By Amanda Mfuphi

Ferrari recently unveiled the new Ferrari SF90 Spider at a dedicated digital event. The SF90 is Ferrari’s first production plug-in hybrid spider and it comes with Ferrari’s retractable hard top (RHT) that premiered on the 458 Spider in 2011. The RHT guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when raised, does not deform at high speeds, and provides exceptional occupant space and comfort. The RHT has been improved in the SF90 and can be opened in just 14 seconds and can be deployed when the car is on the move. Ferrari indicates that the RHT takes up just 100 litres of space rather than the 150-200 litres required by a traditional system and is around 40kg lighter than a conventional retractable hard top thanks to the use of aluminium in its construction.

Exterior

In terms dimensions, the new Ferrari SF90 is 4,704 mm in length, 1,973 mm in width, with a height of 1,191 mm and a wheelbase of 2,649 mm. Up front, there are three air intakes in the front which serve to cool the electric motors (front) and the internal combustion engine (sides). The SF90 Spider also features matrix LED headlight technology to improve visibility in all driving conditions thanks to its active beam control. The SF90 has a coupé looking frame that is also functional as it reduces drag. The roof is 20 mm lower, the A-posts are more slender and the windscreen is more raked.

At the back, the SF90 is dominated by high exhaust pipes, which are the result of optimisation of the exhaust line layout. More elongated luminous rings create a more horizontal perception of the taillights, which are a radical break from the iconic round shape normally used on Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas. The SF90 rides on 20-inch wheels.

For the Ferrari track enthusiasts, the SF90 Spider is also available with an additional specification option for owners that want to push its track car vocation to the extreme. The Assetto Fiorano pack includes a list of exclusive upgrades that set it apart from the standard car, not least Multimatic shock absorbers derived from the Ferrari’s GT racing experience and optimised for track use. Others include the adoption of high performance materials (such as carbon-fibre and titanium) that have shaved 21 kg off the car’s weight, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and road-homologated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres designed to improve track performance in the dry, thanks to a softer compound and fewer grooves. Lastly, the Assetto Fiorano offers an optional two-tone livery that further underscores the car’s racing vocation.

Interior

Inside, the cabin has a minimalist look as Ferrari has a deployed a predominantly digital instrumentation with the use of screens going completely black when the car is not running. The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16” HD screen, which is curved towards the driver to make it easier to read.

The SF90 Spider’s steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and also ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking their hands off the wheel. The traditional controls include the now iconic Manettino, steering-wheel mounted headlight control, windscreen wipers, indicators. Of the new touch controls, the pad on the right-hand spoke allows the driver to navigate the central cluster screens, while voice and cruise controls are on the left-hand spoke. In the bottom left section of the central area, there are four buttons the driver uses to select the power unit mode.

The key works in full keyless mode so that the driver can not only start the ignition but also open the doors without taking it out of their pocket.

Engine and Power

The Ferrari SF90 is powered by V8 twin-turbo engine that produces 574kW of power and 800Nm of torque and the three electric motors that produce 162kW of power. The PHEV system therefore has a combined output of 736kW of power and 800 Nm of torque. The SF90 does a 0 to 100km sprint in just 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 340km/h. The engine is paired with the completely redesigned 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox.