The Ferrari Testarossa Is Back

The name Testarossa carries serious weight in Ferrari’s legacy. Originally launched in 1984 as the successor to the Berlinetta Boxer—and named after the 1950s Testa Rossa race car—the first Testarossa quickly became one of the brand’s most iconic and successful models of all time, remaining in production for over a decade.

We haven’t seen a new Testarossa since the 512M of the mid-1990s. Today, that changes.

Introducing the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Serving as the successor to the SF90, this hybrid hypercar features an electrified V-8 powertrain producing over 1,000 horsepower. It rockets to 62 miles per hour in just 2.3 seconds and has a top speed of over 200.

At the heart of the new Testarossa is an updated version of Ferrari’s F154 V-8 engine. Upgraded with stronger internals and larger turbochargers than the SF90, the revised V-8 alone delivers 818 horsepower.

Photo by: Ferrari

Photo by: Ferrari

Photo by: Ferrari

Three electric motors—two at the front and one at the rear—supplement the V-8 engine with an additional 216 hp, delivering standard all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. The 849 can also drive 16 miles on battery power alone at speeds up to 81 mph thanks to its 6.5-kilowatt-hour pack.

The result is a combined system output of 1,036 horsepower, propelling the Testarossa from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 205 mph. Around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, the 849 clocks a lap time of 1:17.5—a second and a half quicker than the SF90 Stradale’s 1:19.0 lap.

To maximize performance on the track, the 849 features an active rear spoiler that can deploy or retract in under a second, complemented by two smaller “twin tail” spoilers integrated into the rear bumper. Together, they generate up to 915 pounds of downforce at 155 mph—55 pounds more than the SF90.

Opting for the Assetto Fiorano track package adds even more aggressive aerodynamics and sheds approximately 66 pounds (30 kilograms) from the standard model, bringing the dry weight down to just over 3,462 pounds (1,570 kilograms).

While the 849 may not closely resemble the original Testarossa, it has a few subtle design cues that nod to its predecessor. Like the recent Ferrari F80 and 12Cilindri, the 849 features a gloss black trim piece connecting the headlights, while the lower front bumper is angled to subtly echo the original Testarossa’s front fascia.

As expected from a modern Ferrari, the 849 is offered in both coupe and convertible variants. The 849 Spider features a retractable hardtop that folds away in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 28 mph. Due to the added roof mechanism, the Spider weighs approximately 200 pounds more than the coupe.

12

Source: Ferrari

Inside, the 849 takes a more driver-focused approach than the SF90. The cockpit features sculpted detailing that frames the driver’s seat, emphasizing a racing-inspired layout. Traditional buttons return to the steering wheel, replacing the touch-sensitive controls of recent models. Tech-wise, the digital instrument cluster includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MyFerrari Connect—plus wireless smartphone charging.

One detail Ferrari hasn’t confirmed yet is pricing for the US. The outgoing SF90 started at around $550,000, so expect the 849 Testarossa to command an even higher base price. In Europe, the 849 Testarossa starts at €460,000 for the coupe and €500,000, or about $540,000 and $586,000 at current conversion rates.

Production is set to begin next year, but eager buyers can place their pre-orders starting today.