2021 Ferrari SF90 Spider Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, hybrid power has become the new direction for top-performance cars, combining the driving passion of fuel-powered vehicles with the improved responsiveness provided by electric motor assistance. The Ferrari SF90 Spider, as the brand's first plug-in hybrid convertible supercar, has attracted significant attention since its market debut in 2021 thanks to its 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.5 seconds, convertible design, and hybrid system. In this test drive, we'll focus on its performance on daily roads and mountain routes to see if this million-dollar supercar can truly balance performance and practicality.

The SF90 Spider's exterior maintains the low stance of a hardtop sports car, with smooth and aggressive lines throughout. The front features a large grille flanked by sharp LED headlamp clusters, while the L-shaped daytime running lights enhance its distinct look. On the side, a beltline extends from the front to the rear, complemented by 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. The tires are sized 255/35 R20 in the front and 315/30 R20 in the rear, with wider rear tires enhancing grip. At the rear, the diffuser and quad exhaust layout clearly highlight its performance orientation, while the LED taillights have a wraparound design that is striking when illuminated at night. The hardtop convertible roof can be opened or closed within 14 seconds and operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h, making it quite convenient for daily use.

Inside, the interior is driver-focused, primarily styled in black with red stitching. Materials include Alcantara and carbon fiber trim, reflecting the premium nature of a supercar. The central console houses a 16-inch fully digital dashboard, where all driving information and vehicle settings can be accessed. The screen boasts high resolution and smooth responsiveness. The steering wheel integrates the Manettino dial for switching between modes like Sport and Track, with tightly arranged physical buttons for ease of blind operation by the driver. The seats are sporty bucket seats with strong support and electric adjustment, though lumbar support requires manual adjustment. Regarding storage, the door pockets are small – just enough for a phone – while the central console has limited capacity. The trunk offers 74 liters of storage, which can barely accommodate two small carry-on suitcases, meaning it's not particularly suitable for extensive daily storage.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 4704mm×1973mm×1191mm, with a wheelbase of 2650mm. As a two-door, two-seater sports car, the front row offers adequate space, with enough headroom and legroom for passengers up to 180cm tall. There are no rear seats, only space for small items. The front row comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control. The air vents are designed with simplicity, and the air conditioner cools quickly. Inside the central armrest box, there's a USB port for charging phones, meeting daily needs.

In terms of the powertrain, the SF90 Spider is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine and a triple electric motor configuration, delivering a combined maximum output of 1000PS (780PS from the engine and 220PS from the motors) and a peak torque of 800Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and features all-wheel drive. In comfort mode during daily drives, the power delivery is smooth, and the electric motor assistance ensures quick throttle response, providing a noticeable push with a light press on the pedal. Switching to sport mode enables more active engine involvement, increases throttle sensitivity, and ensures immediate power delivery during acceleration. The official claim of 2.5 seconds for 0-100 km/h is indeed accompanied by a strong sense of exhilaration during testing. While overtaking at high speeds, the transmission shifts quickly with clear downshift logic and no noticeable jerking.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel is precise in turns with minimal dead zones. Steering is light at low speeds and gradually becomes heavier at high speeds, providing the driver with ample confidence. The chassis adopts a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, with a firm tuning that delivers clear road feedback. While driving on bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the small vibrations, but the body bounces noticeably when passing speed bumps, offering average comfort. On mountain roads, the vehicle exhibits excellent stability, with minimal body roll during cornering. The wide tires provide strong grip, ensuring the car maintains its trajectory even during high-speed cornering. The braking system performs excellently, with a linear brake pedal feel and uniform brake force output. During emergency braking, the body remains stable without showing significant nosedive.

In terms of fuel consumption, the hybrid system allows switching to pure electric mode during daily commutes. The official pure electric range is 25km, but in actual urban road conditions, it can go for about 20km, with an electricity consumption of approximately 18kWh/100km. When switched to hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is about 6.9L/100km, which is already quite impressive for a 4.0T supercar. Regarding noise control, when the convertible top is closed, wind noise and tire noise are relatively minimal during high-speed driving. In comfort mode, engine noise is well suppressed, while in sport mode, the exhaust emits a deep sound that enhances driving passion. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels. The highest level offers strong regeneration with noticeable drag when the accelerator pedal is released, while the lowest level resembles the coasting experience of a fuel car.

In summary, the core advantages of the SF90 Spider lie in the powerful performance and relatively low fuel consumption brought by its hybrid system. The convertible design adds driving enjoyment, and the interior's technological feel and materials align with the brand's positioning. Compared to its class rival, the Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, the SF90 Spider has an edge in acceleration performance and hybrid technology, though it comes with a higher price tag (local guide price RM 2,080,000).

This car is suitable for enthusiasts seeking extreme performance and enjoying convertible driving experiences. While its limited storage space may not be ideal for daily commuting, it can accommodate short trips for two people without issues. For practical family users, it might not be the best choice, but for supercar enthusiasts, the SF90 Spider is undoubtedly a top-tier model that balances performance and technological sophistication.

In conclusion, the SF90 Spider seamlessly combines hybrid technology with supercar performance. Its convertible design and powerful dynamics make it stand out among its peers. Although expensive and less practical, it is definitely a worthy choice for consumers seeking driving excitement.