Ferrari SF90 XX vs. Koenigsegg Regera: Hybrid Hypercar Showdown

Ferrari SF90 XX Takes the Crown in Hybrid Hypercar Drag Race

In a clash of automotive titans, the Ferrari SF90 XX has emerged victorious over the formidable Koenigsegg Regera in a series of high-octane drag races. While both machines represent the pinnacle of hybrid hypercar technology, the Prancing Horse ultimately proved its mettle on the standing quarter-mile, much to the delight of its driver.

The much-anticipated showdown, organized by Supercar Matchless at the Till Swan facility, pitted the Italian masterpiece against the Swedish engineering marvel. Drivers Sam and Rory, from Car Wow, faced off to determine which of these multi-million-pound hybrids would reign supreme in a straight-line battle.

The Contenders: Power and Price

The Ferrari SF90 XX, a track-focused evolution of the already potent SF90 Stradale, boasts a formidable powertrain. Its heart is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, augmented by three electric motors. This potent combination delivers a staggering 1,030 horsepower and 804 Nm of torque, managed by an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Weighing in at approximately 1,700 kg, the SF90 XX commands a price tag starting from £674,000.

On the other side of the track stood the Koenigsegg Regera, a hypercar renowned for its extreme performance and innovative engineering. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 running on E85 fuel, and also featuring three electric motors, the Regera produces an astonishing 1,500 horsepower and a colossal 2,000 Nm of torque. However, its powertrain is mated to a unique single-speed gearbox with an adjustable torque converter, designed for ultimate top speed. This setup, while lighter, is prone to generating significant heat. The rear-wheel-drive Regera tips the scales at 1,590 kg and carries a price tag in the region of £3 million.

Race One: A Terrifying Start

The initial standing quarter-mile race saw the Ferrari SF90 XX launch with ferocity. Driver Sam described the experience as “utterly terrifying and unaffordable.” Despite a significant amount of wheel spin, the SF90 XX secured a commanding victory. Rory, at the wheel of the Regera, admitted to having “no chance,” attributing his defeat to the car’s initial wheel spin and a warning that the hybrid system could limit performance if it overheated.

Technical Gremlins and a Fierce Rivalry

The Regera’s advanced hybrid system proved to be a challenging factor. Throughout the filming, the car repeatedly encountered performance limitations, indicated by a red warning light, due to overheating issues related to its unique single-speed gearbox. This necessitated cooling periods between runs, frustrating the drivers and adding an element of unpredictability to the contest.

Despite these technical hurdles, the drivers agreed to a best-of-five format to give Sam a fairer chance. The second race saw Rory attempting a better launch, but a momentary lapse in concentration, forgetting to shift gears, allowed Sam to pull ahead. However, even with this mistake, the Regera experienced its own issues, with the automatic gearbox seemingly having a “brain fart” and not changing gears as expected. This resulted in a split score, with each car taking one win.

The Regera’s Unique Gearbox Explained

To understand the Regera’s challenges, a deeper look at its innovative powertrain is necessary. Instead of a conventional multi-gear transmission, the Koenigsegg utilizes a single ratio optimized for top speed, connected to the engine via an adjustable torque converter. At low speeds, electric power is used, and the converter slips to prevent the engine from stalling. At higher speeds, the converter locks, directly transferring engine power to the rear wheels. This design, while saving weight and space, generates considerable heat, which was the bane of Sam’s experience during the drag races.

Race Three: The Ferrari Pulls Ahead

With the Regera’s thermal issues seemingly managed, the third standing quarter-mile race commenced. The SF90 XX executed a near-perfect launch, described by Rory as the “slowest launch I’ve ever done in an SF90,” yet still managed to secure the win. The Regera, despite its immense power, continued to struggle with traction and performance limitations towards the end of the run, ultimately failing to reach its full potential before the quarter-mile mark.

The Verdict: Standing Quarter-Mile

After three standing quarter-mile attempts, the Ferrari SF90 XX emerged victorious. The Italian hypercar completed the drag race in an impressive 10.2 seconds. The Koenigsegg Regera, hampered by its performance-limiting issues, clocked in at 11.3 seconds. The owner of the Regera, understandably concerned about potential clutch wear after multiple hard launches, graciously allowed for one final rolling race, but advised against further standing starts.

Rolling Race: The Regera’s Revenge

With the standing starts concluded, the focus shifted to a rolling race. Commencing at approximately 20 mph, the two hybrid behemoths accelerated over the quarter and half-mile distances. This format proved to be a different story. In the rolling acceleration, the Koenigsegg Regera showcased its true prowess. Once the cars were already at speed, and the Regera’s innovative powertrain could bypass the initial traction challenges and heat buildup issues, it demonstrated blistering acceleration, easily pulling away from the Ferrari.

This rolling race highlighted the Regera’s strength: its ability to act as a “ballistic missile” when given a running start. The SF90 XX, while excellent at launching, couldn’t match the Regera’s mid-range and top-end surge in this scenario. This segment of the test emphasized how different driving conditions and car characteristics can dramatically alter outcomes.

Braking Test: Safety First

The final test of the day involved a braking demonstration. However, the Regera’s driver, Sam, opted out of a full-power braking run. He reported that the ABS was not performing optimally, and he was concerned about damaging the tires and the expensive hypercar. The Ferrari SF90 XX, on the other hand, performed its braking duties “dead easy,” demonstrating superior stability and control under deceleration.

This cautious approach from the Regera’s driver underscored the immense value and rarity of these vehicles. As Sam aptly put it, “Safety first, car second, video third.” The priority was to return the multi-million-pound machinery in pristine condition.

Conclusion and Target Audience

While the Ferrari SF90 XX proved to be the victor in the standing quarter-mile drag race, the Koenigsegg Regera showcased its formidable capabilities in a rolling race. The SF90 XX, with its accessible performance and proven track record in drag races, appeals to a buyer who desires extreme performance with a degree of usability and a legendary badge. Its price point, while astronomical, is significantly lower than the Regera’s, making it a more attainable (relatively speaking) hypercar for the ultra-wealthy.

The Koenigsegg Regera, on the other hand, is for the ultimate automotive enthusiast who prioritizes cutting-edge technology, extreme exclusivity, and unparalleled straight-line speed, even if it comes with operational quirks and a stratospheric price tag. Its performance potential is undeniable, but it requires a deep understanding and appreciation of its unique engineering to fully exploit.

The event was made possible by the support of the Abu Dhabi government and the Ala municipality, providing a safe and controlled environment for such high-performance demonstrations. A huge thank you is extended to the owners of both the Ferrari SF90 XX and the Koenigsegg Regera for entrusting their incredible machines for this epic comparison.

Source: Can I beat a £3M Koenigsegg in a Ferrari SF90 XX? (YouTube)