Ferrari SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid supercar unveiled

This Scuderia Ferrari tribute car churns out 986bhp from its V8 and comes equipped with three electric motors.  

Let's just take a few seconds to let it sink in. Let us not turn it into the elephant in the room. Yes, the new SF90 Stradale is the first series production PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) to wear the 'Prancing Horse' insignia. Moreover, this new flagship model is also the most powerful and quickest accelerating Ferrari to date, beating the numbers of the seemingly undefeatable LaFerrari. The name itself carries a lot of symbolic importance as 'SF90' denotes the name of Scuderia Ferrari's 2019 FIA Formula One race car. Also, the '90' pays homage to Scuderia Ferrari's 90th anniversary.

While we had earlier reported that the new F8 Tributo might be the last model to feature Ferrari's award-winning twin-turbocharged V8, the Italian carmaker just can't seem to let go of its jewel as the SF90 Stradale is also powered by the same engine. However, for the SF90, the motor has been lifted out of the 488GTB and has been given larger cubic capacity (3,990cc from 3,902cc). Coming to the power figures, the SF90 Stradale puts out a total of 986bhp, beating the LaFerrari's power figure by 23bhp. Since the LaFerrari is a V12-powered car, the SF90 Stradale becomes the first-ever V8-powered top-of-the-range model in Ferrari's line-up. However, the SF90 Stradale produces 800Nm of torque, 100Nm lesser torque than the LaFerrari and can do the 0-100km/h dash in just 2.5 seconds.

Coming to the hybrid setup, the V8 is complemented by three electric motors, one being located between the engine and the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, and two on the front axle. Powered by a 7.6kW Li-ion battery pack, the three electric motors alone contribute 217bhp to the total power output. Further, the SF90 Stradale claims to have an electric-only range of about 25km and can achieve speeds of up to 135kph on battery power alone. The battery pack can either be charged while driving, by the engine, or by plugging the car to an external charging point.

While the exterior of the SF90 Stradale is all-new, we can't help but notice some similar design traits from previous models. Most striking similarity though is of the front section, just beyond the hood. The curve resembles that of the F8 Tributo. The SF90 Stradale also becomes the first Ferrari to feature Matrix LED lighting. Inside, the driver is greeted by an all-new interior. The dashboard houses a new 16-inch HD digital display and a reworked steering wheel now features a series of touch-sensitive buttons for various commands, a part of Ferrari's 'hands-on-the-wheel' design philosophy.

Reports suggest that nearly 2,000 potential buyers have expressed their interest in the SF90 Stradale and a good number of them have already booked theirs. The first round of deliveries is set to begin in the first quarter of 2020.