Despite the pretentious name, the LaFerrari opened a new chapter for the Prancing Horse thanks to an electrified powertrain centered around a free-breathing V12. The limited-run hypercar offered Ferrari valuable knowledge for the SF90 Stradale, the automaker's first plug-in hybrid.
Codenamed F173 and available as a fixed-head coupe or a convertible, the SF90 Stradale is a series-production model with better on-paper figures than its grandfather. Part of this performance is attributed to the force-fed V8 engine, but the three-motor setup can be considered the real party trick.
Chris Harris isn’t the kind of person to gloss over specifications and draw a conclusion, though. The British motoring journalist had to drive the SF90 Stradale to deliver a proper verdict. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t like the car.
“Definitely the most complicated Ferrari ever made,” the plug-in hybrid model is able to hold a drift with ease thanks to a plethora of settings and clever software assistance. “Is it enjoyable? I’m not quite sure,” confessed Harris, and it’s rather easy to understand why he’s not exactly convinced.
Like all self-respecting modern vehicles, the SF90 Stradale has electric steering and brake-by-wire technology. Turning off the electronic nannies makes the car a bit of a handful, which goes to show that Ferrari had put technology before the driver when it developed this gorgeous land missile.
“I’m not sure that’s the future I want,” said the Top Gear co-presenter. “They forgot what was really important. It’s a stunning technical achievement, but I’m not sure it’s a great driver’s car. I’m not sure it’s a great Ferrari.”
The criticism is well justified in my honest opinion, but the Prancing Horse didn’t have a choice. CO2 emissions standards are getting ridiculous, internal combustion has plateaued, and many people are engrossed by the instant torque of electric motors. Change may not always be for the better, but in these circumstances, change is of utmost necessity for the Prancing Horse.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News