Ferrari SF90 The XX Programme.
The new special limited series SF90 XX Stradale, which is based on the SF90 Stradale, and its SF90 XX Spider companion were recently introduced to the world. These new V8-powered PHEVs, which will be produced in just 799 and 599 copies, respectively, are the most recent and extreme illustration of the concept of special editions, which raises the performance of Ferrari’s road-going cars to new heights.
The idea has been refined over the past 20 years or so, and several of these models—like the 488 Pista and 812 Competizione—quickly rose to the status of standards in the Prancing Horse lineup. Ferrari has also created the XX Programme over the past 20 years to provide a restricted number of professional client drivers with extreme vehicles that are not road-legal but can be pushed to the absolute limit on a racecourse. The FXX-K EVO is the newest model to be manufactured by the programme, and all of them have proven to be enormous successes.
Ferrari made the decision to develop a road-legal supercar that encompasses the full engineering expression of the two programmes, drawing on its knowledge in both of these fields. Based on the supercar in the lineup, the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 XX Stradale takes the already extremely thrilling track and on-the-limit driving experience to a new level. Its impressive 1,030 cv, which is 30 more than the SF90 Stradale, special software logics, and the application of revolutionary new aerodynamics solutions, including the use of a fixed rear spoiler, the first to be seen on a road-going Ferrari since the days of the F50, which produces an unrivalled 530 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, all contribute to improved performance.
The same concept served as inspiration for the SF90 XX Spider, which combines the ultimate on-track adrenaline rush with the intoxicating joy of en plein air driving, where the legendary sound of the Ferrari V8 contributes so vitally. The SF90 XX Spider has the same high-tech aero benefits as the SF90 XX Stradale, together with specially designed cockpit air flows that provide excellent occupant comfort with the top down. It has Ferrari’s renowned Retractable Hard Top (RHT), which is made of aluminium panels and can be operated at speeds of up to 45 km/h. It deploys and retracts in only 14 seconds.
The PHEV architecture, which combines a V8 internal combustion engine with three separate electric motors—two on the front axle and one between the engine and gearbox—found in the SF90 Stradale and SF90 Spider, has also been carried over to the SF90 XX Stradale. A whole new performance standard is set with this arrangement, which permits the supercar to produce a maximum of 1030 cv (+30 cv more than the SF90 Stradale).
The music for the SF90 XX Stradale was reworked to become the pinnacle expression of the vehicle’s racing spirit. The hot tube system was optimised to generate an even fuller, richer sound and celebrate the harmonics across the V8’s rev range. This sends combustion pulsations into the cabin while accentuating higher frequencies to show the Ferrari V8’s final progression.
Similar to the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 XX Stradale has three electric motors: two on the front axle and one between the ICE and the gearbox. Due to the proprietary additional boost vehicle dynamics logic, they are able to produce a maximum of 233 cv, or 171 kW, which is a first for a Prancing Horse road car. The three motors are driven by the high-performance lithium-ion battery in the SF90 XX Stradale, ensuring a 25-kilometre range in full electric mode. The front motors give the car a top speed of 135 km/h when the ICE is off.
This is conceptually a XX supercar in every sense of the word. Its traits are significantly more severe, the result of a sharper, more radical design language. The aesthetic elements of the SF90 XX Stradale are intended to accentuate its thoroughbred performance traits while still preserving the clean lines and shapes of its forerunner. Consequently, air intakes and vents, a crucial component of racing vehicles’ artistic language, were left exposed. The three louvres on the front and rear wings of the SF90 XX Stradale are an example of a technological solution that also creates a defining feature. These are traditional stylistic elements from Ferrari, just like with the F12tdf.
Without a doubt, the SF90 XX Stradale’s rear wing is one of its most recognisable design elements. It now features a sleeker tail volume, which gives it the long tail profile typical of racing vehicles. The tail volume was especially modified with aerodynamics in mind. Additionally, the intercooler air intakes have been enlarged to better direct airflow into the radiators.
The SF90 XX Stradale has kept the arrow-shaped front wing design. Two exterior vertical wing profiles with an even lower top profile have now incorporated the headlights into this area. This results in what could be described as a more geometric language that captures the essence of this new supercar. The two imposing lower wings that dominate the air intakes are new and standout features of the front section. They appear to float, giving the SF90 XX Stradale a wider, more glued-to-the-road appearance than any other car.
To emphasise the car’s technological features, carbon-fibre pieces stand out from bodywork colour components throughout, but notably in the bottom portion. The rounded-off quadrangle-shaped air vents on the front bonnet and rear engine lid, which essentially become a part of the car’s paintwork, are further connotative features. They are intended to add splashes of colour that, for example, match the end plates on the carbon fibre rear wing. Additionally, the vehicle has distinctive star-burst wheel rims with noticeable aerodynamic characteristics.
The goal of the SF90 XX Stradale’s interior design was to emphasise the racing focus of the cockpit by finding ways to significantly reduce weight. The primary sections affected were the door panels, tunnel, and mats, which have been simplified in terms of their design and fabric use. Carbon fibre was employed for functional parts. Alcantara® is used to trim the upper portion of the dashboard, while technical fabric is used to trim the lower portion. Both are influenced by the world of racing.
The concave parts that merge on the dashboard are emphasised by the colour contrast on the door panels, which emphasises the concept found aboard the SF90 Stradale. On the other hand, the three louvres in the centre zone are a wink to the air vents on the wheel arch, giving the area a dynamic, sculptural appearance. In a completely unique artistic interpretation, the three apertures, which relate to the outside language, also smoothly incorporate technological and control functions.
The core tunnel’s minimalist design is not just attractive; it is also remarkably light. In comparison to the SF90 Stradale, the gear shift gate now occupies a central position and is farther forward on the tunnel. On a lower level, there are window lifters and a key pocket. The tunnel is given a sporty yet refined appeal while still emphasising its practicality thanks to the style theme’s volumes, which form a clever blend of functional voids and structural solids.
To improve sporty driving enjoyment without sacrificing comfort, a special racing seat with visible carbon-fibre tubular construction and cushion supports was created for the vehicle. Elastic trim materials that disguise the gap between the backrest and seat squab have been used to incorporate the backrest rake mechanism into the seat. This enables the backrest to be altered while maintaining a single-piece seat appearance throughout the construction. This innovation, together with the carbon-fibre frame, reduced weight by 1.3 kg as compared to the single-piece seat of the SF90 Stradale.
