The Ferrari XX cars have always been extreme cars developed for track use – meaning the engineers have a dream job as they don’t have to worry about meeting regulations for use on public roads. Models like the FXX, FXX-K EVO and 599XX have been driven mainly on Ferrari’s own track by owners… rather limiting but if you are rich enough to own one, you probably have another Ferrari to drive out for dinner.
Limited production run
Now, the XX program is also creating cars that can be road-legal but only in limited numbers. The first of these is SF90 XX Stradale, with a SF90 XX Spider counterpart as well. Based on the SF90 Stradale, only 799 and 599 units, respectively, will be available and they will have V8 hybrid powertrains (PHEV) with extreme performance levels like previous XX models.
The SF90 XX Stradale gets specific software logics and the use of radical new aerodynamics solutions. From an aerodynamics perspective, the signature element is most definitely the rear fixed wing which was developed from experience with the XX Programme cars. The rear spoiler – the first to appear on a road-legal Ferrari since the F50 – which delivers an impressive 530 kgs of downforce at 250 km/h. In fact, Ferrari says it delivers the most efficient aerodynamic performance of any road-going car in Ferrari’s history, making it comparable only to that of the LaFerrari supercar.
The new SF90 XX Spider also benefits from the same sophisticated aero solutions as the SF90 XX Stradale, as well as specifically developed cockpit air flows to provide occupant comfort with the top down. It is equipped with Ferrari’s acclaimed Retractable Hard Top (RHT), which comprises aluminium panels and not only deploys and retracts in just 14 seconds, but can also be activated at speeds of up to 45 km/h.
V8 PHEV powertrain
The SF90 XX Stradale’s PHEV layout has the V8 4-litre petrol engine integrated with 3 electric motors – two independent on the front axle, and one located between the engine and gearbox at the rear. Total system output is 1,030 ps (30 ps more than the SF90 Stradale) and 804 Nm, with the V8 engine providing 77% of the power.
Efficiency was increased by polishing the inlet and exhaust ducts and the compression ratio was increased with the adoption of new pistons and specific machining of the combustion chamber. The removal of the secondary air system also slashed 3.5 kgs off the engine’s weight compared to the previous application.
The SF90 XX Stradale’s soundtrack was redesigned to become the ultimate encapsulation of the car’s racing soul. To produce an even fuller, richer sound and generate the harmonics right across the V8’s rev range, the hot tube system was optimised. This transmits the combustion pulsations into the cabin, highlighting the higher frequencies of the Ferrari V8.
SF90 XX Spider
The focus with the SF90 XX Stradale’s development was to produce a Ferrari road car with the highest-ever performance level ever. Usability of performance was especially important, particularly in terms of the electric mode’s ability to deliver maximum performance driving both in typically urban settings and in the countryside (top speed in eDrive mode is up to 135 km/h).
Focus on weight saving
The guiding principle of the SF90 XX Stradale’s interior design was highlighting the cockpit’s racing vocation through solutions that would provide significant weight-savings. The main areas involved were the door panels, tunnel and mats, made simpler in terms of their shape and the mainly technical fabrics used, while carbonfibre was used for functional areas.
A specific racing seat with a visible carbonfibre tubular structure and cushion supports was designed for the car. The backrest rake mechanism has been integrated into the seat using elastic trim materials which hide the separation between the backrest and seat squab. This means that the structure looks seamless at all times – just like a single-piece seat while also allowing the backrest to be adjusted. Together with the carbonfibre structure, this feature saved 1.3 kgs in weight compared to the SF90 Stradale’s single-piece seat.
All 1,398 units sold
The SF90 XX price starts from €770,000 (around RM3.916 million) with the Spider costing €850,000 (around RM4.322 million) upwards. However, it seems that all 1,398 units are already taken! Ferrari obviously informed its clientele about the cars and received orders before revealing to the world. The first batch of road-legal Ferrari XX coupes will be delivered during the second quarter of 2024, with the Spider following towards the end of the year.