Ferrari SF90 Spider makes world debut

By RIZAL JOHAN | 13 November 2020


MARANELLO: The Ferrari SF90 Spider was unveiled digitally and is the Prancing Horse’s first production plug-in hybrid spider.

The SF90 Spider sets new performance and innovation benchmarks not only for the marque’s range, but for the entire sports car sector.

The retractable hard top (RHT) was adopted because it 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 is compact, simple and light it can be opened in just 14 seconds and can be deployed when the car is on the move.

In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture in which the internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front, which comprise the RAC-e (Cornering Angle Regulator, Electric) system, and one at the rear derived from and named after a Prancing Horse Formula 1 innovation, the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic).

The synergy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motors allow the car to unleash a maximum of 1,000cv.

The SF90 Spider’s powertrain architecture features the V8 turbo ICE, an 8-speed DCT with E-diff, the RAC-e electric front axle with two independent electric motors that also provide all-electric propulsion, the MGUK electric motor located at the rear between the engine and the gearbox, the high voltage battery and electric motor control system (inverter).

In addition to a massive 780cv, the V8 also unleashes 60cv more than any other V8 turbo ever built by Ferrari.

The SF90 Spider sports the completely redesigned 8-speed, dual-clutch gearbox pushing out 900Nm of torque.

It is blindingly fast as it goes from 0-100kph in 2.5 seconds.

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Aside from having the same silhouette as the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider has a unique dynamic allure when its top is down: the absence of the roof seems to visually lower the car’s centre of gravity, an impression further strengthened by the difference in colour of the trim on the roll-hoops that give rise to the buttresses.

The front of the car is dominated by a very pronounced profile which underscores its extremely aggressive character.

The three air intakes in this area cool the electric motors (front) and the internal combustion engine (sides). The SF90 Spider also uses matrix LED headlight technology to improve visibility in all driving conditions thanks to active beam control.

The rear of the car is dominated by high exhaust pipes, which are the result of optimisation of the exhaust line layout. Elongated luminous rings to create a more horizontal perception of the tail lights, which are a radical break from the iconic round shape normally used on Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas.

Inside, the instrumentation is now predominantly digital with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running, lending the cabin a very minimalist look.

However, once the Engine Start button on the steering wheel is pushed, all the digital components in the driver cockpit gradually springing to life until the whole cockpit is aglow.

The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16” HD screen, which is curved towards the driver to make it easier to read and emphasise the wraparound cockpit effect.

In the default screen, everything is dominated by a large circular rev counter, framed by the battery charge indicator. The navigation screen is on one side of the rev counter with the audio controls on the other.

The screen’s large dimensions mean that there is huge flexibility in terms of personalising the displays, which are also very easy to navigate using the steering wheel controls. It is, for example, possible to select a full-screen version of the navigation map.

Thanks to the introduction of the head-up display, the main information can be projected onto the section of windscreen within the driver’s field of vision.

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 F1 bridge, a signature on the previous models, has now disappeared from the central tunnel and been replaced by a modern take on the gearshift gate, an iconic feature of Ferrari’s manual gearboxes.

In the new gate, however, the gearshift grille is digital as befits an automatic transmission.

At the bottom of the tunnel is the compartment for stowing the new ignition key, which is an exact replica of the Ferrari Prancing Horse badge found on the bonnet, adding an authentic finishing touch to the cabin’s styling.

Deliveries of the SF90 Spider will start in the second quarter of next year.

 

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