The Ferrari SF90 Stradale drivetrain sounds and smells like a million small parts working together, but an EV Mode in Ferrari's future might mean a deadening of that noise.
In a video from the Geneva Motor Show last week, we caught the newest Ferrari just after it had driven out onto the show floor. It was running in an interesting narrow mode where the driver could toggle between four modes: Fully open for 100% throttle, partially open for blended gas and electric power, closed for all-electric operation, or fully closed for pure EV mode.
The latter two don't need to be revved as high to get going since they don't have as many moving parts.
What if we could drive without the roar of an engine? Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But that might just become a reality with Ferrari’s upcoming SF90 Stradale.
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale You Know
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After the 2019 Ferrari SF90 Stradale was released as an expansion to its regular lineup, everyone wanted to know why this hybrid powertrain was not listed as one of Ferrari's limited-edition collectibles.
The hypercar, like the preceding LaFerrari, also runs hybrid solutions. Unlike the LaFerrari's mild motors, the Stradale has three electric motors powered by a 7.9-kilowatt-hour capacity lithium-ion unit battery that can run for at least 16 miles at about 84 mph with an output of 220 hp.
When combined with the 780 hp output produced by its F154 twin-turbocharged V8 engine, this hybrid hypercar becomes Ferrari's fastest roadworthy car with a total output of 1,000 hp. Is that even legal?
However impressive this beast is with its lower turbocharger and smaller flywheel, it still had the rich sound associated with Ferrari. But what would we do with a silent model?
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale EV Can Ride In Silence
The SF90 Stradale represents the hallmark of Ferrari's commitment to giving its users all the control and a large range of choices. The model has 4 "e-manettino" hybrid-related drive modes giving the driver enough control over the speed and range of their ride. The e-manettino options of eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify provide different driving modes, but the eDrive mode is something special. This stealth has never been used to describe a Ferrari.
There is no denying that it is a Ferrari; it has the trademark prancing horse, and you can tell it has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 supported by the trio electric motors and according to Ferrari, it can go from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds. However, this hypercar is muted; there's no sound from its pistons and absolutely nothing from its 'high volume' turbochargers. It is either being muffled by some powerful muting spell, or Ferrari finally optimized its hybrid features.
This SF90 is a Plug-in Hybrid like the LaFerrari and the 2019 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, but it harnesses its electric features more than they or other PHEVs. It is currently capable of reaching 83 miles on its electric motors alone without the revving of its twin-turbo v8.
In EV mode, the SF90 only runs on its two front motors, while the rear "P2" motor, which is between the crankshaft and gearbox, does not drive the wheels. This mode does not shut out the V8; it merely prioritizes the two front motors and uses only a fraction of its horsepower.
Running on less horsepower than it typically would, the two-door hypercar may be considered slow in its EV mode, but even then, it is still deemed really fast by road standards. With the speed reaching only 84 mph, the EV mode is not exactly ideal for high-speed chases, but you can always sneak out of your driveway without alerting your neighbors.
The reduced horsepower and speed range of the eDrive mode does not affect the handling and transmission of this hypercar. With active traction control and the trademark sensitive throttle of Ferrari, the SF90 Stradale upholds Ferrari's root to the racing community.
The Energy Use Of The SF90 Stradale EV
Between the electric motors and their limited emissions, the SF90 may be the latest poster child for eco-friendly transportation. The SF90 Stradale comes fitted with an exhaust Otto Particle Filter (OPF) system that meets the EU emission regulations. Its electric motors emit fewer greenhouse gases than conventional engines, and when charged with sustainable sources, the SF90 Stradale EV becomes the fastest and most sustainable car in the world.
When it comes to fuel economy, the SF90 uses an estimated 18 mpg when running on only gasoline, while it increases to 51 mpge when it uses both electric motors and gasoline engines. While the Ferrari SF90 Stradale coupe costs about $508,000, fueling it costs way less than if it had been only fueled by gasoline.
A Ferrari With Stealth
The SF90 Stradale EV is still a controversial ride for Ferrari users. While most people applaud that it was released years ahead of the intended 2025 date, others are still conflicted about its unusual stealth mode and its similarity with the 2019 model. Whether stealth or with its richer, fuller prowl, this Ferrari SF90 Stradale EV is the future of Ferrari hypercars.