Ferrari SF90 Stradale: the prancing horse goes plug-in hybrid
By Paul Gover, May 30 2019
The future has arrived at Ferrari with the unveiling of the Italian supercar company's first plug-in hybrid, dubbed the SF90 Stradale in a nod to the 90th anniversary of the founding of Ferrari.
The SF90 Stradale can run for up to 25km on battery power alone but, because it is still a Ferrari, it can also hit 135km/h without resorting to internal combustion.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
Australians can expect to see the SF90 Stradale in the first half of 2020 but Herbert Appleroth, who locally leads the House of the Prancing Horse, is remaining tight-lipped on other details. Ferrari is not even sharing a battery range for the car.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
The SF90 Stradale follows the earlier LaFerrari down the hybrid road, but its predecessor only had a ‘mild’ system that was intended to boost overall power and not operate solely on electricity.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
This new e-Ferrari is of a different mind, with all-wheel drive and three electric motors - one for each front wheel and one linked to the engine - coupled to a turbocharged V8 mounted right behind the cabin with an eight-speed self-shifting gearbox.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
Numbers are no real reflection of the impact of Ferrari's e-flagship but, for the record, it can leap to 100km/h in just 2.5 seconds and its top speed is pegged at 340km/h.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
Gorgeous is the right word for the styling of the SF90, which manages to combine cutting-edge aerodynamics with a sensuous shape. Both the body and chassis are completely new.
Inside, Ferrari is diving deeply into the 21st century by fitting a curved central display screen - claimed as a world first - that is angled towards the driver, locating all the major controls onto the steering wheel, installing a heads-up display, using 3D graphics, and switching to full keyless access and starting.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
Ferrari says the new cabin layout and equipment will eventually be rolled through the rest of the range.
Ferrari's SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid
Other new technology includes an ‘active-matrix’ headlight system powered by LEDs and alloy wheels with an aerodynamic spoke design to improve the airflow around the sides of the car.
Although the plug-in battery pack helps give the SF90 a huge combined power output of 736kW, what is just as important is that it qualifies to be driven in the increasing number of low-emission exclusion zones in major capital cities including London.
As Motoring Editor for Executive Traveller, Paul Gover spends less time at his Gold Coast home than he does on the road (literally) test-driving the best of the four-wheel world.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 730
Now that's a nice looking car.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1378
So would it be fair to say the real point of the electric bit of this car is to give it rapid launch acceleration. 25km range isn't exactly much.
26 Apr 2018
Total posts 12
So, so much of what this car offers just doesn't make sense in the real world of driving around town, shopping etc. It doesn't even fit a suitcase. Does look outstanding but at over $1M bucks it's just a toy for narcissists
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