Ferrari SF90 Spider: First Impression

One of the most extreme convertibles in the world, the Ferrari SF90 Spider made its global debut last year in November. And, now in less than a year, the good-looking retractable car has hit the Malaysian shores. This means the country’s wealthy people now have two Ferrari plug-in-hybrid cars to choose from, the first being the already available SF90 Stradale i.e. hard-top version of the latest SF90 Spider.

The two models share the hardware as well as software elements, including the plug-in hybrid engine that not only generates epic performance numbers but also makes the coupe one of the most approachable mid-engine Ferrari cars one can ever drive. However, the Spider sets itself apart with its fine drop-top styling and some technical improvements, mainly in appearance. So, let’s find out more about this open-air supercar in our first impression.

Ferrari SF90 Spider Exterior

Touted as Ferrari’s prettiest convertible, the SF90 Spider is a masterpiece of Italian automotive design. It gets the same silhouette as the SF90 Stradale, along with distinctive matrix LED headlights. However, the modifications come from the windscreen onwards, including the more slender A-pillars, increased rake on the windscreen, forward-shifted cockpit and a 20 mm lowered roof.

The SF90 Spider’s top is made of aluminum that weighs 40 kg less than the conventional materials, as per Ferrari. Although, the hypercar's dry weight of 1670 kg is still more than the fixed-roof model. The retractable roof can be raised or lowered in just 14 seconds and can also be operated when the vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 45 kmph. Along with this, the car also has an adjustable rear window, which keeps cabin turbulence at bay while the top is stowed.

As far as the dimensions are concerned, the convertible measures 4,704 mm in length, 1,973 mm in width, and 1,191 mm in height. Compared to the coupe, it is slightly shorter and marginally taller, which hardly makes any difference.

Ferrari SF90 Spider Interior

The digital and driver-focussed cabin of the new SF90 Spider has everything in its place with an easy reach. It has a large and curved 16-inch digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display, a new navigation system, a digital gear shift grille, and the brand’s latest touch-sensitive controls on the dashboard and steering wheel. Adding to the comfort is a keyless entry and go feature that enables the driver to open the door and start the car without taking out the key from the pocket.

The SF90 interior also has two aerodynamic components that aim at minimizing aerodynamic turbulence and wind noise when the top is down. It includes a central trim division between the driver and passenger seats that take the airflow away from the occupants’ heads and shoulders. The second is a resonator tube that has been placed to channel sound from the exhaust into the cockpit.

Ferrari SF90 Spider Engine specifications

As we mentioned earlier, the Ferrari SF90 Spider carries a plug-in hybrid engine under the bonnet. The electrified drivetrain has a combination of a twin-turbo V8 mill that produces 780 PS with three electric motors churning out an additional 220 PS. The combined output is rated at 1,000 PS and 900 Nm of peak torque. To channel this power to all four wheels, Ferrari has paired the engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This enables the hypercar to hit the 0-100 kmph mark in 2.5 seconds and a 0-200 kmph time in 7 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than Stradale), before attaining a top speed of 340 kmph.

This astonishing acceleration seems more amazing when driving the hypercar in eDrive mode, it can travel up to 25 kilometres on electric power only, thanks to the 7.9-kWh battery pack. The other available modes are Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. If we talk about battery charging, it takes about three hours to charge via the plug-in route, just like the Stradale.

Ferrari SF90 Spider optional package

Ferrari is also offering an optional Assetto Fiorano pack with the supercar. It includes two-tone livery, carbon-fibre door panels and underbody, a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres.

Ferrari SF90 Spider price

The Ferrari SF90 Spider’s price in Malaysia starts at RM 2,088,000 before taxes, insurance, and customization costs. Included in the price is 7-year maintenance with yearly intervals of 20,000 km.

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