THE DRIVE TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> 112
<strong>The</strong> first Ferrari sports car to be equipped with 4WD, the hybrid powertrain sets a new benchmark for standing starts at 0-100km/h in 2.5 sec and 0-200km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Ferrari engineers also introduced the RAC-e (electronic cornering set-up regulator), integrated into the car’s vehicle dynamics controls, governing the distribution of torque and making driving on the limit much simpler and easier. Sporting a completely redesigned 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch transmission, the SF90 Stradale has an additional steering wheel-mounted selector, dubbed the eManettino. It provides four different power unit management modes: the allelectric eDrive, the default-setting Hybrid which manages the power to optimise the overall system efficiency, Performance which prioritises charging the battery instead of efficiency and Qualify, favouring performance over battery charging for maximum power output. With its innovative shut-off Gurney, a patented active system which regulates the air flow over the upper body, drag at high speeds is reduced with low lateral dynamics loads and downforce in corners increased, under braking and during directional changes. For the exterior, Ferrari’s designers have revised the proportions of the front, central and rear volumes for a forward-looking, innovative visage. Inside, the cockpit has an entirely new design direction, which will carry over into Ferrari’s entire future range. <strong>The</strong> chassis and bodyshell is all new, built using multi-material technology such as carbon fibre. <strong>The</strong> aeronautically-inspired cockpit adopts a sleek, minimalist look with Ferrari’s “hands-on-the-wheel” philosophy taking on a central role. <strong>The</strong>re is a new 16-inch curved high-definition digital instrument cluster with an updated Human-Machine Interface. <strong>The</strong> driver can virtually control every aspect of the car, thanks to the touchpad and a series of haptic buttons on the steering wheel. On the central tunnel, the automatic gearbox controls are selected by a grille-style feature that references Ferrari’s legendary manual gear-shift gate. <strong>The</strong> redesigned intake and exhaust system feature a new, narrower cylinder head with a central injector and the adoption of 350-bar GDI, another first for a Ferrari V8. Clients can choose between the standard car and a more sports-oriented version. <strong>The</strong> Assetto Fiorano specification includes significant upgrades such as special GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, high downforce carbon-fibre rear and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres. Traditional controls include the classic steering-wheel mounted headlight control, windscreen wipers, indicators and the Manettino for driving modes. What price for this hybrid supercar? Starting from the base price of RM1,908,000 (before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance), the Ferrari SF90 Stradale comes with an extended seven-year maintenance programme, available across the entire Ferrari range. <strong>The</strong> introduction of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale was held at Ferrari’s newly renovated flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya to mark its opening. Meant to reflect the brand’s new corporate identity, the refreshed showroom provides a taste of “la dolce vita” with its immersive experience. A total of RM3.5 million was spent on the refurbishment of the 11,900 sq ft showroom which can accommodate up to seven cars. It is among the first few in Southeast Asia to implement these new design considerations. 113 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> | TM