Now, it’s no secret that Ferrari’s special edition cars push the performance of their production models to new extremes, such as the 812 Competitzione and 488 Pista, cementing themselves in Ferrari’s history books. The XX programme however, offers Ferrari’s most valued and loyal clients the opportunity to purchase their most extreme low-volume, track-focused cars, which are not homologated for the road. But what happens when you combine these two ideas together? You get the all new, frighteningly fast, Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale.
When I was given the news that the first customer car was being delivered a mere 45-minute journey from me, I knew this was not something to miss! I mean, what sounds better than a quiet Friday afternoon in London, partnered with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ferrari’s most aggressive road car since the likes of the F40 & F50 models. This is something that Ferrari are keen to reference to the press, also echoed through the design of the car with its fixed rear wing, the first since the treasured and highly valuable F50.
As I drew ever closer to the showroom of Ferrari Mayfair I knew this would be something to remember. Having never seen an SF90 XX in person prior to this day, my expectations were unsure where to stand. But as I arrived there it was taking pride of place in the center of the showroom. I managed to capture it just before the covers were placed over the car awaiting its new owner. As the collection approached and excitement grew, I knew that this car was going to be a showstopper! By no means was this an understated piece of machinery, wearing high-downforce bodywork with this specific car dressed in the outstanding triple-layer Rosso Magma, partnered with the optional hand-painted shields and carbonfibre rims.
As the new owner took official delivery of this car it soon made its way out of the showroom and into the warm afternoon sun, my eyes being instantly drawn to the visual differences in comparison to the regular SF90, complementing the new fixed wing is an almost completely redesigned rear, with the rear light stretching over the width of the car in the form of a lightbar, an addition I certainly did not expect on such a complex looking car. The overall aero enhancements are hugely effective, with new diffusers front and rear and various cooling outlets around the car. While these give the car a stunning visual effect, they serve few benefits for everyday road use.
However, it’s no mystery that the road presence of the XX is truly one of a kind. As it made its way around the stunning Berkeley Square and drove off into the distance, I couldn’t help but pull out my phone and snap a quick video. The sleek bodywork joined together through the fixed wing and other aero components make it a true race car for the roads.
Eagerly awaiting more UK deliveries this got me thinking about numbers. With a total of 799 Stradale’s being built and 599 Spiders, it is unsure how many will see UK soil, but nevertheless I am already excited to spend some more time with a truly one-of-a-kind car and get to learn more. Seeing the SF90 XX gave me a glimpse into the future of Ferrari’s XX programme and how they will elevate this, and if this is currently where we stand… Then I cannot wait to see what the future holds!
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