Not content with producing its first plug-in hybrid in the shape of the SF90, Ferrari has introduced an 'XX' version that offers even more extreme performance. The XX badge might be familiar to you, because it has been worn by a series of track-only FXX performance models that Ferrari has built based on the Enzo, 599 GTB and LaFerrari. However, unlike those cars, the SF90 XX is road legal.
An SF90, but more so
Ferrari has taken the standard SF90 - already a pretty special piece of kit - and honed it with a range of updates to the engine, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics. Starting with the engine, the hand-assembled 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 features polished inlets and exhausts, while the compression ratio has been increased to 9.54:1. It makes a healthy 797hp on its own, but it's combined with three electric motors - one in line with the engine driving the rear wheels and two on the front axle for four-wheel drive - to make a maximum of 1,030hp. That's 30hp more than the standard SF90 delivers. In addition, Ferrari's engineers have shaved 3.5kg from the powerplant's weight by removing the secondary air system, while the engine sound is said to have been enhanced, too.
There are revised electronics for the gearbox and electric motors to boost their response, while a new shift system delivers faster gear changes for the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 7.9kWh battery is fitted, which gives the SF90 XX a zero-emissions range of 25km at speeds of up to 135km/h.
In terms of aerodynamics, the SF90 XX is the first road-going Ferrari to feature a fixed rear wing since the F50 from the mid-1990s. Ferrari claims that it produces 530kg of downforce at 250km/h and the car produces double the maximum downforce of the standard SF90. There are larger cooling ducts and repositioned radiators that are designed to optimise airflow through and around the car, with assorted ducts and channels added to the bodywork.
As well as the closed-roof Stradale, Ferrari is also making an SF90 XX Spider. This features an electrically retractable hard top featuring plenty of lightweight materials that can be opened or closed in 14 seconds - and at speeds up to 45km/h. The folding roof adds 100kg to the SF90 XX Stradale's 1,660kg weight.
All of these tweaks help the SF90 XX Stradale achieve a 0-100km/h time of 2.3 seconds, 0-200km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 320km/h. The open-topped spider version is just as fast from 0-100km/h and is only 0.2 seconds behind from 0-200km/h, while the top speed is the same.
Looks inspired by racing
Since the SF90 XX is designed to deliver track-car performance, Ferrari hasn't held back with its looks. The overall shape is similar to the standard SF90's, but that large rear wing and deep front splitter enhance the track-inspired appearance. The car's air intakes, louvres on the tops of the front wings and extra spoilers in the front grilles add an element of aggression to the car, while at the rear, the central exhausts and large air vents set it apart, too. There's plenty of exposed carbon fibre, while a strip of body coloured trim now connects the taillights on the XX model.
Inside, there's more race-inspired attention to detail, with weight saving being part of the design philosophy. There's Alcantara trim for the upper dashboard, while lightweight materials are used across the door panels and centre console with carbon fibre inserts in places. The seats are designed to emulate race seats, with bare carbon fibre and trim that makes it look like a single bucket, although the seats are fully adjustable. These lightweight items save 1.3kg when compared with the standard chairs in the SF90.
Dynamic showcase
One element that Ferrari was keen to retain was an element of usability for the SF90 XX. The assorted aerodynamic tweaks help the car stick to the road, while the Italian firm has focused on producing a smooth transition between electric and petrol power, irrespective of the kind of driving you're doing.
Electronic elements include torque vectoring and energy recovery under braking and when lifting off, while Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer 2.0 makes its debut in this car, too. This is controlled by the electronic Side Slip Control system, while the ABS Evo controller is taken from the 296 GTB designed to better manage braking force between all four corners of the car. Another highlight is a new boost control system that can deliver short bursts of electrical assistance to help the SF90 XX achieve maximum acceleration.
Ferrari will build 799 SF90 XX Stradales and 599 SF90 XX Spiders. Prices haven't been detailed, but with the SF90 costing in excess of €500,000 before taxes, expect quite a premium for the XX versions. And don't even ask about the VRT on top of that...