Ferrari SF90 Spider Launched In Malaysia

The Ferrari SF90 Spider is now in Malaysia. Unveiled by Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, this is the spider version of the SF90 Stradale. It is also Ferrari’s first production plug-in hybrid with retractable hard top.

The SF90 Spider sets new performance and innovation benchmarks not only for the Prancing Horse’s range, but for the sports car segment. This convertible retains the same extreme supercar specification as the SF90 Stradale as well as its record-breaking performance, and also adds greater driving pleasure and versatility to the mix. The additional pleasure comes from the latest iteration of Ferrari’s signature retractable hard top architecture. This makes the SF90 Spider the ideal car for owners that demand the very pinnacle of Ferrari technology, but still want the thrill of open-top driving.

The SF90 Spider has the same silhouette as the SF90 Stradale. When the RHT is deployed, the sides, front and tail of the SF90 Spider have the same distinctive styling as the Stradale. This is a major achievement given that the architecture incorporates stowage for the RHT, which is moved by a complex lever system. Moreover, it has to maintain the same chassis rigidity levels as the Stradale. This was achieved by resculpting the car’s surfaces so that the tonneau cover seamlessly integrates with the B-pillars of the coupé, thus preserving the original styling theme.

The retractable hard top (RHT) was adopted because it guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when raised. It also does not deform at high speeds and provides exceptional occupant space and comfort. The RHT is so compact, simple and light it can be deployed in just 14 seconds and while the car is on the move. The Ferrari RHT premiered in the 458 Spider in 2011 and has been constantly improved on. The RHT takes up just 100 litres of space rather than the 150-200 litres required by a traditional system. The use of aluminium in its construction also means that it is around 40 kg lighter than a conventional retractable hard top. Further, an adjustable electric rear window guarantees superb occupant comfort even at high speeds when the RHT is lowered. Even the buttresses behind the passengers’ head rests, which are a signature of all Ferrari spiders, integrate harmoniously as if they were emerging from a structure beneath the car’s skin. The buttresses line up with the seats to improve rear visibility when the RHT is stowed.

The greenhouse area and roof feature stylistic solutions from the coupé that reduce drag without affecting on-board comfort. The cockpit has been shifted forwards, the roof is 20 mm lower, the A-posts are more slender and the windscreen is more raked. More importantly, the engine is just as visible through the rear window despite the bulk of the roof.

Ferrari’s V8 turbo engine is employed at the rear of the car, and is integrated with two electric motors at the front, which includes the RAC-e (Cornering Angle Regulator, Electric) system, and one at the rear in between the engine and gearbox, derived from and named after a Prancing Horse Formula 1 innovation i.e. the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic). The synergy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motors allows the car to unleash a maximum of 1,000 cv (986 hp) and put the SF90 Spider not only at the very top of the Ferrari range of road cars, but also its category. The V8 alone produces 780 cv, which is 60 cv more than any V8 turbo Ferrari has ever built.

The SF90 Spider’s plug-in hybrid powertrain architecture also features a redesigned smaller, lighter and faster 8-speed wet DCT with E-diff, the high voltage battery and electric motor control system (inverter).

The spider’s drive modes include an Electric mode, with just the front axle (FWD mode) driving, Hybrid mode, as decided by the ICE and the MGUK (RWD configuration) and 4WD Hybrid mode, with electric front axle available on-demand for traction requirements exiting corners and energy recovery in lift-off/ braking.

The battery charge can be topped up by the energy recovery system through Regenerative braking i.e. on both axles both under standard braking and when ABS is active; Overbraking i.e. active on both axles when accelerator pedal is lifted, managed independently on right and left front wheels; and ICE recharge i.e. battery-charging function achieved by load point shifting between the ICE and the rear MGUK electric motor.

Because of the pivotal role the hybrid system power management plays in the SF90 Spider driving experience, the traditional Manettino is now flanked by an additional steering wheel-mounted selector, dubbed the eManettino, which manages the power flows from and to the high voltage battery and the wheels (traction). It offers the driver a choice of four modes:

1. eDrive: the internal combustion engine remains off and traction is entrusted entirely to the electric front axle. Starting with a fully charged battery (with a capacity of 7.9 kWh), the car can cover up to 25 km in this mode which is ideal for city-centre driving or any other situation in which the driver wishes to eliminate the sound of the Ferrari V8. The 135 km/h speed limit means the car can also be used on out-of-town roads;
2. Hybrid: this setting optimises the system’s overall efficiency. The control logic autonomously decides whether to keep the internal combustion engine running or turn it off. Power flow from the electric motors is limited to conserve battery power;
3. Performance: this mode keeps the ICE running because the priority is more on charging the battery than on efficiency. This guarantees that power is instantly and fully available when required. This mode is best suited to situations in which driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel are the main focus;
4. Qualify: this mode allows the system to achieve maximum power output by letting the electric motors work at their maximum potential (162kW). The control logic prioritises maximum performance over battery charging.

The cabin of the SF90 Spider carries the redesign of the Ferrari HMI (human-machine interface) from the SF90 Stradale. The instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running, giving the interior a very minimalist look. However, once the Engine Start button on the steering wheel is pushed, a “ceremony” of sorts begins, with all the digital components in the cockpit setting aglow.

The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16” HD screen which is curved towards the driver to make it easier to read and emphasise the wraparound cockpit effect. In the default screen, everything is dominated by a large circular rev counter, framed by the battery charge indicator. The navigation screen is on one side of the rev counter with the audio controls on the other. The screen’s large dimensions means that there is flexibility in personalising the displays, which are very easy to navigate using the steering wheel controls. For example, it is possible to select a full-screen version of the navigation map.

Further, the head-up display allows important information to be projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s field of vision. This means less distraction in line with the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy that has always driven the development of the HMI used in every Ferrari Formula 1 car, and that is gradually transferred to its sports cars.

The traditional controls on the steering wheel include the now iconic Manettino, headlights control, windscreen wipers, indicators, etc. Of the new touch controls, the pad on the right-hand spoke allows the driver to navigate the central cluster screens, while voice and cruise controls are on the left-hand spoke. In the bottom left section of the central area, there are four buttons the driver uses to select the power unit mode. The F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the car’s central tunnel and replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes. In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission. At the bottom of the tunnel is the compartment for stowing the new ignition key, which is an exact replica of the Ferrari Prancing Horse badge found on the bonnet, adding an authentic finishing touch to the cabin’s styling. The key works in full keyless mode so that the driver can not only start the engine but also open the doors without taking it out of the pocket.

“The Ferrari SF90 Spider, like the SF90 Stradale it’s designed after, is a dynamic performer and whilst it retains the overall look and feel of its successor, the spider version further impresses with new stylistic, aerodynamic and technical features that set new benchmarks for performance, innovation and quality of drive for extreme supercars. We know it will offer our clients’ an incredibly rewarding driving experience which fulfils their automotive desires and we are thrilled to present this to the local market,“ said Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Just like the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider is also available with an additional specification option for owners that want to push its track car vocation to the extreme. The Assetto Fiorano pack includes a list of exclusive upgrades that set it apart from the standard car, such as Multimatic shock absorbers derived from the Ferrari’s GT racing experience and optimised for track use. Others include the adoption of high-performance materials such as carbon fibre and titanium that shaves 21 kg off the car’s weight, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres designed to improve track performance in the dry, thanks to a softer compound and fewer grooves. Lastly, the Assetto Fiorano offers an optional two-tone livery that further underscores the car’s racing vocation.

The Ferrari SF90 Spider also gets the extended 7-year maintenance programme. Available across the entire range, this programme covers all regular maintenance for the first 7 years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows owners the certainty that their car is kept at peak performance and safety. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.

Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme.

The Genuine Maintenance Programme further extends the wide range of aftersales services offered by Ferrari to meet the needs of clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence that are the signatures of all cars built in Maranello.

The Ferrari SF90 Spider is available from a base price of RM2,088,000 (before duties, customization options, taxes and insurance). For further details, contact the Ferrari Malaysia Showroom.

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