New Ferrari Supercar Breaks Cover

Ferrari NV says its all-new SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid is the fastest and most technically advanced model in the company’s 80-year history.

The carmaker unveiled the supercar today in Italy. Deliveries are expected to start early next year.

Teaming a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 engine with three electric motors (two in the front and one in the rear), the hybrid system generates a combined 986 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The car can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph.

The engine is based on the V-8 that powers Ferrari’s 488 Pista. Changes include a revised combustion chamber, new intake and exhaust systems, narrower cylinder head and a 5,000-psi direct injection system. In addition, the turbocharger is mounted lower and the flywheel is smaller to help lower the car’s center of gravity.

The engine is mated with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari says the gearbox is lighter, smaller and more efficient than its current 7-speed unit. To further reduce weight, the transmission doesn’t include a reverse gear, which is handled entirely by the electric powertrain instead. A 7.9-kW lithium-ion battery provides an electric range of 25 km (16 miles).

The electric motors enable all-wheel drive—a first for Ferrari—and torque vectoring. The SF90 also is the first Ferrari fitted with a brake-by-wire system. Developed by Brembo SpA, the system enables braking torque to be split between the hydraulic system and electric motors, thereby enabling regenerative energy recovery.

A multi-material construction includes aluminum and carbon fiber to help hold overall weight to just over 3,500 lbs, which makes the SF90 slightly lighter than the limited-edition LaFerrari hypercar. The lightweight design also boosts torsional rigidity and improves NVH characteristics.

The front section of the chassis stands slightly higher than the center to optimize airflow. Aerodynamic enhancements include an active spoiler that helps generate as much as 860 lbs of downforce at 155 mph, which Ferrari describes as best-in-class.

Motorists can choose among four driving modes to emphasize comfort, performance or efficiency. A track-oriented “Assetto Fiorano” package features aerodynamic enhancements, uprated tires and a stripped-out interior. The option also uses titanium and additional carbon fiber to help save another 66 lbs.

The car’s interior is highlighted by a curved 16-inch high-definition touchscreen display. About 80% of the functions also can be accessed via steering wheel-mounted controls.