If you want evidence that we're winning the fight against Covid-19, it's that Ferrari - a maker of non-essential products in one of the world's worst hit countries - is back out testing its upcoming SF90 Spider. The drop-top version of Maranello's plug-in hybrid supercar is due later this year with the same 1,000hp powertrain as the Stradale, comprised of that twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and three electric motors, making it the marque's most potent (and first all-wheel drive) convertible yet.
The pictured test car is under heavy cladding, but the different roofline of a Spider body is clear. For starters, there are visible joins between the top panel and the glass sections in front and behind it, while the radio antenna has been moved onto the engine cover. From what we can see, it looks like a folding hard top, rather than fabric one, which would make sense given the Retractable Hard Tops used elsewhere in the range.
As for the rest of the car, we're not expecting much to change. The V8 - a bored-out version of the flat-plane F8 Tributo motor - has 780hp on its own, with the remaining 220hp coming from the trio of motors, powered by a 7.9kWh lithium-ion battery. This also enables 15.5 miles of pure EV range in the coupe; expect a very similar if not identical number with the Spider. Same goes for the Stradale's 2.5-second 0-62mph time and arguably even more incredible 0-124mph of 6.7 seconds.
Now, Ferrari Spiders have had a little trouble of late, their aluminium platforms wanting for a little bit of rigidity when compared to the berlinettas - and to the carbon-tubbed McLarens. While still sensational cars, the odd tremor or wobble would remind you that even Ferrari convertibles are not impervious to the perils of drop-top motoring. It's an affliction the SF90 Spider should hopefully avoid, however, as its multi-material base features some carbon. Indeed the SF90 coupe's core is 40 per cent stiffer than Ferrari's less carbon intense platforms, so now might finally be the time that the Ferrari Spider is just about the dynamic equal of the coupe. That being said, you might expect the altered roofline of the Spider will come with some drawbacks to aerodynamic performance, even with the lid up.
It won't matter, though, will it? Because buyers of the SF90 Spider are exchanging their near-£500,000 for one of the most exhilarating roofless experiences on offer. A few kilos of potentially lost downforce, or a structure a tad less stiff, will arguably be of little concern to someone who prefers their noggin exposed when behind the wheel of a car 37hp more powerful than the LaFerrari. Nevertheless, Ferrari will likely carry over its performance enhancement options to the Spider; the coupe gets an Assetto Fiorano option pack that brings Multimatic dampers, Cup 2 tyres and titanium springs, while shedding 30kg from the kerbweight, and we'd expect that to be on an extensive options list.
With the SF90 Stradale's debut delayed by the current global situation, it's unclear what that means for the Spider. Our spy sources have suggested this will debut as a 2022 car, which could mean an appearance next year - should the Geneva motor show 2021 actually happen, we'd bet on the Spider being there.
Images: S.Baldauf/S.B.Medien
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