Ferrari’s stunning new hybrid
It’s hardly the greenest car on the road, but it’s still the reddest in tooth and claw. Nicole Garcia Merida reports
Ferrari flagships have always been special, and over the years increasingly potent and hard to top, says Richard Meaden in Auto Express. But the Italian supercar manufacturer has outdone itself again with this 987bhp plug-in hybrid that “melds old-school mid-engined drama with cutting-edge powertrain technology”. The SF90 Stradale is “a brilliantly resolved driver’s car” with “dazzling technology and hypercar performance”. And in a straight line, that performance is nothing short of “ballistic”. From rest, it reaches 62mph in just 2.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 211mph. “Driven on the legendary Fiorano test track, the SF90 shines,” while remaining “steadfast and sure-footed”. In Race mode, the car somehow makes almost 1,000bhp of power feel “friendly and accessible” and without needing the skills of a Formula One driver to keep control.
The SF90 is Ferrari’s first-ever plug-in hybrid and has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 backing up its three electric motors. “But don’t be fooled,” says Driving Electric: “electrification has been employed almost entirely with performance in mind, with only a token nod to lowering emissions”. Total power output is 987bhp, putting it above Ferrari’s V12-powered 812 Superfast model. The resulting performance is “mind-bending” and “intoxicating”. In eMode, ie, travelling by electric power alone, the car can travel up to 15 miles at speeds of up to 85mph. In Hybrid mode, the petrol engine wakes up when you push harder on the throttle. The car is not by a long stretch the most efficient hybrid you can buy, “but it’s certainly the most fun”.
There’s lots new on the inside too, says Top Gear. There’s a 16-inch screen on the dashboard with three main screens to swipe through – media, navigation, and vehicle controls – and it’s operated by a steering-wheel-mounted touchpad. The gadgetry and infotainment systems have seen a marked improvement and boast a premium JBL sound system. Overall, the significance of the SF90 “cannot be overstated”. It is approachable enough to be driven hard with confidence, yet remains “nimble, controllable and delicate in your hands”. It is a “stunning machine”.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Price: £376,048. Engine: 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 plus electric motors. Top speed: 211mph. 0-62mph: 2.5 seconds.
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She joined MoneyWeek in 2019.
-
James Halstead drives profits: should you buy?
James Halstead will rebound from a weak patch, while tax changes would be a buying opportunity
By Jamie Ward Published
-
Premium Bond winners – who won the November £1 million jackpot?
NS&I unveils November’s Premium Bond winners. Who bagged the jackpot and what other prizes are on offer?
By Vaishali Varu Published
-
Global car shares slide amid lower demand in China – what happens now?
Has the car sector run into trouble? Britain’s Aston Martin and Germany’s Volkswagen are among the key automobile brands that have issued profit warnings.
By Alex Rankine Published
-
Volkswagen mulls closure of German factories
Why is Volkswagen considering the closures and how is the carmaker performing?
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Is China winning the electric car race?
China now sells more electric cars than conventional ones within its territory. Western countries seem determined to stop them from crossing their borders. Why?
By Simon Wilson Published
-
Val d’Isère is a valley of delights
MoneyWeek Travel Matthew Partridge reviews Airelles Val d’Isere and Hotel Mont-Blanc in the famous French ski resort
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Review: The Ozen Collection – a dream stay in the Maldives
MoneyWeek Travel Ozen Life Maadhoo and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, where luxury meets nature, are almost too good to be true, says Nicole García Mérida.
By Nicole García Mérida Published
-
Review: An odyssey through Sri Lanka
MoneyWeek Travel Merryn Somerset Webb explores the South Asian country’s ruins, jungle and fabulous food.
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
-
Flexjet review: the only way to fly
MoneyWeek Travel Chris Carter flies with Flexjet, a provider of fractional ownership of private jets, to St Moritz in Switzerland for the Snow Polo World Cup.
By Chris Carter Published
-
South American nature holidays – take a walk on the wild side
Travel We find holidays in South America where you can explore nature in all its diversity.
By Chris Carter Published