Ferrari SF90, McLaren 765LT go head to head in a drag race

Not a lot of people fancy the arrival of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale due to its scaled-up hybrid powertrain. It was introduced by the Italian automaker as its first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that utilizes three electric motors. Some said that it is not Ferrari-like and it should stick to its core supercar characteristics.

Ferrari SF90 versus McLaren 765LT in a drag race [Video: Daniel Abt YT]

But the Ferrari SF90 came to break the stigma as it is dubbed as the fastest model in Ferrari’s lineup to date. To demonstrate its remarkable performance capabilities, YouTube channel Daniel Abt decided to race the SF90 against the McLaren 765LT, the more performance version of the renowned McLaren 720S.

The McLaren 765LT is one of the worthiest challengers of the alleged fastest Ferrari ever made. But going up against a sports car with three electric motors and an all wheel drive surely is a challenge. Gaining traction faster and instant torque are the glaring advantages of the Italian supercar versus its British opponent.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Under the hood, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is powered by a 4.0-liter turbocharged engine with three electric motors. In total, the powertrain produces 986 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It sends power to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the lighter McLaren 765LT uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine from the McLaren 720S. However, the power is tuned from 710 hp to 755 hp with 800 Nm of torque. A rear wheel drive system and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) are the go-to for this supercar.

In the first round of the drag race, the McLaren 765LT won over the Ferrari SF90 big time. But unfamiliarity with the launch control function is said to be the issue as to why the PHEV was beaten. And SF90 driver Daniel Abt is not lying as he took over the second, third, and fourth rounds including a roll race.

McLaren 765LT

This drag race proves that Ferrari SF90 Stradale has a rightful place in the lineup despite the use of a PHEV. If anything, the hybrid powertrain only enhanced the performance of the Italian supercar. In Daniel Abt’s 1/4 mile (402 meters) records, the SF90 sat at the number one spot with a 9.67 second time and an impressive zero to 100 km/h of 2.48 seconds. The McLaren 765LT performed excellently as well as it ranks third with a 10.37-second 1/4 mile time.

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