Ferrari’s new 849 Testarossa arrives as a masterclass in engineering confidence, presented to the world’s press in Milan this month. Far from merely succeeding the SF90 Stradale, this plug-in hybrid berlinetta sets a new benchmark for the marque, and for the industry.
Reviving the storied Testarossa name carries deliberate weight. First applied to the 500 TR in 1956 to highlight the striking red cam covers of Ferrari’s most advanced racing engines, it later crowned one of the company’s most celebrated road cars in 1984. Four decades on, it now returns to grace what Ferrari calls its most accomplished production car yet.
Sculpted for Speed
At its core lies a thoroughly re-engineered twin-turbo V8, the F154FC, delivering 830 cv, 50 cv more than its predecessor, with an extraordinary output of 208 cv per litre. Three electric motors contribute an additional 220 cv, bringing total system output to a remarkable 1,050 cv.
The combustion engine benefits from a host of refinements: F80-derived turbochargers with low-friction bearings, optimised compressor wheels and turbines, and a revised intercooler for superior thermal efficiency. Calibration updates all but eliminate turbo lag while sharpening throttle response.
Extensive use of titanium fasteners and lightened camshafts achieves notable weight reduction, yielding a 10 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio compared with the SF90 Stradale. An Inconel exhaust manifold with larger-diameter ducts enhances both performance and the unmistakable Ferrari soundtrack.
Aerodynamic Finesse
The 849 Testarossa produces 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, 25 kg more than the SF90 Stradale, while increasing cooling efficiency by 15 percent. Sculpted flanks channel 30 percent more air to the intercoolers, and a front underfloor with cascading vortex generators boosts downforce by 20 percent.
At the rear, a twin-tail design inspired by the legendary 512 S guides high-energy airflow over muscular haunches, contributing 10 percent of rear downforce. The active rear spoiler, evolved from the SF90 and 296 GTB, shifts between Low Drag and High Downforce modes in under a second, adding up to 100 kg of extra grip at speed.
Ferrari’s new Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) introduces a digital twin that continuously models the car’s behaviour in real time. This allows the ABS Evo system to fine-tune braking slip targets across all drive modes, enabling later and more precise braking under varied conditions. The revised suspension geometry and new tyre specifications deliver a three-percent increase in lateral performance, while a 35 percent reduction in road-spring weight and a 10 percent decrease in roll gradient sharpen handling and stability.
Intelligent Integration
Advanced driver-assistance features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Automatic Emergency Braking with Cyclist Detection, and Blind-Spot Detection are seamlessly integrated and configurable via the instrument cluster.
Inside, the cabin pairs motorsport-inspired ergonomics with a quietly luxurious aesthetic. A floating upper dashboard with C-shaped aluminium-framed vents and a redesigned central tunnel maximise ergonomics, while the steering wheel blends digital interfaces with signature mechanical controls, including the iconic Engine Start button.
The Assetto Fiorano specification offers an additional 30 kg weight reduction through extensive use of carbon fibre and titanium components. Lightweight tubular seats save 18 kg compared to standard units, while 20-inch carbon fibre wheels reduce unsprung mass for improved acceleration and braking response. Aerodynamic modifications include larger front flicks and additional vortex generators, while twin wings replace the standard twin tails, tripling vertical downforce without significantly penalising drag.
Performance figures confirm the car’s prowess: 0–100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds, 0–200 km/h in just 6.35 seconds, and a top speed beyond 330 km/h. A Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 17.5 seconds places it among the fastest production Ferraris ever built.
Ferrari includes a comprehensive seven-year maintenance programme, ensuring peak performance and peace of mind with factory-certified servicing and original components.