road car for the first time in its history. Introducing the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider. Unveiled simultaneously at an exclusive event held at Maranello’s Fiorano test track, and Auto Express had the privilege of being there.

Road-legal

Priced from £664,000, both models embody the essence of a racing car. Seamlessly blending performance, innovation, and design, as highlighted by Ferrari’s design director, Flavio Manzoni. Unlike previous XX program offerings, which were exclusively track-focused, these XX variants are road legal. Distinguished by their fixed rear wings—a departure not seen since the iconic F50 of the 1990s. The increased downforce is harmonised by an enlarged front diffuser and an F1-inspired twin S-duct. Delivering 20% more front downforce compared to the standard SF90.

Noteworthy aerodynamic features include a fully enclosed underbody, optimised floor with repositioned mid-temperature radiators. With wheel arch louvres at the front and rear, reducing pressure in the wheel wells. As a result, the SF90 XX Stradale generates an impressive 530kg of downforce at 155mph. Both the XX Stradale and Spider harness an optimised version of the SF90’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. Comprising a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, a 7.9kWh battery, and three electric motors. With one integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and two powering the front axle.

Enhanced Power

The combustion engine now boasts 786bhp, surpassing the standard SF90 by 17bhp, while the electric motors produce 230bhp, an increase of 13bhp. In total, the power output is enhanced by 30bhp compared to the SF90 Stradale and Spider. Consequently, the SF90 XX Stradale achieves an impressive 0-62mph time of just 2.3 seconds. Acceleration from 0 to 124mph is accomplished in 6.5 seconds for the XX Stradale and 6.7 seconds for the XX Spider, considering the latter’s slightly heavier weight of 1,660kg due to its retractable carbon-fibre roof.

The XX Stradale, weighing in at 1,560kg, is only 10kg lighter than the standard SF90 when equipped with lightweight options, such as the new two-piece carbon-fibre seats. Ferrari has also managed to shave off 3.5kg from the weight of the V8 engine in the XX models. Additionally, a new gearshift strategy has been developed for the transmission to enhance the intensity and sound of gear changes, heightening the overall driving experience.