Ferrari has launched one of the most important vehicles in its history, the SF90 Stradale, which is the company’s first ever PHEV.
While purists and fans of the prancing horse might shed a tear that the SF90 Stradale signifies an end of an era for pure IC engines, the move to electrification is more than efficiency as the addition of three electric motors to its four-liter V8 launch it from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
Named in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari, the new model represents the next chapter for the iconic brand as plug-in electrification enters its first series production car.
The SF90 Stradale gains 220cv (216hp) of its total 1000cv (985hp) from its electric motors with one found at the rear, known as the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) due to its derivation from the Formula 1 application, located between the engine and the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, and two on the front axle.
A 7.9kWh li-ion battery provides power to all three motors and offers a 15 mile (25km) range in all-electric eDrive mode, using just the front axle. When the internal combustion engine is turned off, the two independent front motors deliver a maximum speed of 83mph (135 km/h).
Ferrari revealed the engineering details that comes with introducing electric power into its honed hypercar chassis design:
“The introduction of this hybrid architecture was a challenge with regard to managing the additional weight which was resolved by an obsessive attention to detail and the overall optimization of the whole of the car. For maximum performance in terms of overall weight, rigidity and center of gravity, the chassis and bodyshell of the SF90 Stradale is all new, built using multi-material technology, including, for example, carbon fiber.
“The development of a hybrid car of this kind demanded the development of a series of innovative aerodynamic solutions. The significant boost in the power unit’s performance brought with it an increase in the amount of heat energy to be dissipated and required the development team to carry out an in-depth review of the aerodynamic flows on the radiating masses.”
As well as being the first Ferrari to feature PHEV technology, it is also the first to feature 4WD, which is necessary to keep traction with the extra instant power delivered from the electric motors.
With Ferrari’s move to electrification, albeit only hybrid at this stage, it is a landmark step for the motoring industry as it joins rival OEMs such as McLaren, Koenigsegg and more in adopting the next-generation powertrain technology.
