Arrivederci SF90: Ferrari brings back Testarossa name for twin-turbo V8 PHEV
All-new Ferrari 849 Testarossa unleashed with 1,050 PS
One of the most iconic nameplates from Ferrari has returned after a long hiatus. The Maranello-based brand bid farewell to the SF90 Stradale after it unveiled the 849 Testarossa.
Powered by a twin-turbo V8 that's assisted by three electric motors and a 7.45 kWh battery, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa combines hypercar performance with the added benefit of electrification in a sleek and sporty body that evokes Ferrari's signature styling.
At the heart of the 849 Testarossa is a fire-breathing 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 830 PS at 7500 rpm and a healthy 842 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. A trio of electric motors provides additional power at 217 PS, which translates to a total system output of 1,050 PS. Power is then sent to an 8-speed dual-clutch F1-style gearbox. Compared to the SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa makes 50 PS more. Since it's a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 849 Testarossa comes with a 7.45 kWh battery, which gives it a range of up to 25 km on EV mode.
From a standstill, Ferrari claims the 849 Testarossa can hit 100 km/h in just 2.3 seconds. It can also sprint from 0 – 200 km/h in only 6.35 seconds and has a top speed of over 330 km/h.
Style-wise, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa gets a super sleek design that bears no resemblance to the Testarossa of the 1980s. But that doesn't mean designers weren't able to incorporate some retro-inspired styling elements into the 849 Testarossa. In fact, the Ferrari Styling Center, headed by Flavio Manzoni, brought together transverse lines and a unique visual scheme that were inspired by aeronautics and sports prototypes from the 1970s.
The result is a dynamic-looking profile that's dominated by a distinct front fascia that features a bridge-like horizontal design element that connects the headlights. If anything, the front end of the 849 Testarossa bears some similarities with the flagship F80 and the 12Cilindri. The rear, meanwhile, comes with a pair of tails that were inspired by the 512 S. It features an integrated active wing, a sculpted rear bumper, a full-width diffuser, massive dual exhausts that exit through the bodywork, and a thin pair of LED taillights.
In terms of size, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa is 4718mm long, 2304mm wide, 1225mm tall, and has a 2650mm wheelbase. It also has forged 20-inch alloy wheels with 265/35 tires in the front and wider 325/30 tires in the back. Not only do the wheels look great on the 849 Testarossa, but it was also designed to cut through the wind more efficiently and come with a diamond-cut treatment.
Hop inside, and the 849 Testarossa features what looks to be an evolutionary redesign of the SF90's cockpit. It has a driver-centric cabin, with the driver having all controls at their fingertips. These include the gear selector, the hazard button, and other in-car controls. The driver and passenger seats are divided by a central tunnel layout, with the front passenger having their own touchscreen to manage the infotainment system.
Speaking of infotainment, the Ferrari HMI system in the 849 Testarossa features a steering wheel that integrates both digital and analog functions. These include the traditional mechanical controls, the engine start/stop button, and the eManettino drive mode selector.
For those who want their Ferrari 849 Testarossa to be lighter and more special, there's the Assetto Fiorano. It drops 30 kg of dead weight thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon fiber composites. It also comes with Multimatic dampers and twin wings in the back for extra downforce. It also carries over the active Magneride suspension, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver extra grip when driving on the limit.
The Ferrari 849 Testarossas will be available in coupe and spider body styles, and customer deliveries will officially begin next year. That means we can expect Velocita Motors Inc. to bring the 849 Testarossa sometime in 2026.
