Ferrari unveils its most extreme road-legal models yet with SF90 XX Stradale, Spider
THE Ferrari SF90 hypercar has morphed into the first model to get a road-legal version of the brand’s track-focused XX treatment, unveiled at the brand’s own Fiorano Circuit in Italy, available in both Stradale coupe and drop-top Spider form.
The XX program has produced lighter, more powerful track-ready versions of road-going Ferrari models for the past 20 years – but until now none were homologated for the road.
Ferrari has decided to create a road-going model that offers the best of what its XX program has to offer, including more power, improved aerodynamics, less weight and track styling.
Both hardcore Ferrari models will hit 100km/h in just 2.3 seconds, ushering in a new era of performance for the Prancing Horse and highlighting the insane potential of its hybrid technology.
The same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, accompanied by three electric motors, has been fettled to produce a total power output of 758kW with Ferrari opting for a higher compression ratio, new pistons and specific machining of the combustion chamber.
Ferrari also claims it redesigned the soundtrack for the SF90 XX models to “become the ultimate encapsulation of the car’s racing soul”, aiming for a fuller, richer sound by optimising the ‘hot tube’ system that transmits harmonics into the cabin.
While the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission from the SF90 is carried across, it now uses the patented gear-shift logic from the Daytona SP3 which offers a sound through gear changes and allows more engaging acceleration.
Radical aerodynamic measures were introduced for the SF90 XX models, including a fixed rear spoiler that is said to produce 530kg of downforce at 250km/h. In fact, this is the first road-going Ferrari to receive a fixed rear wing since the F50.
As a result, the SF90 XX Stradale produces twice the maximum downforce of the standard SF90 Stradale and Ferrari says the only other road-going vehicle in its history that comes close is the LaFerrari.
This increase in downforce does come at a slight cost, as maximum speed drops to a still-savage 320km/h.
Deceleration has been improved, too, Ferrari fitting larger 390mm rear discs and redesigned brake pads, as well as front discs that feature better cooling.
With kilograms shed from the engine, interior, and elsewhere, dry weight comes in at 1560kg, or around 40kg less than the regular SF90 Stradale.
The various improvements equate to a nine per cent improvement in lateral performance in high-speed conditions and the roll rate is also reduced by 10 per cent.
Vehicle smarts are better than ever too, with the debut of Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer 2.0 and new ABS EVO controller which improves high performance braking in dry conditions.
Inside, the cabin has undergone a diet with lighter, race-focused elements and materials like carbon-fibre, Alcantara and technical fabrics.
Ferrari has committed to building 799 Stradale and 599 Spider models, keeping its most extreme registrable cars suitably exclusive.
Pricing and any plans to bring the XX models to Australia are yet to be confirmed.
Keyword: SF90 is Ferrari’s first road-legal XX model