Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ferrari SF90 to spawn hardcore VS variant

Ferrari is testing a special version of its SF90 hypercar

No stranger to a special edition or two, Ferrari is upping the ante with the SF90 supercar and we’ve spied the new track-focused model currently undergoing development. 

We’ve already seen new iterations of the SF90 testing, but we believe this could be an even more potent version judging by the aggressive new bodywork. A SF90 Stradale fitted with the Assetto Fiorano handling package already holds the lap record around the Fiorano test track, but this hardcore variant should be even faster still. 

The front end looks similar to our prior spy shots of the SF90 Versione Speciale, with a large front splitter to help promote downforce but also improved cooling. A brace of air vents have appeared above the front bumper, which joins the redesigned side skirts and air ducts to the engine. These form part of a comprehensive aerodynamic upgrade.

Advertisement - Article continues below

To the rear, the biggest change is a huge static wing which will work in tandem with the new rear bumper and more aggressive diffuser. These will work with the existing active aero elements in the SF90’s rear diffuser and floor. The twin exhaust tips look unchanged from the standard SF90, but they’re almost certainly connected to an updated powertrain. 

We expect the hybridised, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 of the SF90 to be retained, with three electric motors providing four-wheel drive. Whether or not the total 986bhp output will be increased remains to be seen, but there will almost certainly be calibration updates to the car’s software, with lessons learnt from the 296 GTB. Ferrari will also recalibrate things like the front axle’s torque vectoring system to accommodate the extra downforce generated by the new body. 

This track-focused model will also implement further weight reduction measures to make the most of the power on board. If previous special edition track focused Ferraris like the Pista and 812 Competizione are anything to go by, we should see a stripped-back interior with fixed carbon bucket seats to reduce weight. 

Ferrari’s plans with how this hardcore SF90 VS will fit in the existing range remains to be seen, but with updates on Ferrari’s first series production hybrid supercar having been in development for some time now we shouldn’t have to wait long to see the car in full, with prices likely to dramatically exceed the standard SF90’s circa-£380,000 price tag.

Now read more about the best hypercars in the world...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best supercars on sale 2024
Best supercars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best supercars on sale 2024

These are the cars at the absolute pinnacle of performance, driving thrills and head-turning style, the best supercars on sale…
23 Feb 2024
Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024
Fastest accelerating cars – header image
Best cars & vans

Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2024

Combustion-engined supercars are making a last stand against electrified machines
2 Jan 2024
New Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale review: the legendary F40's spiritual successor
Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale - front action
Road tests

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

The sensational Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale is the Italian brand's most track-focused road car since the F40
14 Nov 2023
Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider unveiled
Ferrari SF90 XX
News

Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider unveiled

Extreme special series coupe and spider models have been revealed with a 1,015bhp plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain and extreme aerodynamics
29 Jun 2023

Most Popular

New Nissan Qashqai gets angry, as best-selling family SUV receives aggressive facelift
Nissan Qashqai reveal - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai gets angry, as best-selling family SUV receives aggressive facelift

In addition to its new much sharper design, the Qashqai now features Google apps and voice assistant built in
17 Apr 2024
New 2024 Audi A3 takes the fight to BMW and Mercedes with £32k price tag
Audi A3 Saloon - front action
News

New 2024 Audi A3 takes the fight to BMW and Mercedes with £32k price tag

The updated Audi A3 is available now, with the hot S3 version due from May
16 Apr 2024
Car Deal of the Day: sensational BMW M2 is a bargain at this price!
BMW M2 - front tracking
News

Car Deal of the Day: sensational BMW M2 is a bargain at this price!

Our Day of the Day for 18 April is the formidable BMW M2 performance car
18 Apr 2024