Ferrari's Hockenheimring Stunner: SF90 XX Stradale Leaves Rivals in Its Dust
The Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale has recently demonstrated its extraordinary capabilities at the Hockenheimring's Grand Prix circuit, clocking a scintillating lap time of 1:43.47. With racing driver Christian Gebhardt at the helm, the SF90 XX Stradale now stands shoulder to shoulder with the 991.2-gen Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Performance Kit in terms of sheer performance. However, the narrative is far more thrilling than just the clockwork. Let's dive in and uncover the nuances that make this run exceptional.
A Peerless Hybrid Supercar
The SF90 XX Stradale isn't your average supercar. Packing a colossal 1,016 horsepower, this hybrid marvel efficiently merges a potent V8 engine with electric motors to deliver unprecedented power. Capable of reaching 135 kph (84 mph) in electric-only mode, and topping out at 320 kph (199 mph), its prowess is further emphasized by its heavy downforce aerodynamic setup. Compared to the regular SF90 Stradale, which can hit 340 kph (211 mph), the XX variant is a showcase of engineering finesse.
Unmasking the Competition
In 2020, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, another prodigy in Gebhardt’s hands, posted a lap time of 1:43.30, slightly faster than the SF90 XX Stradale. What makes this feat remarkable is the GT Black Series' configuration: a front-engined dynamo devoid of hybrid assistance. Then there's the current lap record holder, the Mercedes-AMG ONE, a hybrid beast outfitted with Formula 1 muscle, which stormed through at 1:38.56.
Lap Record Titans
While the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale shines brilliantly, it plays second fiddle to the mesmerizing McLaren Senna, which holds the fastest lap time of 1:40.79 under Gebhardt's guidance. On the other hand, the Mercedes-AMG ONE, captained by Maro Engel, blitzed the track in 1:38.56, showcasing the might of hybrid technology. However, it's important to note that the AMG ONE, with its limited production run and Formula 1-derived powertrain, operates in a different league altogether.
Exclusive and Elusive
Ferrari's approach to exclusivity is meticulously embodied in the SF90 XX Stradale with only 799 berlinettas and 599 spiders destined for privileged owners. All units found takers well before Ferrari even unveiled this masterpiece in June 2023. By comparison, the AMG GT Black Series comes across as a bit more obtainable, with approximately 1,700 units produced at AMG's Sindelfingen facility.
More Than Just Numbers
Equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 featuring a hot-vee design, the GT Black Series sets itself apart with a specialized flat-plane crankshaft. This architectural ingenuity, also found in the track-only GT Track Series, makes its way into the Aston Martin Valhalla. This valiant move reinforces the engineering prowess behind these majestic machines, highlighting the balance of power and innovation.
Unmatched Speed at Fiorano
The SF90 XX Stradale's dominance isn't confined to Germany's Hockenheimring. On Ferrari's home turf at Fiorano, the SF90 XX Stradale outshone its siblings, clocking a record lap time of 1:17.309. This stupendous achievement further cements its standing as Ferrari's fastest production car against the SF90 Stradale (1:19.00), the SF90 Spider (1:19.5), and even the legendary Ferrari LaFerrari (1:19.70).
To witness this feat, you can watch the hot lap video here. The Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale continues to push boundaries, setting new benchmarks and stirring the imagination of automotive aficionados worldwide.