New Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale review: the legendary F40's spiritual successor

4.5 out of 5

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Use of lightweight materials saves 45kg, but the larger front splitter, prominent fixed rear wing and associated active aero addenda reduce the net weight loss to 10kg, to a claimed dry weight of 1,560kg. Unsurprisingly, with 1,016bhp and 804Nm of torque it accelerates like a rocket sled. 0-62mph takes just 2.3 seconds, 0-124mph in 6.5 seconds. Top speed? 199mph, 12mph down on the regular SF90 due to its focus on downforce and corner speed.

As you’d expect the SF90 XX is an intense experience in every way. More vocal than the regular SF90 thanks to clever tuning of engine noise harmonics directed towards the cockpit, the XX is a truly exuberant machine. The power delivery and gearshifts are scalpel sharp, punchier and more immediate to maximise performance and emotion.

Packed with Ferrari’s most advanced technology, the XX is an extraordinary and fascinating machine to drive. Employing a suite of fully integrated systems with exotic names such as Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (2.0), ABS Evo and eSSC 1.0 Electronic Side Slip Control, you can progressively feel your way into the XX’s performance and handling limits via increasingly aggressive dynamic modes via the familiar ‘manettino’ switch on the steering wheel.

Unsurprisingly, the XX Stradale is sensational around Fiorano’s twists and turns. There’s immense grip and traction, but the car always feels alive, dancing to your inputs. It slices through fast corners with uncanny precision, thanks to the stabilising effects of downforce, yet has an equal appetite for tighter turns. It’s just as impressive under braking, with stupendous stopping power and stability enabling you to brake late and deep into corners, racecar-style. No wonder it set a new lap record for Ferrari road cars around the Fiorano test track.

All Ferraris prioritise passion and performance, but the XX Stradale takes this to new extremes. Immensely fast yet surprisingly approachable, it brings welcome rawness and racy looks, yet retains enough civility to imagine it will work just fine on the road. Those 1,398 XX Stradale customers are in for a treat.

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