Ferrari has introduced their new-series production supercar with the brand’s first production-spec Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the SF90 Stradale. The supercar has been christened in significance to Scuderia Ferrari’s 90th anniversary. The supercar has been developed in Maranello, Italy and the supercar features the technology and skill acquired from race competitions, and has been put to use in their production model.
The Powertrain
The SF90 Stradale is powered by a 90-degree 8-cylinder engine in a ‘V’ layout which is capable of producing 769 HP of power and is the most powerful 8-cylinder motor in the history of Ferrari. The powertrain also consists of three electric motors two on the front axle and one on the rear in between the engine and the transmission. The electric motor is called MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) as it is derived from the Formula 1 racing. The MGUK is capable of delivering 217 HP of power. Together the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is capable of producing 986 HP of power mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SF90 Stradale is equipped with a ‘control logic’ which manages the power between the V8 engine, the electric motors and the 7.9 kWh batteries.
The Drivetrain
The SF90 Stradale is the first Ferrari sports car to be equipped with a 4-wheel-drive system. The system ensures that the maximum amount of power from the hybrid engine reaches the ground and the car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 2.5 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 6.7 seconds. The car is capable of doing a top speed of 340 kmph, where law permits. The front axle is fully electric and it is known as RAC-e (electric cornering set-up regulator). The RAC-e controls the torque distribution, on the front two electric motors and they can not only provide acceleration, but can also be individually controlled, for torque vectoring, enabling faster cornering speeds and improved handling.
Exterior design
The front end of the car now has a Ferrari first, ‘C’ shaped matrix LED headlight. The Matrix LED technology improves visibility by active beam control and gives the car a futuristic appeal. Below the headlights are the large air-intakes to keep the brakes cool and the apron has an aerodynamic splitter. The cabin design has a bubble-shape and the low centre of gravity of the supercar allows the compact cabin area to be lowered by 20mm. The rear of the car has double-barreled horizontal illumination rings with a large aerodynamic diffuser and the rear apron integrated exhaust pipes.
Interior design
The SF90 Stradale has an aeronautically inspired cockpit with all-digital technology. The cockpit has a Formula 1 styled wrap-around design with a Ferrari first single 16-inch digital high definition screen that curves towards the driver which makes it easier for the driver to read the information. The SF90 Stradale’s steering wheel is equipped with a touch control system that allows for control to the cars central console and other functions. The cruise control system uses a rotary switch much like the Formula 1 car and the mode switch is also a rotary type on the steering wheel. The car also features a heads-up display that projects various data on the windshield to minimise distracted driving.
The competition for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale includes Aston Martin Valkyrie, Mercedes-AMG ONE and the Mclaren Speedtail.
