Electric Cars

For enthusiasts eager to bypass the extensive waitlists for new Ferrari models, the secondary market often presents compelling alternatives, frequently featuring vehicles that are virtually brand new. This phenomenon is perfectly exemplified by an exceptional 2025 Ferrari SF90 Spider, which will soon cross the auction block with barely any miles accumulated. This remarkable plug-in hybrid supercar, renowned for its advanced technology and breathtaking performance, offers a rare chance to own a highly sought-after model with immediate availability. Its distinctive color scheme and meticulously crafted interior further enhance its appeal, making it a standout entry for serious collectors and automotive connoisseurs.

Nearly New Ferrari SF90 Spider to Shine at Monterey Auction

In the illustrious world of high-performance automobiles, a remarkable 2025 Ferrari SF90 Spider, showcasing an astonishingly low 54 miles on its odometer, is poised to capture significant attention. This pristine vehicle, practically fresh from the factory, will be a featured highlight at the esteemed Mecum Auctions during the upcoming 2025 Monterey Car Week. The projected sale price for this automotive masterpiece is estimated to range between a substantial $725,000 and $775,000, underscoring its exclusivity and desirability.

The SF90 Spider stands as a testament to Ferrari's embrace of cutting-edge technology. Following the limited-edition LaFerrari, the SF90 marked the brand's inaugural series-production road car to integrate an electrified powertrain, making its debut in 2019 in its Stradale coupe form. At the time of its unveiling, it was hailed as the most potent Ferrari road car ever produced.

Beneath its elegant exterior, the SF90 Spider houses a formidable powertrain: a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine seamlessly paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Complementing this conventional setup are three electric motors. One strategically sits between the mid-mounted engine and the transmission, primarily assisting the rear axle, while the other two independently power the front axle, endowing the SF90 with dynamic all-wheel drive capabilities. This sophisticated hybrid system collectively generates an impressive 986 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. According to Ferrari's official figures, this open-top variant can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in a blistering 2.5 seconds, achieve a top speed of 211 mph, and complete a lap of the Fiorano test track in just 1.3 minutes. Additionally, its 7.9-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides an EPA-rated electric-only range of eight miles.

What further distinguishes this particular SF90 Spider is its unique aesthetic. Deviating from Ferrari's iconic red, this model is finished in an elegant Azzurro La Plata blue, accentuated by an Argento Nürburgring gray stripe, known as the “Fiorano livery,” adorning its front end. The striking blue motif extends into the interior, with coordinated blue seating, seatbelts, and trim elements. Performance enhancements include carbon ceramic brakes, highlighted by matching blue calipers, and lightweight 10-spoke carbon fiber wheels secured with titanium bolts. The liberal use of carbon fiber continues throughout the vehicle, gracing the steering wheel, dashboard, and even encapsulating the entire engine bay, emphasizing its race-bred pedigree and meticulous attention to detail.

While the SF90 may have been succeeded by more extreme models like the track-focused SF90 XX and the recently unveiled F80 halo car, its allure remains undiminished. Its distinctive color and comprehensive carbon fiber enhancements ensure that this particular SF90 Spider will undoubtedly command attention and admiration at any gathering of automotive enthusiasts.

The emergence of a nearly new Ferrari SF90 Spider on the auction circuit highlights a fascinating evolution in the luxury automotive market. It underscores how rapidly technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of high-performance vehicles, with hybrid powertrains like the SF90's becoming increasingly central to even the most exclusive brands. From a broader perspective, this sale also illustrates a strategic shift within Ferrari itself, as it navigates investor concerns regarding sales momentum and prepares for its monumental leap into fully electric models. For potential buyers, this SF90 Spider isn't just a car; it's an opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history that bridges the gap between traditional combustion excellence and the electrified future, all while bypassing the typical constraints of a brand-new purchase. It serves as a potent reminder that the desire for immediate gratification, coupled with the investment potential of ultra-luxury vehicles, continues to drive a vibrant secondary market for these coveted machines.

The Lotus Emeya emerges as a significant new entrant in the electric vehicle market, offering a luxurious and incredibly swift grand tourer. Yet, its departure from traditional Lotus characteristics, particularly its size, weight, and manufacturing origins, prompts a broader discussion about the evolving identity of the brand. While the Emeya excels in modern luxury and raw power, it ultimately challenges the ingrained expectations of agility and driver engagement that define classic Lotus vehicles.

This electric saloon demonstrates impressive acceleration and a remarkably refined interior, showcasing a commitment to premium quality. However, the driving experience, marked by a substantial curb weight and less-than-ideal braking feel, suggests a different philosophy than what enthusiasts associate with Lotus's lightweight, driver-focused heritage. The Emeya represents a bold step into the electric future for Lotus, balancing cutting-edge technology and comfort with the enduring legacy of a celebrated sports car manufacturer.

Unpacking the Emeya's Design and Origins

The Lotus Emeya, a new electric saloon, arrives on the scene after the Eletre, attempting to introduce a more agreeable electric model under the Lotus banner. Although it features excellent construction and astounding acceleration, its design and engineering roots in Germany, coupled with manufacturing in China by its parent company Geely, spark debate regarding its authentic connection to the Lotus heritage. The vehicle's luxurious and spacious cabin, filled with high-quality materials, represents a departure from traditional Lotus minimalism, emphasizing comfort and advanced technology. The car's internal layout, however, presents some ergonomic challenges, such as a distinctively shaped steering wheel and an over-reliance on a central touchscreen for controlling various functions, which can be distracting during operation, especially when attempting to access climate controls while using smartphone integration features.

The interior of the Emeya is characterized by its superior fit and finish, with almost every surface covered in soft-touch leather, contributing to a sense of modern luxury that surpasses typical expectations for a Lotus vehicle, or even many Chinese-made cars. Despite its sleek, low-slung electric saloon silhouette, the driving position is unexpectedly high due to a raised floor, leaning more towards an SUV-like feel than a traditional sports car, which might not appeal to every Lotus purist. Passenger comfort is prioritized, with ample space for both front and rear occupants, allowing even taller individuals to stretch out, though the sloping roofline might slightly limit rear headroom. This emphasis on luxury and spaciousness, combined with its international development and manufacturing, positions the Emeya as a significant evolution, or perhaps a redefinition, of what a Lotus can be, venturing beyond its historical focus on lightweight agility and purist driving dynamics.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Interpretation of Lotus

The Emeya's performance capabilities are undeniably impressive, particularly the 600 model with its dual-motor setup, delivering a robust 603bhp and 524lb ft of torque. This translates to an exhilarating 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, showcasing its formidable straight-line speed. However, the sheer power and acceleration, while mind-boggling, don't necessarily align with the nuanced, engaging driving experience typically expected from a Lotus. The car's substantial weight becomes evident when navigating turns, as it tends to exhibit understeer and a certain degree of floatiness, even with the suspension set to its most aggressive mode, making terms like 'agile' or 'taut' unsuitable descriptors for its handling.

The braking system, equipped with powerful six-piston calipers at the front and floating calipers at the rear, provides ample stopping force but suffers from a somewhat spongy pedal feel. Furthermore, the transition from regenerative braking can be abrupt, detracting from the overall smoothness of the driving experience. On the open road, the Emeya shines as a comfortable cruiser, offering minimal wind and road noise, ideal for high-speed travel. Yet, the persistent and overly sensitive attention warnings and lane-keeping assist systems can prove to be quite intrusive, interrupting the otherwise serene journey. Despite its advertised 360-mile range from a 102kWh battery, real-world testing revealed a more modest figure of approximately 230 miles, indicating a notable discrepancy in energy efficiency. This blend of impressive power, comfort, and advanced features, coupled with a driving character that diverges from the brand's core values, positions the Emeya as a modern, high-tech electric vehicle that struggles to fully embody the traditional spirit of a Lotus.