Ferrari has a long history of creating iconic high-performance sports cars built with cutting-edge innovation by some of the industry's best automotive engineers.
State-of-the-art technology tested, refined, and verified on the racetrack by Team Scuderia Ferrari, founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, has frequently become an integral part of their road cars.
Today, although Enzo, the legend, is no longer around, Ferrari's emphasis on innovation lives on and shows up in the company's latest creations.
The 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Spider models are outstanding examples, employing a plug-in hybrid-electric powertrain using a traditional internal combustion engine combined with three electric motors to generate exceptional performance.
When Ferrari introduces a new car, it is often without direct competition, and the SF90 cars are no exception. While Ferrari has created a new segment of high-performance plug-in hybrid sports cars, perhaps the closest competitors are the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, the McLaren 720 S Performance Spider, and the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ roadster.
Here are the features that make the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Spider unique.
SF90 Stradale And Spider Hybrid Powertrain
The SF90 moniker for both the Stradale and Spider models represents the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and the celebration of 90 years of producing road and race cars.
Both models offer similar technology, specifications, and supercar performance, while the convertible provides the excitement of open-top driving.
Ferrari equips each with a massive 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that generates an impressive 769 horsepower on its own. The ICE works in concert with three electric motors: one mounted between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the other two connect to the front axle. The three e-motors provide an additional 217 horsepower, giving the SF90 hybrid a total output of 986 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
The Ferrari Stradale and Spider models are the first mid-engine Ferrari road cars with all-wheel drive.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale's Blazing Acceleration
All that power under the hood of the mid-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger coupe and spider results in exceptional acceleration.
While Ferrari claims the SF90 reaches 60 mph from a standstill in about 2.5 seconds and achieves a quarter-mile in a mere 9.9 seconds, the numbers are, no doubt, conservative.
Ferrari's closest competitors are a bit slower. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster accelerates to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, the McLaren 720 S Performance Spider reaches 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante takes 3.2 seconds to achieve the same speed while covering the quarter-mile distance in 11 seconds.
Ferrari positioned the SF90 engine in the car to give it a low center of gravity and superior stability. When combined with precise steering, the car exhibits exceptionally sharp handling, albeit with a slightly harsher ride than other models such as the Ferrari F8.
The SF90 Stradale And Spider Interior Features
Typical of sports cars built for performance, the SF90 leans toward a minimalist design approach. The cabin that includes an artistically sculpted dashboard with flowing lines features leather, carbon fiber, and other high-quality, lightweight material, demonstrating Ferrari's priority on performance.
Cargo space is in short supply with a small storage area below the center console, door panel netting, and no glove box. The mere three cubic feet of total storage includes only one cup holder large enough to fit a Starbucks grande café latte for the driver but none for the single passenger.
Ferrari chose to equip the SF90 with more technology than with older models, including touch buttons and small touchscreens distributed throughout the cabin. One screen displays radio settings, navigation with voice control, and real-time traffic. A 16-inch HD screen mounted behind the steering wheel in the driver's field of vision provides all the essential information about the car.
Other tech features include a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and Apple CarPlay integration and Head-up display. Automatic climate control, heated power outside mirrors, power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, electric door opening, and a rear-view camera bring the SF90 up to par with most modern luxury cars.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale And Spider Prices
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale Coupe had an MSRP of $507,000 for the base model in 2021, while the Spider convertible sold for $557,000. The prices were competitive with the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ roadster at $575,966, but more expensive than the 2021 McLaren 720 S Performance Spider at $330,000 and the 2021 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante at $337,525.
Ferrari packed the SF90 Stradale and the Spider base models with amenities suitable for buyers who can afford a half-a-million-dollar car. However, the company also offers custom interiors and wheel designs, additional carbon-fiber components, brake calipers in varying colors, a digital rearview mirror, and titanium exhaust pipes for a few more bucks.
Ferrari also offers the Assetto Fiorano package for about $100,000, making the SF90 Spider more sporty and lighter (66 pounds lighter than the standard SF90, which weighs 3,461 pounds) and, of course, more expensive.
Ferrari engineers achieve lighter weight and improved performance by adding more carbon fiber and titanium elements, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, Multimatic shock absorbers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. On the road, the Assetto Fiorano is easily identified by its two-tone exterior.
On today's market, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale models list for sale from $850,000 to over $1 million.