Ferrari SF90 Stradale: 986bhp plug-in hybrid debuts in Monaco

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale – the Italian company’s first ever plug-in hybrid series production car – has made its dynamic debut on the streets of Monaco in the hands of F1 driver Charles Leclerc.

Taking place on the weekend the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix was originally scheduled for, the event saw Leclerc driving the SF90 on the closed Grand Prix course around the city, filmed by French film director Claude Lelouch. The latter is famous for his 1976 short film 'C'etait un Rendezvous', for which he attached a camera to the front bumper of his Mercedes 450 SEL for a high-speed, early-morning run through Paris.

The finished film was dubbed over with the sound of a Ferrari engine, and for many years rumours circulated that it was F1 driver Jacques Lafitte at the wheel, but it was later confirmed to be Lelouch himself, driving his own car.

The new film featuring Leclerc and the SF90 has been dubbed 'Le Grand Rendezvous' and unlike the original, was filmed on closed roads with the full permission of the authorities. Prince Albert II of Monaco makes a cameo, and the film will be released on 13 June.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale specifications, engine, power, performance, top speed and 0-60 time

The SF90 gets a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which combines with three electric motors to produce 986bhp. They also making this the first mid-engined Ferrari with four-wheel drive. Using an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, 0-62mph takes 2.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 211mph.

In electric-only ‘eDrive’ mode, the SF90 Stradale reverts to front-wheel drive using two of its electric motors. A 9.7kWh battery returns just over 15 miles of electric range, allowing speeds of up to 84mph without using the engine. Ferrari also says the SF90 Stradale will reverse using eDrive only, meaning it'll manoeuvre quietly when parking.

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Drivers have the option of three other driving modes: in the default ‘Hybrid’ setting, the SF90 controls the use of electric and engine power in order to maximise efficiency, although official economy and emissions figures have not yet been confirmed.

‘Performance’ mode keeps the engine (capable of 769bhp on its own) running at all times to prioritise driver enjoyment, while ‘Qualifying’ mode extracts maximum power from the whole hybrid system.

Ferrari has made several styling changes to the SF90 Stradale compared to the rest of its line-up: the headlights take on a slit design that also acts as an air intake to cool the brakes, with LED technology used for the first time on a car made by the Italian firm.

The tail-lights have been elongated at the rear, while the profile of the car sees the interior pushed lower and further forward than on other mid-engined models from the brand.

Inside, the SF90 Stradale features a fully digital 16-inch screen, displaying key information such as speed, navigation and audio playback. The steering wheel contains two touchpads – one controlling functions on the central cluster and another for voice and cruise control – with haptic buttons underneath. Meanwhile, a head-up display relays information to the driver using 3D graphics.

In another first for Ferrari, SF90 Stradale customers have the choice of a sportier ‘Assetto Fiorano’ pack, which uses carbon-fibre and titanium parts to shave 30kg from the standard car’s dry weight of 1,570kg. A rear spoiler and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres improve downforce and grip.

No price has been given for the SF90 Stradale, although it’s expected to cost less than £400,000 and there's no limit on production numbers. The first customer deliveries are expected to take place in the summer of 2020.