Ferrari is on the cusp of introducing the highly anticipated successor to its revolutionary SF90 Stradale, a vehicle that marked the brand's foray into plug-in hybrid supercars. This next-generation model, internally known as Project F173M, is slated for a grand reveal in Milan on September 9th. Early glimpses and industry reports suggest a significant departure from the SF90's aesthetic, signaling a bold new design language for the iconic Italian marque. The new offering is expected to redefine performance benchmarks within the hybrid supercar segment, potentially exceeding the SF90's impressive 986 horsepower, positioning it as a formidable contender against its rivals.
The SF90 Stradale, initially launched in late 2019, established Ferrari's dominance in the hybrid supercar arena. Five years later, following the release of special XX models that pushed the boundaries of the original platform, the time has come for its evolution. Teasers circulated through Ferrari's exclusive MyFerrari app indicate that the F173M will feature a dramatically re-imagined exterior. The current SF90's distinct split taillight design is set to transform into a more continuous, narrow strip, reminiscent of recent Ferrari concepts like the Amalfi or F80. This shift suggests a unified rear lighting signature, possibly extending across the entire fascia.
Further radical design alterations are anticipated at the front of the vehicle. Spy photographs of F173M prototypes undergoing testing in Germany revealed prominent intakes positioned where conventional headlights would reside. However, more recent teasers hint at vertically oriented headlamps, a departure from current models like the 12Cilindri and F80. This innovative lighting configuration, combined with the new taillight design, underscores Ferrari's commitment to a fresh and aggressive aesthetic for its forthcoming supercar.
Underpinning the new model, while drawing on the chassis of a V6-powered Ferrari 296 GTB for development, is the expectation that the SF90's potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine will be retained. This powerhouse will likely be coupled with an enhanced electric motor system, building on Ferrari's advancements in hybrid technology over the past half-decade. With competitors such as the Lamborghini Revuelto already boasting 1,001 horsepower, industry speculation points towards the F173M surpassing the thousand-horsepower mark, further cementing Ferrari's position at the pinnacle of high-performance automotive engineering. This highly anticipated debut promises to be a pivotal moment for both Ferrari and the broader supercar landscape.