The Apex Reimagined: Driving Ferrari’s SF90 XX Stradale in a 2025 Landscape
Ferrari. The name itself evokes a tapestry of racing glory, peerless design, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. For decades, a select few Maranello machines have transcended even this exalted lineage, bearing the revered “XX” designation – a badge previously reserved exclusively for track-only titans, homologation-free and unleashed from the constraints of public roads. These were the ultimate expressions of Ferrari’s engineering prowess, crafted for the most discerning clients to experience pure, unadulterated speed in a controlled environment. But as we navigate the rapidly evolving automotive landscape of 2025, Ferrari has once again shattered expectations, ushering in a new era with the SF90 XX Stradale.
This isn’t just another limited-edition Ferrari; it’s a profound reinterpretation of the XX ethos. In a bold strategic move, the SF90 XX Stradale, alongside its Spider counterpart, emerges as Ferrari’s first road-legal XX model, seamlessly blurring the lines between race circuit supremacy and street-legal exhilaration. For a seasoned expert with over a decade immersed in the world of high-performance automobiles, this shift is nothing short of revolutionary, signaling Ferrari’s adaptable vision in a market increasingly hungry for both extreme performance and practical usability. This groundbreaking vehicle is not merely a record-breaker; it’s a statement, defining what an ultimate hybrid supercar can truly be in the mid-2020s.
The XX Pedigree Reimagined: A Strategic Evolution for 2025
To fully grasp the magnitude of the SF90 XX, one must first appreciate the legacy it inherits and, more importantly, boldly redefines. Since 2005, the XX program has been Ferrari’s experimental laboratory, producing hyper-exclusive, track-focused machines like the FXX, 599 XX, and FXX-K. These cars, often accompanied by “Evo” variants, introduced cutting-edge technologies that would later trickle down to Maranello’s road-going fleet. They were lighter, more powerful, and astronomically more expensive than their road-legal brethren, existing in a realm utterly devoid of speed limits or traffic laws. Ownership meant entry into Ferrari’s exclusive track events, a privilege few would ever experience.
Fast forward to 2025, and the automotive world is a maelstrom of electrification, hyper-personalization, and unprecedented demand for exclusive experiences. Ferrari’s decision to bring the XX philosophy to the street with the SF90 XX is a masterstroke in market adaptation. It acknowledges the changing desires of ultra-high net worth individuals who crave the extreme performance of a track weapon but also the flexibility to experience it on their own terms, away from dedicated Ferrari-run events.
With 799 SF90 XX Stradales and 599 XX Spiders produced – a total of 1,398 units – this is a significant increase in volume for an XX model, yet still ensures profound exclusivity. These vehicles, predictably, vanished from allocation lists almost instantly, snapped up by Ferrari’s most loyal customers. The starting price, hovering around €790,000 for the Stradale and €870,000 for the Spider (a hefty premium over the standard SF90), underscores its position as a luxury hypercar investment and a testament to the brand’s enduring allure. The fact that access to those coveted VIP track days now comes after this substantial purchase price speaks volumes about the value proposition of owning a road-legal XX. Ferrari, ever the astute orchestrator of desire, has simply expanded the playing field for its ultimate expressions of performance.
Engineering an Apex Predator: Aerodynamics & Design
From the moment you lay eyes on the SF90 XX Stradale, its purpose is unequivocally clear. While Ferrari claims it’s an “experiment,” the sheer aggression and functional design speak to a vehicle engineered for absolute domination. Interchangeable components with the standard SF90 are minimal, limited primarily to the doors and roof, highlighting the extensive re-engineering involved. The XX stretches nearly half a foot longer, pushing its total length to an imposing 191 inches. This added real estate isn’t for passenger comfort; it’s strategically deployed at the rear, allowing for the optimal placement of a monumental, fixed rear wing. This isn’t just any wing; it’s Ferrari’s first fixed rear wing on a road car since the legendary F50 of 1995, a poignant nod to Maranello’s most visceral era.
This advanced aerodynamics road car isn’t subtle; it’s a sculpted declaration of intent. The aero package has undergone a radical transformation. Slots now adorn the wheel arches, signaling improved airflow management, while the entirely redesigned front end features a symphony of new inlets and outlets. These aren’t cosmetic additions; they’re vital channels for separating and directing cool and warm air, optimizing engine cooling, and crucially, generating unprecedented levels of downforce.
The numbers speak for themselves: the SF90 XX generates a staggering 1,168 pounds of downforce at 155 mph – double that of the “regular” SF90. This incredible aerodynamic grip is fundamental to its track prowess, pinning the car to the asphalt at high speeds, enhancing stability, and allowing for blistering cornering speeds. The result is not just superior performance, but a visually arresting aesthetic – rugged, intimidating, and far more ferocious than its predecessor. In the 2025 performance vehicle technology outlook, such integrated aero solutions are not just desirable, they’re indispensable for extracting maximum potential from hypercar platforms.
Curiously, despite its extreme nature, the XX sheds a relatively modest 22 pounds (10 kg) compared to the standard SF90. This seemingly small figure belies a significant engineering effort. Ferrari actually saved a substantial 66 pounds through meticulous attention to detail, employing thinner sheet metal, bespoke interior panels, and lighter bucket seats. However, performance enhancements invariably come with their own weight penalties. Larger, more robust braking systems, the substantial new rear wing, and particularly the robust aluminum supports required to anchor it, clawed back much of those precious pounds. This intricate dance of carbon fiber chassis technology and optimized componentry showcases the relentless pursuit of marginal gains characteristic of Ferrari.
Heart of the Beast: Powertrain Evolution
The SF90 XX’s power increase is, on paper, similarly modest, climbing by 30 hp to a colossal 1,030 hp. However, in the realm of 1,000+ hp machines, every increment is hard-won and meticulously integrated. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, already a masterpiece of internal combustion engineering, features slightly higher compression (9.54:1 versus 9.50:1) thanks to redesigned pistons, contributing an additional 17 hp and 3 lb-ft of torque. This refinement underscores Ferrari’s continued commitment to internal combustion excellence even as electric motor augmentation performance plays an increasingly dominant role.
The remaining power increase comes from the sophisticated hybrid system, a core component of Ferrari’s next-gen hybrid supercars. While the configuration of the electric motors remains unchanged – two on the front axle, each delivering 135 hp, and a single 218 hp motor nestled between the V8 and gearbox – their combined output has risen by 13 hp to 233 hp. This enhancement is a direct result of improved cooling for the car’s 7.9-kWh battery, allowing it to consistently deliver more power under extreme conditions. This focus on high-performance powertrain engineering ensures that the entire system functions as a cohesive unit, mitigating thermal degradation and maximizing sustained output.
The powertrain’s total torque figure remains a staggering 663 lb-ft, a limit imposed by the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which simply cannot handle more without substantial re-engineering. While the gear ratios are carried over from the standard SF90, the XX benefits from the Daytona SP3’s celebrated shifting software. This isn’t just about quicker shifts; it’s about a more visceral, emotionally resonant driving experience, designed to enhance the engine’s already dramatic soundtrack. Further aural enhancement is provided by a redesigned “hot tube,” directly channeling the V8’s raw, guttural symphony into the cabin. In 2025, when many high-performance vehicles are grappling with artificial sound generation, Ferrari continues to elevate the authentic supercar driving experience through mechanical acoustics.
Sculpted for Speed: Chassis & Dynamics
As a seasoned professional, driving the SF90 XX Stradale on the hallowed Fiorano circuit – even under wet conditions – offers an immediate education. Unlike its stripped-down XX predecessors, this is no Spartan race car. The cabin treats occupants to modern amenities like air conditioning, an infotainment system, and exquisitely crafted carbon-fiber bucket seats with adjustable backrests – a significant upgrade in comfort and usability over the standard SF90’s fixed units. This blend of extreme performance and pragmatic luxury perfectly encapsulates Ferrari’s 2025 vision for its top-tier vehicles.
The XX’s dynamic character is immediately apparent. The suspension is significantly tighter, with roll stiffness increased by ten percent. Ferrari has equipped the car with the manually adjustable Multimatic dampers, typically found in the standard SF90’s optional Assetto Fiorano package. While the magnetorheological dampers from the regular SF90 are an option, allowing for Ferrari’s practical front-axle lift system, the Multimatics underscore the XX’s track-focused intent. Even on damp asphalt, the nose dives profoundly under braking, but the rear remains remarkably composed, making the car more stable and predictable when initiating a turn. Where the standard SF90 could feel as though its axles were in a slight argument during turn-in, the XX exhibits a harmonious cooperation, transforming it into a far less “pointy” and more confidence-inspiring machine.
Assisting this newfound composure is the latest iteration of Ferrari’s brilliant ABS Evo brake-by-wire system. On a slick track, this system allows for incredibly deep braking right to the apex, with the XX responding faithfully to steering inputs. The brake pedal, characterized by a short stroke, still offers superb modulation, a testament to the sophistication of its Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The steering itself, unlike the hyper-direct, lighter feel of an F8 or 488, delivers a beautifully balanced sensation, providing excellent feedback and encouraging precise, measured reflexes.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing features, and a clear nod to competitive strategy, is the XX’s allocation of 30 “power boosts” when in Qualify mode. During a boost, the powertrain unleashes its full 1,030 hp for up to five seconds (compared to 1,017 hp without). This functionality is directly aimed at shaving critical tenths off a lap time, much like an F1 car’s ERS deployment. A driver simply floors the accelerator, and the digital instrument cluster’s yellow bars diminish one by one. The ability to “save” boosts through regenerative braking further integrates this F1-derived strategy, giving the driver an active role in managing this precious resource. This kind of nuanced power delivery highlights the automotive engineering breakthroughs that are standard in the 2025 hypercar segment.
Fiorano Under Fire: A Masterclass in Control
The true test of any Ferrari culminates on the legendary asphalt of Fiorano. Once the track dried and the Bridgestone Potenza run-flats were swapped for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the SF90 XX truly came alive. Reviewing telemetry with a Ferrari data engineer, overlaying my best lap with that of test driver Raffaele de Simone, offered a stark, humbling, yet ultimately illuminating comparison.
De Simone, in the SF90 XX Stradale, reset the street-car lap record at Fiorano with a blistering 1:17.3, achieved on carbon-fiber wheels and aggressive Cup 2R rubber – a full 1.4 seconds faster than an SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano. What’s particularly insightful is that he accomplishes this feat in CT-Off mode, where traction control is disabled, but stability control intervenes at a much later stage. As de Simone himself noted, ESC Off is reserved purely for the art of controlled drift. This speaks volumes about the fine line between raw capability and usable performance, even for an elite driver. These Fiorano circuit records are not merely bragging rights; they are empirical proof of concept for Ferrari’s design philosophy.
Reliving my lap through the data, the differences became painfully clear. At the first braking point, the XX’s nose dives deep, and the front end responds with razor-sharp precision. The rear, commendably agile, helps pivot the car. My speed at the apex was only marginally slower than de Simone’s, but his application of throttle was a masterclass in velvety progression, gradually building to full power while maintaining impeccable traction. My own throttle trace, a near-vertical line, betrayed an eagerness the rear tires couldn’t always handle, leading to minor corrections and lost time. This subtle difference in throttle modulation is where true lap time is often found in such powerful machines.
Traction in slow and medium-speed corners with over a thousand horsepower is always a delicate balance. On the faster sections, however, the XX truly comes into its own. De Simone’s speed lines soared above mine, his later, harder braking points translating to shorter braking zones and sustained higher speeds. Every input on his graph was flawlessly executed, a testament to supreme confidence and talent.
Entering the fifth-gear right turn onto the bridge, the SF90 XX’s eight-speed transmission, imbued with the new shifting software, delivered incredibly ferocious, super-fast shifts, accompanied by the raw, pneumatic punch of a racing gearbox. Down two gears into the apex, where I found myself battling slight understeer from releasing the brakes too early, de Simone had already accelerated away, his speed line once again climbing decisively.
At the bridge’s summit, the car felt almost airborne, the V8’s revs spiking dramatically. This is where the advanced aerodynamics road car truly shines. Dropping down into an off-camber right-hander, the car turned in with a hint of light oversteer, but the XX’s rear end felt significantly calmer and more stable than the regular SF90. Countersteering precisely, I used the full width of the track, relying heavily on Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) electronics. This system is a marvel, intervening so subtly that its corrections are virtually imperceptible, allowing the driver to flirt with the car’s limits without fear of catastrophic loss of control. It fosters a profound sense of confidence, acting as an invisible safety net that amplifies driver capability.
The electric motors on the front axle truly make their presence known in the slowest corner, a hairpin tackled at barely 25 mph (40 km/h). Here, the all-wheel drive system pulls the nose through the corner, the outer wheel visibly doing more work. It’s a testament to the sophistication of the hybrid system, which deploys power precisely where it’s needed most. My engineer’s furrowed brow over my “showboating” during the hairpin – inducing camera-friendly oversteer – was a humorous reminder that ultimate speed often requires ruthless efficiency over theatricality.
The fastest corner, a high-speed fourth-gear right-hander, saw de Simone hit 119 mph (192 km/h) where I topped out at 109 mph (176 km/h). His ability to arrive faster, dare to get on the gas sooner, and leverage the massive downforce to maintain composure was clear. “Let the wing do its job and have confidence,” the engineer advised. “The rear end really stays put.” This simple instruction encapsulates the psychological hurdle of driving such a potent machine; trusting the unseen forces generated by aerodynamic mastery is key.
The final corner, a long third-gear 180, exposed the ultimate limiting factor: the tires. Even the semi-slick Michelins struggled with the immense power, leading to a fight against oversteer, leaving behind two fat black stripes. In the 2025 landscape, tire technology remains a crucial bottleneck for street-legal hypercars.
The 2025 Outlook: Legacy and Future
Comparing my lap time with the official record was, thankfully, not possible due to noise restrictions on the front straight. However, the experience was more profound than a mere time comparison. It proved that a skilled amateur can, in certain sections, genuinely challenge Ferrari’s top test driver in this monster of a machine. This speaks to the SF90 XX Stradale’s inherent approachability despite its extreme performance.
This car is a world-class performer. A 1,030-hp poster child should be terrifying, but the XX doesn’t instill fear. Instead, it breeds confidence. It is, paradoxically, easier to control than the standard SF90, yet remains impetuous and combative, a thrilling challenge. The electronics are nothing short of superb, allowing a driver to push beyond their perceived limits with a tangible, yet discreet, safety net. Its tighter suspension and superior aerodynamics forge a level of driver confidence reminiscent of the legendary 488 Pista – a car that elevates its driver to superhuman levels on track.
The SF90 XX Stradale pulls off this very trick, but critically, it does so without requiring entry into the ultra-exclusive XX Program track days. This means a new breed of Ferrari enthusiast, one who desires exclusive automotive ownership with practical usability, can now experience the pinnacle of Maranello’s track-derived technology. While some purists might argue its road legality dilutes the “purity” of the XX designation, making it “less extreme” or not a “proper” XX compared to its predecessors, its designation as an “XXL supercar” is beyond dispute. In the context of 2025, it’s a brilliant strategic pivot, offering unparalleled supercar driving experience with enhanced accessibility. It’s a bold statement about Ferrari’s future, where extreme performance can coexist with practical road use, setting a new benchmark for track-ready street car legal machines.
The SF90 XX Stradale isn’t just an automotive marvel; it’s a profound statement on the evolution of the hypercar. It represents Ferrari’s unwavering ability to innovate, to redefine what’s possible, and to enchant the most demanding drivers.
Experience the future of performance. Discover the meticulous engineering, strategic innovation, and exhilarating capabilities that define the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale. Explore more about Ferrari’s groundbreaking vehicles and witness their legacy unfold in the ever-evolving world of hypercars.
