Ferrari unveiled its SF90 Stradale Spider today. The car retains the fundamentals of the remarkable SF90 Stradale Berlinetta, gaining a little weight while delivering identical or nearly identical performance in every measure.

SF90 Stradale Spider will be a few tenths slower in the quarter-mile, but matches the Berlinetta’s 0-60 mph sprint at 2.5 seconds. Perhaps most important for a pleasurable dawn patrol over a mountain road with the lid folded, the SF90 Spider matches the Berlinetta’s lap time at Ferrari’s development track, Fiorano, which indicates there is little to no loss in structural rigidity due to the folding top. Ferrari claims an identical maximum braking capability in spite of the slight weight gain.

Ferrari has evolved its folding metal top mechanism for nearly a decade. It works, and works beautifully, as I experienced over the summer in the F8 Tributo Spider. It’s tidy and takes up only 3.5 cubic feet when stowed, impact on interior space imperceptible. It Deploys in 14 seconds. It’s a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Ferrari folding mechanism works as well as any in the world and is remarkably light and compact. Adding the top mechanism adds about 100 kilos in curb weight, SF90 Stradale Spider tipping scales at 1670kg, or 3681 lbs.MORE FOR YOU2020 BMW 840i Coupe Review: Mastering The Art Of Luxury With PerformanceBMWs Can Warn Drivers Of Speed Traps And Red-Light Cameras2021 Genesis G80 First Drive Review: Is The G80 The Best New Luxury Sedan?

Using American measures for horsepower, SF90 Stradale Spider has 986 horsepower, delivering a power-to-weight ratio of 3.733 pounds per horsepower, up slightly from the coupe’s 3.5 pounds per horsepower. Either figure is extraordinary.

The Assetto Fiorano version is more track-focused. Carbon-fiber and titanium pieces shave 21 kilos (46 pounds) off. Assetto Fiorano is fitted with very soft Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, guaranteed to ensure a purchase of new tires after a day at the track, most likely. I’d prefer a berlinetta for play at the track, but if you really want it, here it is. But to me, the SF90 Stradale Spider is the option for sensualists, for hedonists, who want the added component of fresh air on a beautiful drive.

Much of the rest of the car carries over from the SF90 Stradale. The 8-speed gearbox, which has no reverse, that function performed by the two front electric motors. Out back, an electric motor is sandwiched between the back of the V8 and the gearbox, providing instant-on torque. The rear electric motor reacts to throttle input faster than the gasoline engine, so there is no impact on the quick-revving character of a Ferrari engine.

Production will be limited, but Ferrari does not give a number. Ferrari is, however, taking orders, and deliveries to the U.S. start in the third quarter of 2021. 

source: forbes.com