Initial Observations After Finally Receiving Car

My AF spider finally arrived on the same delivery as my Portofino M, despite the two cars being ordered and built many months apart. The SF90 was actually produced in December, but took a very long time to reach the U.S.

Anyway, I'm thrilled at how comfortable the car is. In full disclosure, I've only driven it about 175 miles thus far. But, even in race mode (which I prefer for all of my cars) with race seats, the SF90 is every bit as comfortable as my F8. While not really getting on the car hard yet, I can feel a discernable difference in quickness between these two cars.

Sight lines from the cockpit are very good, and surprisingly, the rear view isn't bad. Speaking of the race seats, they're exactly what I expected, given I also have them in the F8. The interior is a definite step up from the F8 (which I happen to think is also well sorted). The design is clean and room seems generous. I feel like there's actually a bit more space in the pedal area with the SF90 than the F8, which is nice. Interior storage though, is definitely not there...especially given there's no glove box with the AF package. While I don't mind, I certainly would pick another of my better suited options for long trips requiring "stuff." Inside the car, there's room for a FOB, wallet, phone, and case for sunglasses. My nice leather tote bag, either sits on the passenger seat or in the frunk. But, as we all know, there's limited space in the frunk. I'm disappointed that there's not even a really good place to stow the manuals. They're left to slide around in the frunk...

From an aesthetic perspective, I feel like SF90's always look so much better in person than images or video. I know the design language doesn't resonate with everyone, but it works quite well in my tiny brain. The proportions are fantastic.

Overall, I'm impressed with the car so far. BUT, there are some annoying things I've experienced in the short time I've owned it: 1. Bad squeak in the retractable roof when closed...requiring the stereo to be turned way up to. 2. Bluetooth randomly disconnecting with my iPhone. 3. Clock not always syncing to correct time (and apparently, an inability to manually set it). 4. Forward crash detection constantly going off and changing the dash screen even when nothing is close. 5. Small removable cover for the tow hook opening under the front bumper doesn't fit properly. 6. Placement of voice command button on steering wheel means that it is sometimes activated inadvertently. 7. WLM Driver Failure, which apparently has something to do with the driver's side window motor.

 

Here ya go. FYI, I did the dream line on the paddles and matching center stripe on the steering wheel, along with gold stitching. Subtle accents for the interior, as the exterior is already pretty loud.

 

I do have a deposit on a 296 GTS, but have not had an opportunity yet to drive one. As an occasional daily, I imagine they’re quite similar. On track (which I wouldn’t do with either), my brain says the 296 is more nimble, and the SF90 is faster. From the perspective of what’s more rare and special, the SF90 wins. But, I do look forward to sampling the 296 soon…it seems fantastic.

 

At the time of ordering, I was told it was a homolgation issue. Whether true or not…or if it’s still the case, someone with more knowledge here will hopefully answer. If I recall, I couldn’t do Alcantara on the door panels either, so I settled for doing just the door pulls.

 

Thank you!

As for whether Ferrari has lost their way in the eyes of some, my thought is that the SF90 feels very much a Ferrari. My guess is that the vast majority of those that own and have lived with the car would agree. I took a friend who was a skeptic for a drive the other day, and he was blown away. He said that his opinion of the car prior to seeing it in person, was formed largely by way of youtube reviews. Upon viewing it in the flesh, he said it looked much better than he expected...and fit with what he's come to expect from Ferrari. In particular, the rear has little similarity to the Camaro, as some journo's have chided designers about. Following a drive, he was impressed with the comfort, despite how hardcore the car really is. He also commented on how cool the tech was, and the bizarre ability to drive a Ferrari in full electric...without any ICE note. Overall, his impression was very different than what he anticipated before arriving.

I can say that when this car was launched, it took some time to warm up to it. Especially with the Assetto Fiorano livery. In fact, I'm in the camp that doesn't love that arrangement, but very much appreciate that it's available to those that prefer it. Once I saw a stradale in person and was able to climb into the cockpit, I was reassured that this really is a Ferrari...and I made the right decision to pull the trigger.

After living with the car now for a bit, and having it parked right next to my F8, I can say the SF90 truly is a mid engine supercar worthy of the prancing horse badging and shields. In fact, it really looks, feels, and drives more special than the F8. And, I LOVE the F8. Of course, I'm biased. But, I have owned lots of supercars that have quickly become disappointing for one reason or another.

With regard to the Ferrari design language, I happen to understand and appreciate where things are headed. The drive toward hybridization and EV's most certainly impacts the form of today's Ferrari's. As the founder and CEO of a global environmental infrastructure firm, who works in the field of lithium concentration and power production, I will simply say that the world is not ready for the EV revolution. There are many factors that the masses (including our elected leaders) clearly don't understand. In fact, I view EV's as a short term strategy and believe hydrogen is a much better solution. The reason comes back to water, which no one is talking about...but will quickly figure out. Having said this, Ferrari is forced to live with the requirements to move toward EV, which Enzo certainly hadn't contemplated. The expectations and regulations manufacturer's face is daunting. So, I appreciate the work that Ferrari's engineers and designers are doing, to live within today's confines, while incorporating the DNA which makes this brand more special than any other automobile in the world. No matter, it will never appeal to everyone.

 

Curious about your thoughts on the Nexo and hydrogen in general?