Ferrari has unveiled the SF90 XX, marking the first time its exclusive XX series has ventured into road-legal territory. This latest addition to Maranello’s lineup represents a unique blend of cutting-edge engineering and road usability, but its origins and execution reveal a more reactive approach than Ferrari’s typical proactive innovation.
A Surprising Origin
The SF90 XX wasn’t initially part of Ferrari’s production roadmap. When the SF90 Stradale debuted as a nearly 1,000-horsepower plug-in hybrid supercar, it garnered respect for its technical prowess but struggled to resonate as deeply with customers as Ferrari’s more lightweight, mid-engined models.
Faced with the question of how to reignite interest in the SF90, Ferrari looked to its exclusive XX programme for inspiration. Historically, the XX series has been reserved for a select few, with models like the LaFerrari-based FXX-K and the 599XX designed purely for track use and offered to Ferrari’s wealthiest clients. These cars, often produced in extremely limited numbers, embodied unbridled performance with little regard for practicality.
In contrast, the SF90 XX aims to combine the spirit of the XX series with the versatility of a road car. This marks a departure from Ferrari’s tradition of reserving the XX badge for track-only machines.
Design and Engineering Evolution
The SF90 XX, available as both the Stradale coupé and Spider convertible, integrates significant aerodynamic and design upgrades while maintaining road legality. While it bears the XX badge, it doesn’t grant its owners access to Ferrari’s exclusive XX track days, a hallmark of previous XX models. With a production run of 1,400 units, the SF90 XX is far less exclusive than its predecessors, whose production numbers rarely exceeded double digits.
Aerodynamics play a central role in the SF90 XX’s identity. Enhancements include a redesigned front splitter, active rear wing, and rear diffuser, all contributing to a remarkable increase in downforce. This results in exceptional cornering stability and braking performance, making the car feel firmly planted even at high speeds.
The hybrid powertrain has also been refined, although the power increase is modest. The combined output from the twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors remains close to the original SF90’s 986 horsepower. Weight savings are equally modest, with the car shedding just 10 kilograms compared to its predecessor. However, these incremental changes, when combined with the advanced aerodynamics, translate into a notably sharper driving experience.
Balancing Road and Track
As the first road-legal XX car, the SF90 XX strikes a balance between uncompromised performance and everyday usability. Unlike previous XX models, which were equipped with slick tyres and sacrificed practicality for ultimate performance, the SF90 XX had to meet road regulations. This inevitably led to some compromises. Ferrari admits the car could have been even lighter and more specialized if it had been designed exclusively for the track.
Matteo Turconi, Ferrari’s senior product manager for the XX programme, sheds light on the car’s development. “When Ferrari creates a car like the SF90 Stradale, we push its potential to the maximum. Initially, we didn’t plan for an XX version. But as we continued to explore its design concepts, we realized there was significant untapped potential in many areas.”
The SF90 XX, then, represents an opportunity to unlock that potential without compromising road suitability. It’s not a replacement for the SF90 but rather an evolution—a glimpse into what the platform can achieve.
The Driving Experience
The SF90 XX delivers blistering speed and incredible handling precision. The added downforce makes for unparalleled braking stability and cornering capability, but it doesn’t entirely capture the raw, emotional appeal of Ferrari’s greatest mid-engined supercars. Enthusiasts who value exclusivity may also find the larger production numbers and road-legal status at odds with the ethos of the XX series.
Final Thoughts
While the SF90 XX may lack the exclusivity and singular focus of previous XX cars, it succeeds in enhancing the SF90 platform in meaningful ways. This is not merely a special edition; it’s a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to pushing boundaries. For those seeking a road-legal supercar with XX DNA, the SF90 XX offers a unique blend of extreme performance and practicality.
