Ferrari SF90

Importing a used Ferrari SF90 from the USA

The Ferrari SF90 marked a turning point for Maranello: its first series-production plug-in hybrid and, at launch, its most powerful road car, blending a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors for a combined output of 1000 CV. Named after the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari, it exists as the SF90 Stradale coupe and the retractable-hardtop SF90 Spider. US-market cars appear on the second-hand market and can be sourced from the large American exotic pool. This guide explains the SF90's technology, the honest ownership picture, and the customs and TÜV steps for importing a used Ferrari SF90 from the USA. USCar Trader acts strictly as an independent broker for used US vehicles — we locate, verify and coordinate; we hold no manufacturer partnership and sell no stock of our own.

Ferrari sf90 – used car imported from the USA
Photo: Oleg Yunakov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Generations at a glance

The SF90 Stradale was unveiled in 2019 and reached customers from 2020, with the open-top SF90 Spider following in 2021. As a current-era model it is a single generation, differentiated mainly by body style (Stradale coupe versus Spider) and by the optional Assetto Fiorano package — a track-focused specification adding lightweight components, Multimatic dampers, a high-downforce carbon rear spoiler and specific tyres. Later in the run Ferrari introduced the harder-edged SF90 XX Stradale and XX Spider as separate, limited flagship variants. For a typical import, the choice is Stradale or Spider, standard or Assetto Fiorano.

Powertrain lineup

At the heart of the SF90 is the F154 3.99-litre twin-turbo V8 producing around 780 hp, supplemented by three electric motors: two on the front axle and one (the MGU-K) between engine and gearbox. Combined system output is 1000 CV (roughly 986 hp). The V8 drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the two front motors provide electric all-wheel drive and torque vectoring — a first for a Ferrari. A compact lithium-ion battery of about 7.9 kWh allows a short all-electric range of roughly 25 km at city speeds via the eDrive mode, and the driver manages the hybrid system through the steering-wheel eManettino selector.

Trims in the US market

The SF90 comes as a two-seat mid-engined coupe (Stradale) or a two-seat convertible with a folding hard top (Spider). Rather than conventional trims, buyers configure through Ferrari's extensive options and the Assetto Fiorano package. Cabin highlights include a fully digital curved instrument display and a capacitive, button-light steering wheel. Because these were bespoke-specified cars, individual examples differ significantly in carbon options, wheels, brakes and interior finish.

The used market stateside

As a recent, low-volume Ferrari, used SF90s in the United States are typically very low-mileage, carefully stored cars, often with comprehensive factory documentation. Condition is generally excellent, but specification and options vary enormously and materially affect desirability. Provenance matters: verify service with the Ferrari network, confirm the battery and hybrid system health, and establish whether the car has been tracked. A meticulous history and a well-chosen specification are the priorities when selecting an import candidate.

Who should import one

The SF90 suits a serious enthusiast or collector who wants cutting-edge hybrid supercar technology, immense performance and everyday features like a brief electric range and all-wheel-drive traction. It demands the budget and discipline of Ferrari ownership — specialist servicing, expensive consumables and careful storage. For the buyer who wants a landmark modern Ferrari and is prepared for its running costs, a carefully vetted US-market SF90 is a compelling, if demanding, import.

Key specifications

ItemDetail (typical)
ModelSF90 Stradale (2020–), SF90 Spider (2021–)
Body style2-seat coupe / retractable-hardtop convertible
Combustion engineF154 3.99 L twin-turbo V8
V8 outputapprox. 780 hp
Electric motors3 (two front axle + MGU-K)
Combined output1000 CV (approx. 986 hp)
Batteryapprox. 7.9 kWh lithium-ion
Electric rangeapprox. 25 km (eDrive)
Transmission8-speed dual-clutch
DriveElectric AWD (front e-motors)
0–100 km/happrox. 2.5 s
Top speedapprox. 340 km/h
Lengthapprox. 4,710 mm
Dry weight (Stradale)approx. 1,570 kg
FuelPremium petrol + plug-in hybrid

How reliable is it?

As a young, low-mileage model, the SF90 does not yet have a long field record, and most cars are still within or near their factory maintenance programme. That said, prospective Ferrari SF90 common problems and cost centres are predictable: the complexity of the plug-in hybrid system means battery health, high-voltage components and software updates should be verified and kept current; carbon-ceramic brakes and specialised tyres are costly consumables; and any exotic with heavy track use will show accelerated wear. Cars that have sat unused for long periods need careful recommissioning, particularly the hybrid battery. Comprehensive Ferrari service history is the single strongest reassurance.

What US models do differently

US-market SF90s carry American lighting, instrumentation defaults (mph, US indicator/marker arrangements), and no rear fog lamp, plus US-configured charging equipment for the plug-in system. Software and telematics may be set for the US market. These items are what an individual approval will examine, and some — notably lighting and the charging interface — may need adaptation for German use and registration.

Seven steps to your import

The sequence is: select the specific US car and specification; verify VIN, origin/plant and full history; pay via escrow so funds release only after inspection; arrange ocean freight, with enclosed container shipping strongly recommended for a car of this value; clear EU customs on arrival; complete TÜV inspection and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with any required changes; then register in Germany. USCar Trader manages each stage and keeps the process transparent.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

Two separate charges apply. The import duty rate is origin-dependent. The SF90 is built in Maranello, Italy, so it is not of US origin — the 0% preferential rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to provable US-origin vehicles and therefore does not apply to an Italian-built Ferrari. An Italian car imported from the US is subject to the standard passenger-car customs duty. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged on the customs value plus duty and freight. We confirm the exact duty position from the VIN before you commit and never advertise duty-free.

German TÜV and registration

Typical approval work includes adding rear fog lamp function, adjusting headlamps to EU aim, confirming indicator and marker compliance, verifying the plug-in charging interface for European use, and documenting a genuine odometer reading. Given the SF90's complexity, it is worth confirming that all high-voltage and safety systems are fully functional before presentation. Registration follows successful individual approval.

The buyer checklist

Verify the VIN against title and a full Carfax/AutoCheck history; confirm a clean, non-salvage title; obtain the complete Ferrari service record and battery/hybrid-system health check; establish whether the car has been tracked or long-stored; inspect the carbon-ceramic brakes and tyres for wear; confirm the specification and options match the description; and verify the odometer's authenticity.

Questions and answers

Can I import a used Ferrari SF90 from the USA?

Yes. US-market SF90 Stradale and Spider cars can be sourced and imported; USCar Trader handles verification, shipping and approval as your broker.

Does the SF90 qualify for 0% import duty?

No. The SF90 is built in Italy, so it is not of US origin and does not qualify for the US-origin preferential rate; the standard passenger-car duty applies.

Do I still pay import VAT?

Yes. The 19% German import VAT applies to every import regardless of origin and is charged separately from any duty.

What is the SF90's combined power?

The twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors give a combined 1000 CV, roughly 986 hp, with electric all-wheel drive.

How far can it run on electric power?

The plug-in hybrid battery allows about 25 km of low-speed electric driving in eDrive mode.

What should I check on a used SF90?

Full Ferrari service history, hybrid battery and high-voltage system health, brake and tyre wear, and whether the car has been tracked or long-stored.

How should such a valuable car be shipped?

Enclosed container shipping is strongly recommended to protect the SF90 during the ocean crossing.

What is the Assetto Fiorano package?

A track-focused option adding lightweight parts, Multimatic dampers, extra downforce and specific tyres for sharper performance.

See the full range in the Ferrari in the Carhub, compare the SF90 with the Ferrari 296 and the Ferrari Roma, or browse the current SF90 listings.