For the past two decades, the special series—which counts the 488 Pista and 812 Competizone among its lineup—has provided an outlet for Ferrari to hone its performance credentials. Simultaneously, the XX Programme has allowed the Italian marque to experiment with some downright bonkers track-only models, including the FXX-K EVO.
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Now, the findings of both programs have been consolidated to produce the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale and Spider, the first road-legal vehicles to bear the ‘XX’ moniker.
Elevating the high-performance SF 90 range to new heights, the duo utilise the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, integrated with three electric motors. The PHEV layout replicates that of the SF90 Stradale and SF90 Spider, with two motors mounted on the front axle and one between the engine and gearbox at the rear. The XX variants are able to deliver a massive output of 1016 bhp — that’s 30 bhp over the already impressive SF 90 models.
On the SF90 XX Stradale, new software solutions and increased aerodynamics thanks to a fixed rear spoiler—the first to appear on a road-going Ferrari since the days of the F50—help bolster downforce, delivering 530 kg at 250 km/h. The SF90 XX Spider employs a similar concept, while providing the pleasure of driving en plein air. It’s equipped with Ferrari’s signature retractable hard top; composed of aluminium panels, it deploys and restracts in 14 seconds and can be activated at speeds of up to 45km/h.
The trio of electric motors is powered by a lithium ion battery, guaranteeing a 25km range in full electric mode, with the front motors allowing for a maximum speed of 135km/h when the ICE is not in use. But hey, that’s not what the track hounds buying the SF90 XX are after. Pushed to the limit (ICE in full force), the SF90 XX Stradale and Spider dart from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 2.3 seconds, maxing out at 320km/h.
For a fun little twist, there’s also a video game-esque extra boost function which signals the electric motors to deploy more power in bursts of up to two seconds when selecting the ‘Qualifying’ mode on the eManettino selector.
Aesthetically, the SF90 XX Stradale takes the styling principles of its predecessor to the extreme. Retaining the SF 90 Stradale’s pure lines and sleek forms, it emphasises its racing prowess through visible air intakes and vents, as well as louvres on the arrow-shaped front and rear wings. Notably, the dramatic rear wing spoiler lends it the long tail silhouette typical of racing cars.
Inside, leather and carpet has been foregone in favour of carbon-fibre and technical fabric. The pared-back cockpit features racing seats with a visible carbon-fibre tubular structure, saving 1.3 kg of weight compared to the SF90 Stradale’s single-piece seats.
To further enhance the driving experience, the soundtrack of the SF90 XX Stradale and Spider were tweaked to produce a fuller, richer sound, laden with “raucous harmonics,’ according to the marque.
Ferrari has limited production of the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider to 799 and 599 examples respectively, with both vehicles priced at well over AUD$1 million. Of course, all have been allocated already.
Words by John Deckard
