The launch of a Ferrari sports car is a moment that every automotive enthusiast the world over savours. But when it is a model carrying the fabled Testarossa tag, hearts beat a little faster still, and the arrival of the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa in Milan in September has proved no exception.
Replacing the SF90, the new model is a hybrid plug-in super sports berlinetta equipped with three electric motors alongside a mid-rear twin-turbo V8. This motorsport-inspired technical tour de force musters a total performance output of 1050PS, which is 50 more than the outgoing SF90.
While the 849 Testarossa may carry the name of legend, the car is both a genuine coupé and a true spider. Thanks to Ferrari’s retractable hard top (RHT), which allows the driver to open and close the roof in just 14 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 28mph, the 849 Testarossa offers the best of both worlds.
With a timeless design inspired by Ferrari’s iconic 1970s Sports Prototype race cars, the razor-sharp and beguilingly geometric lines of the 849 Testarossa deliver so much more than superlative aesthetics. They also contribute to a total downforce of 415 kg at 155mph and a 15% improvement in cooling power for the powertrain and brakes.
Among the most prominent innovations found in the drivetrain is the new turbocharger. It is the largest unit of its kind ever fitted to a Ferrari production car. It enables phenomenal performance, with a 0-62mph acceleration time of less than 2.3 seconds and a top speed of more than 205mph.
Ferrari’s engineers have taken every conceivable measure to enhance the 849 Testarossa’s dynamic qualities and the driver feedback at the limit. In addition to the latest generation brake-by-wire system, the model is equipped with Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller, which improves braking precision and consistency in all conditions.
The chassis of the 849 Testarossa has received similar scrutiny, with the spring and damper set-up completely revised for improved behaviour at the limit of grip. Extensive component weight reduction has allowed the 849 Testarossa to boast the best power-to-weight ratio ever for a range model, since the enormous performance increase has not resulted in any additional weight compared to the SF90.
Inside, the driver-focused cockpit is even more enveloping and ergonomic than before. The central sail motif with the integrated gear-change gate, inspired by the F80, improves the positioning of components and makes them more accessible. The new steering wheel, equipped with mechanical buttons (including the iconic engine start button), elevates the driving experience while maintaining the high functionality of the latest-generation Ferrari steering wheels. A new HMI system makes interaction with the car even more straightforward and more intuitive.
And then finally, there is the sound.
Ferrari’s engineers tell us that: “The 849 Testarossa introduces a new sonic dimension that reflects the essence of the car, with a powerful and pure character. The timbre of the new V8 turbo has been optimised to ensure a recognisable acoustic signature in all driving conditions, while preserving the distinctive harmonics of Ferrari’s V8.”
How best to enjoy it?
Roof up or roof down?
That’s for you to decide…
Ferrari 849 Testerossa Gallery
