Ferrari has introduced its latest sports car, the 849 Testarossa, a plug-in hybrid available as a berlinetta or spider. The new 849 Testarossa replaces the SF90 Stradale. Combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, an 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox and three electric motors, the 849 Testarossa delivers a dizzying 1,050 hp, 50 more than its predecessor.
That’s enough to get you from 0-100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds. It’s so quick that it takes just 6.3 seconds to get from 0-200 km/h, the same time most performance cars take to get from 0-100 km/h. Keep the accelerator planted long enough and you’ll be going over 330 km/h.
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The return of the iconic Testarossa name pays homage to both the 500 TR of 1956 and the legendary 1984 road-going model.
At the heart of this new Maranello thoroughbred, the 849 Testarossa features Ferrari’s award-winning twin-turbo V8, now producing 830 hp. This power is paired with a hybrid system derived from Ferrari’s motorsport exploits, including a rear electric motor and two on the front axle, generating 220 horsepower.
What you end up getting is an on-demand four-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring. Extensive weight reduction allows the 849 Testarossa to achieve the best power-to-weight ratio ever for a Ferrari range model. The hybrid system allows up to 25 km of electric-only driving via a 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery, ensuring efficiency alongside performance.
The car’s aerodynamic design draws inspiration from 1970s sports prototypes, with sharp, geometric lines that enhance both style and performance. Total downforce reaches 415 kg at 250 km/h, a 25 kg increase over the SF90 Stradale, while cooling efficiency improves by 15%.
Key features include redesigned front and rear underfloors, twin-tail rear wings, active rear spoilers, and optimised side air intakes, all contributing to exceptional handling and thermal management.
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The 849 Testarossa’s cockpit adopts a driver-focused, ergonomic design. A central sail motif integrates the gear-change gate, while the new steering wheel combines mechanical controls, including the iconic engine start button, with digital functions.
The HMI system simplifies interaction while the cabin offers both comfort-oriented and racing carbon-fiber seat options. Interior materials include lightweight Alcantara and recycled aluminum.
Lateral and longitudinal acceleration, braking, gearshifts, and sound have all been optimized, assisted by the Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) digital system. The ABS Evo braking system, revised suspension, and enhanced tire performance (Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone options) ensure precise, repeatable handling. For the first time, the car achieved higher performance without increasing weight compared to its predecessor.
A revised gearshift strategy amplifies sound during upshifts, particularly in Race mode, creating an immersive driving experience. The hybrid system allows up to 25 km of electric-only driving via a 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery, ensuring efficiency alongside performance.
Optional Assetto Fiorano specifications elevate the 849 Testarossa’s performance further. Featuring carbon-fiber wheels, lightweight tubular seats, stiffer single-rate shock absorbers, and aerodynamic refinements such as larger front flicks and twin rear wings, the package reduces overall weight by approximately 30 kg. Exclusive liveries in Bianco Cervino and Rosso Corsa enhance the car’s visual impact.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) provide safety without compromising driving pleasure, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and the MyFerrari Connect app enhance the modern driving experience.
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