In 2021, we conducted a test of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During the test, we were able to reach a speed of 60 miles per hour in just 2.0 seconds and completed a quarter mile in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 148 miles per hour.
The Porsche 918 Spyder held the title for seven years with its 2.1 second sprint time and 887 horsepower at 60 mph in 2015.
All winners ultimately reunite with their makers. In May 2014, the Porsche 918 Spyder achieved a remarkable 2.1-second acceleration time to reach 60 miles per hour, a record that has remained unbroken for seven years and two months. Despite testing over 1,000 vehicles since then, not one has been able to surpass this record. Until now. The 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale is here to prove its speed, and here is my Barolo, behold its power.
The Ferrari SF90 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, reminiscent of the 918 model. However, unlike Porsche’s use of an electric motor for the front wheels, the SF90 utilizes two 133-horsepower engines on the front axle. But that’s not all. In addition to the 769 hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, there is an additional 201 hp electric motor. These components work in unison to produce a staggering 986 horsepower, enough to give anyone goosebumps. Yes, that’s nearly one thousand horsepower.
Initiating the SF90 is a simple process: engage qualifying mode by pressing the tactile button on the Formula 1 steering wheel, switch the gearbox to manual mode, and activate the horsepower using the switches on the center console. The engine will start with a rumble at 3,500 revolutions per minute, when the brake pressure is at its lowest and the throttle is pressed against the firewall. Release and maintain pressure on the brake.
The lineup was expected to deliver a powerful punch, but the SF90 output is surprisingly quiet due to the battery being drained before the V-8 engine kicks in. It takes 0.9 seconds to reach 30 miles per hour, followed by a slight slip as the dual clutch switches to one-two mode. In just two seconds, the car reaches 60 miles per hour. Staying inside, the quarter mile is completed in 9.5 seconds at a speed of 148 miles per hour, beating the 918 Spyder by 0.2 seconds and 3 miles per hour. However, the SF90 Stradale falls short of the Bugatti Chiron Sport’s 9.4-second quarter mile sprint at 158 miles per hour.
Attention Tesla enthusiasts who have not yet read the comments to inform us of the Model S’s superiority, pay attention. While Tesla was perfecting the power unit and tweaking the chassis in preparation for its release, the SF90 Stradale completed a quarter mile, silently made its way to the charging station, and its driver brewed the perfect espresso. Until we test the plaid, Ferrari reigns as the champion.