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October 1, 2021
A Supercar That Feels Like a Ticket to Heaven – Test Drive the Ferrari SF90, the Most Powerful Road Car in Ferrari History | Ferrari
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Test Drive the SF90: Ferrari's Most Powerful Road Car Ever
Debuting in 2019 as a commemorative model for Scuderia Ferrari's 90th anniversary, the SF90 Stradale is hailed as the most powerful road car in Ferrari history. We took this, Ferrari's first-ever production PHEV, for a spin.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by ATSUKI Kawano
Above All, Its Aesthetic Styling is Captivating
Ferrari is enjoying booming sales in the summer of 2021. I finally got to drive the "SF90 Stradale," announced in May 2019, in September 2021. Indeed, I was impressed that this is another model that powerfully supports Ferrari's popularity.
The SF90's most distinctive features are its plug-in hybrid nature and, secondly, its first-ever four-wheel-drive system for a Ferrari. Electric motors are mounted front and rear and used actively. The front wheels are driven by the motors.
In Europe, regulations on fossil fuel-powered cars are becoming increasingly strict. Restricted zones where driving is prohibited and high taxes are likely to accumulate. For Ferrari owners, taxes might not be a significant issue. However, for Ferrari's brand image, not being proactive about environmental measures carries a considerable downside. This is another background to the emergence of plug-in hybrids.
Before delving into complex details, if one were to intuitively describe the SF90's appeal, it would undoubtedly be its aesthetic styling. It brings to mind the 1980s, when Ferrari produced models like the Testarossa and 348. With bold design elements such as large louvers on the body, there was a debate about whether Ferrari's models were truly stylish.
A certain Italian car designer once said, "Ferrari has the pride of being synonymous with sports cars, so any shape they produce is 'correct.'" He clearly stated that worrying about trends is for second-rate manufacturers. I remember that opinion well.
For a Ferrari, the SF90 possesses a high degree of aesthetic appeal. While perhaps not as much as the Roma, it balances elegance with sportiness, and most people would likely say "Nice!" upon seeing it. In that sense, it's a product for everyone.
The nose is very low and sharp, forming a V-shape when viewed from above. The cabin is positioned forward, followed by a voluminous rear that hints at the immense powertrain housed within. Then there are the numerous air intakes and aerodynamic parts. While driving on the highway, occupants of a Prius in the next lane took photos. It seems everyone finds it cool.
Nowadays, not only Lamborghini and Porsche, but also McLaren and other strong rivals assert their presence with distinctive styling. In such a landscape, does Ferrari return to its classical beauty? The intricate details and high-quality finish are also aspects that delight Ferrari fans.