Ferrari has traditionally reserved the ‘XX’ name for its track-only supercars, reserved for those it deems worthy of owning one. But that’s all about to change – well… at least the first part – with the launch of the Ferrari SF90 XX, its first road-legal model in the XX family.
As its name suggests, the Ferrari SF90 XX is based on the “regular” SF90, and as such it’ll also be offered in two body styles – the Stradale (coupe) and the Spider (convertible). As you might have expected, these cars here are limited edition units, with only 799 units and 599 units of the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider offered respectively.
Ferrari describes the SF90 XX as the most extreme version of the SF90 family, And its exterior design does live up to the carmaker’s description. Built around the concept of a racecar, Ferrari designers followed a “function first, aesthetics second” mantra in styling the SF90 XX, even going as far as highlighting many of its air intakes and vents with special colour accents.
These aero tweaks include a new large and wide front diffuser which increases the downforce up front by over 45 kg at 250 km/h, an aggressive front splitter, as well as a pair of S-Ducts up front to channel air from the front up the bonnet and over the car that further improves downforce by 20%.
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The most eye-catching change here, however, is obviously the massive GT wing around the back. It’s not the most “Ferrari way” of doing things, and in fact, it’s the first road-legal Ferrari model to feature a fixed-wing spoiler since the iconic F50 from 1995. But there’s a good reason the designers in Maranello have gone with this route – working together with the shut-off gurney, the rear aero devices are able to contribute up to 315 kg of downforce at the back.
Altogether, the SF90 XX can generate up to 530 kg of total downforce at 250 km/h. This is 140 kg more downforce than its regular counterpart, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient models in Ferrari’s stable – comparable only to that of the LaFerrari, according to the press release.
For the SF90 XX Spider, the uniquely-designed flying buttress also helps enhance its aerodynamics around the back, while also hiding the carbon fibre retractable hard top when it’s not raining. Deploying and retracting the RHT takes 14 seconds, and the manoeuvre can also be done at speeds of up to 45 km/h.
To help with the SF90 XX’s performance, the Stradale is 10 kg lighter than its regular counterpart, weighing just 1560 kg. The Spider on the other hand weighs 1660 kg.
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The Ferrari SF 90 XX retains the same plug-in hybrid (PHEV) layout as the standard SF90, but is massively uprated with new pistons and polished air inlets to match its “most high-performance Ferrari road-legal car” ethos. As before, the PHEV system comprises a four-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors – two on the front axle, and one between the engine and the gear box at the rear.
The engine itself produces 797 hp and 804 Nm and is mated to an eight-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission (DCT). But when paired to the three electric motors, which are powered by a 7.9 kWh battery, total system output has now been raised to 1030 hp, or 30 hp more than its regular counterpart.
The mind-bending figure translates to a century sprint time of 2.3 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in only 6.5 seconds, both 0.2 seconds faster than the SF90 Stradale. The Spider does come in a touch slower for the latter, completing the 0 to 200 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds, but it’s still 0.3 seconds quicker than the regular SF90 Spider.
Due to the more aggressive aerodynamic appendages though, the top speed for the special edition supercars have actually been reduced by 20 km/h to 320 km/h – not that many would mind, we think.
The e-Manettino switch on the steering wheel enables four different driving modes, including an eDrive mode that allows the SF90 XX to travel in pure EV mode at speeds of up to 135 km/h, and as far as 25 km, thanks to the two front electric motors. Qualifying Mode meanwhile provides an “extra boost” function that offers temporary bursts of extra power for when you need it.
To keep the SF90 XX performing at its peak performance, Ferrari engineers have redesigned its cooling flow management for the thermal and electric components, as well the engine compartment.
The SF90 XX also employs a wide range of electronics to help keep that performance in check, including a new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer 2.0 which improves on-the-limit handling in all grip conditions governed by the electronic Side-Slip Control (eSSC) system, as well as the ABS EVO controller that uses the advanced 6W-CDS sensor to help improve braking performance and lateral stability.
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Ferrari continues with the SF90 XX’s racecar design concept in its interior, evident through its extensive weight-saving measures. The main areas involved include the door panels, tunnel and mats, which are now simpler in terms of their shape.
A combination of technical fabric, carbon fibre, and Alcantara have been utilised when constructing the SF90 XX’s interior. The dashboard for instance is trimmed in Alcantara, while the lower part of the interior is trimmed in technical fabric.
For ergonomic purposes, the gear shift gate is positioned at the centre of the central tunnel but has now been moved forward slightly compared to the SF90 Stradale. Carbon-fibre racing seats with cushion support are also included with the special edition Ferrari.
Price-wise, the Stradale is offered at EUR770,000 (approximately RM3,915,160), while the Spider is priced at EUR850,000 (approximately RM4,321,930). Thinking of getting one yourself? Too bad – all 799 SF90 XX Stradale and 599 Spiders have all been spoken for, even before its official debut.
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