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B ased on the SF90 Stradale, the new special limited series SF90 XX Stradale recently joined its SF90 XX Spider counterpart. These new V8-powered plug-in electric vehicles represent the latest and most extreme example of the concept of special versions, which pushes the performance of Ferrari’s road-going models to new levels. The concept has been honed over the past 20 years or so, with many of these models quickly becoming considered benchmarks in the Prancing Horse’s line up, such as the 488 Pista and 812 Competizione. Over the same two decades, Ferrari has also developed the XX Programme to offer a select group of expert client drivers extreme cars that are not homologated for the road, but that can be driven at the very limit on the track. All of the models produced by the programme have proved a huge success, with the most recent addition being the FXX-K EVO. Drawing on its experience in both of these spheres, Ferrari decided to create a road-legal car which embodies the maximum expression of the two programmes’ engineering concepts. The SF90 XX Stradale is based on the supercar in the range, the SF90 Stradale, and raises its already impressively exhilarating track and on- the-limit driving experience to new heights. Performance is boosted thanks to its impressive 1,030 cv (30 more than the SF90 Stradale), specific software logics, and the use of radical new aerodynamics solutions, including a fixed rear spoiler – the first to appear on a road-going Ferrari since the days of the F50 – which delivers an unparalleled 530 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. The same concept provided the inspiration for the SF90 XX Spider, which combines the ultimate on-track adrenaline rush with the heady pleasure of en plein air driving, where the iconic sound of the Ferrari V8 gives such a vital contribution. The SF90 XX Spider benefits from the same sophisticated aero solutions as the SF90 XX Stradale, as well as specifically developed cockpit air flows that guarantee superb occupant comfort with the top down. It is equipped with Ferrari’s acclaimed Retractable Hard Top (RHT), which comprises aluminium panels and not only deploys and retracts in a mere 14 seconds, but can also be activated at speeds of up to 45 km/h. The SF90 XX Stradale has also inherited the signature PHEV layout found in the SF90 Stradale and SF90 Spider, in which the V8 internal combustion engine is inte- grated with three electric motors, two independent on the front axle, and one located between the engine and gearbox at the rear. This configuration allows the car to un- leash a maximum of 1030 cv (+30 cv more than the SF90 Stradale), setting a whole new performance benchmark. Thanks to its 797 cv, the mid-rear-mounted V8 turbo raises the performance limit bar still further for this particular architecture. The SF90 Stradale’s power unit was used as the starting point for the F154FB engine which powers the SF90 XX Stradale, and is now significantly more extreme. Efficiency was increased by polishing the inlet and exhaust ducts and the compression ratio was increased with the adoption of new pistons and specific machining of the combustion chamber. The removal of the secondary air system also slashed 3.5 kg off the engine’s weight compared to the previous application. Iconic Engine Sound The SF90 XX Stradale’s soundtrack was redesigned to become the ultimate encapsu- lation of the car’s racing soul. To produce an even fuller, richer sound and celebrate the harmonics right across the V8’s rev range, the hot tube system was optimised. This transmits the combustion pulsations into the cabin, highlighting the higher fre- quencies to reveal the ultimate evolution of the Ferrari V8. The use of innovative materials improved the acoustic clarity of the system: the result is a wonderfully rich explosion of iconic Ferrari V8 sound. Electric Motors Like the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 XX Stradale has three electric motors, one located between the ICE and the gearbox and two on the front axle. In this instance, they deliver a maximum of 233 cv or 171 kW, thanks to the patented extra boost vehi- cle dynamics logic, an absolute first on a Prancing Horse road car. The SF90 XX Stradale’s high performance lithium-ion battery powers the three motors, guarantee- ing a 25km range in full-electric mode. When the ICE is off, the front motors give the car a maximum speed of 135 km/h. The control logic optimally manages the power flows focussing on either efficien- cy or performance as required. The driver can use the eManettino selector on the steering wheel to choose from four different power management modes. In eDrive mode, the internal combustion engine is turned off and traction is entrusted entirely to the front axle; in Hybrid mode, it favours battery energy depletion and manages transitions autonomously, maximising the full-electric range; in Performance mode, the internal combustion engine is kept running as the priority is on maintaining con- sistent performance, rather than on achieving the peak power; and in Qualifying, the system unleashes its maximum power output, thanks to a control logic that prioritis- es performance, using the brand-new extra boost function. 292 | Simply Abu Dhabi