Ferrari has made a bold statement by resurrecting one of its most celebrated nameplates from the 1980s. The legendary Testarossa badge now adorns what could be the most technologically advanced production car the Italian marque has ever built. This isn’t just a simple model refresh – it’s a complete reimagining of what a modern Ferrari hypercar should be.
The new 849 Testarossa emerges as the natural evolution of the SF90 Stradale, though it shares little visual DNA with its predecessor. Ferrari’s design philosophy has taken a dramatic turn, creating something that feels entirely fresh while maintaining the brand’s unmistakable DNA. Chief designer Flavio Manzoni emphasized this approach, stating that creating something genuinely new was essential rather than simply updating existing designs.
Under the sculpted bodywork lies an engineering masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a road-legal supercar. The powertrain combines a heavily reworked 3990cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a trio of electric motors, delivering a staggering combined output of 1050 horsepower. This represents a 50hp increase over the outgoing SF90, achieved through meticulous engineering refinements rather than simply turning up the boost pressure.
The combustion engine alone generates 830hp and 842Nm of torque, while the electric motors contribute an additional 220hp. Ferrari’s engineers borrowed technology from their F80 flagship, incorporating larger fixed-geometry turbochargers with low-friction bearings. The exhaust system has been completely redesigned with a 10 percent larger high-set tract and enhanced ducting to amplify the aural experience that Ferrari enthusiasts crave.
Revolutionary Performance
What truly sets this machine apart isn’t just raw power – it’s how intelligently that power is managed and deployed. The Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) system, previously exclusive to the F80, creates a real-time digital twin of the vehicle’s dynamics. This sophisticated technology predicts the car’s behavior milliseconds before it happens, allowing the various chassis systems to work in perfect harmony.
Performance figures reflect this technological sophistication. The sprint from zero to 100kph takes less than 2.3 seconds, while top speed exceeds 330kph. More impressive is the Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 17.5 seconds – a full 1.2 seconds faster than the SF90 Stradale and just two-tenths shy of the track-focused SF90 XX Stradale.
Despite the increased power and additional technology, Ferrari’s engineers have maintained the same dry weight as the SF90 at 1570kg. This required countless hours of optimization throughout the vehicle, offsetting the approximately 20kg added by new components and bodywork modifications. The Spider variant adds 90kg due to its folding roof mechanism and additional structural reinforcement.
The car’s aerodynamic package represents a significant advancement over previous models, generating 25 percent more downforce at 240kph than the SF90. Much of this improvement comes from a completely reworked underbody and an aggressive rear diffuser that channels airflow more efficiently.
A Design Language That Breaks Convention
Visually, the new Testarossa shares no resemblance with the 1980s icon that inspired its name. Instead, it draws inspiration from Ferrari’s latest design language seen in models like the 12 Cilindri and F80. The front end features a striking blacked-out graphic that cleverly conceals the headlamps, with LED daytime running lights that cascade downward in an elegant flowing pattern.
The side profile showcases massive intercooler intakes integrated into the doors – components borrowed directly from the F80 that required two years of development due to their complex aluminum construction. These functional elements serve the enormous cooling requirements of the hybrid powertrain while creating dramatic visual impact.
At the rear, a two-part spoiler system evokes Ferrari’s sports prototype racers from the early 1970s, while slim LED taillights provide a modern interpretation of classic Ferrari design cues. The high-mounted exhaust outlets and pronounced diffuser complete an aesthetic that’s both futuristic and rooted in racing heritage.
The interior marks a return to more traditional Ferrari philosophy with physical buttons returning to the steering wheel after years of touch-sensitive alternatives. The cabin features a dramatic halo-like surround for the driver’s area and a floating center console design that emphasizes the car’s technological sophistication without overwhelming the driver.
Advanced Systems for the Modern Era
Beyond raw performance, the Testarossa incorporates Ferrari’s most advanced chassis electronics. The Slip Slide Control system has evolved to version 9.0, providing unprecedented precision in managing the car’s dynamic behavior. Combined with the FIVE system, these technologies create a driving experience that adapts intelligently to both track and road conditions.
The brake package represents another significant upgrade, featuring larger carbon-ceramic discs and redesigned Brembo calipers. The regenerative braking system has been recalibrated to provide more consistent feel as it seamlessly blends electric motor retardation with traditional friction braking.
Ferrari’s commitment to electrification extends to the car’s 7.5kWh battery pack, which enables up to 25 kilometers of pure electric driving. While this might seem modest compared to some plug-in hybrids, it’s perfectly calibrated for the car’s intended use and maintains optimal weight distribution.
The transmission has also received attention, with software updates enabling faster shift speeds in both directions. This dual-clutch eight-speed unit manages the complex task of coordinating power from multiple sources while maintaining the crisp, immediate response Ferrari drivers expect.
The new Testarossa will compete directly with rivals like the Lamborghini Revuelto in the ultra-high-performance hybrid supercar segment. Deliveries are scheduled to begin early next year for the coupe, with the Spider variant following in late 2026. This timing allows Ferrari to establish a strong position in what’s rapidly becoming the most competitive segment in the supercar market.
