Ferrari SF90 Stradale: When the Future Caught Up to Maranello

Old-school Italian emotion meets cutting-edge hybrid innovation in Ferrari’s boldest experiment yet.

When Ferrari unveiled the SF90 Stradale, it wasn’t just launching another mid-engine supercar—it was rewriting its own rulebook. For decades, Ferrari defined itself by naturally aspirated engines and mechanical purity. The SF90 changed that narrative, introducing plug-in hybrid technology, all-wheel drive, and nearly 1,000 horsepower. It wasn’t evolution. It was a revolution.

The First Plug-In Ferrari

Underneath the aerodynamic curves lies a complex but beautifully orchestrated system. At its heart sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, an evolution of Ferrari’s F154 engine, mated to three electric motors—one sandwiched between the engine and gearbox and two driving the front wheels.

Together, they produce 986 horsepower (735 kW) and 590 lb-ft of torque, making the SF90 Stradale the most powerful series-production Ferrari ever built when it debuted in 2019. The result is a car that can drive in silence one moment and rocket to 211 mph the next, seamlessly blending the analog soul of a Ferrari with the digital precision of the future.

The hybrid system draws from a 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing an electric-only range of around 15 miles (25 km) in eDrive mode—enough for quiet urban commuting before unleashing its full fury on the open road.

Acceleration That Defies Physics

Ferrari’s official claim of 0–62 mph in 2.5 seconds already puts the SF90 among the world’s quickest cars. But independent tests tell an even wilder story—Car and Driver recorded a 2.0-second sprint to 60 mph, placing it in the same league as the Bugatti Chiron and Rimac Nevera.

This explosive acceleration isn’t just about raw power. The SF90’s front-axle electric motors provide instant torque and torque vectoring, meaning grip is never in short supply. Even in damp conditions, it delivers traction that feels almost supernatural. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, lighter and faster than Ferrari’s previous 7-speed unit, keeps the car in the powerband with razor precision.

A Symphony of Speed and Silence

The SF90 offers a dual personality. In its hybrid or electric modes, it glides through city streets with quiet composure, the only sound being the faint whir of the motors. Switch to Qualify Mode, however, and it unleashes all systems — electric and combustion — working in harmony to deliver full power.

The soundtrack may lack the soaring operatic tones of a naturally aspirated Ferrari V12, but there’s still an authentic edge to its voice — metallic, sharp, and urgent. Evo noted that while the V8 doesn’t quite sing, the pace is “so intense it redefines what fast means.”

The Tech Inside

Ferrari didn’t just rethink the drivetrain — it reimagined the cockpit. The SF90’s cabin centers around a 16-inch curved digital display and haptic steering-wheel controls, with almost no traditional buttons in sight. It’s a minimalist, driver-focused environment that feels more spacecraft than supercar.

It’s not without flaws. Some testers from Top Gear and Autocar found the touch controls overly sensitive, particularly when driving aggressively. But once acclimated, the layout reinforces Ferrari’s push toward intuitive digital engagement without compromising focus.

Handling That Defies Its Weight

At over 1,570 kg (3,460 lbs) dry, the SF90 isn’t light. Yet on the road, it hides its weight with wizard-like precision. The combination of an ultra-rigid chassis, active aerodynamics, and Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 7.0 system results in remarkable agility.

On track, it’s devastatingly fast — clinical, even. The steering remains pure Ferrari: quick, communicative, and beautifully weighted. The brake-by-wire system blends regenerative and friction braking seamlessly, offering confident pedal feel and fade-free performance.

The Assetto Fiorano and Beyond

For drivers chasing ultimate precision, the Assetto Fiorano package trims nearly 70 kg (155 lbs) through lightweight titanium springs, carbon fiber components, and optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. It transforms the SF90 from a road-going hyper-GT into a genuine track weapon.

In 2024, Ferrari turned up the intensity with the SF90 XX Stradale, a limited-run, track-focused evolution boasting 1,016 hp and new aerodynamic architecture. With twice the downforce of the standard model, it’s a bridge between Ferrari’s road and race programs — and proof that hybrid doesn’t mean compromise.

The Verdict

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale isn’t a love letter to the past — it’s a manifesto for the future. It’s brutally fast, technologically audacious, and almost unnervingly capable. Some enthusiasts may lament the loss of traditional simplicity, but the SF90 shows Ferrari’s genius lies in reinvention, not repetition.

It’s not just a hybrid supercar; it’s the blueprint for the next era of performance. A car that proves electricity doesn’t dilute emotion — it amplifies it.

Specifications Summary

• Powertrain: 4.0L twin-turbo V8 + 3 electric motors
• Output: 986 hp / 590 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch
• Drive: All-wheel drive (front motors + mechanical rear)
• Battery: 7.9 kWh lithium-ion
• 0–62 mph: 2.5 s (tested 2.0 s)
• Top Speed: 211 mph (340 km/h)
• Weight: ~1,570 kg dry
• Price: From ~$524,000 USD (base)