Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider: A New Icon of Open-Air Performance

Ferrari

Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider: A New Icon of Open-Air Performance

Published 9 September 2025

Heritage reimagined for a new era

The unveiling of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider in Milan was more than a product launch; it marked the renaissance of a legendary nameplate. First appearing in the 1950s on the 500 TR and immortalized in the 1980s with the iconic Testarossa road car, the designation has returned to crown Ferrari’s most advanced open-top model to date. The new Spider blends history and innovation in a way that only Maranello can achieve, paying homage to its illustrious lineage while embracing the electrified performance era. Beneath its sculpted silhouette, the 849 Testarossa Spider conceals a plug-in hybrid system combining a re-engineered twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors. The result is an extraordinary 1050 cv, making it the most powerful open-top Ferrari ever built. More importantly, this combination is engineered to preserve the visceral emotion of driving while offering new dimensions of responsiveness and control.

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Engineering mastery and dynamic innovation

At the core of the 849 Testarossa Spider lies Ferrari’s most potent V8 to date, delivering 830 cv on its own, 50 cv more than the SF90 Spider it replaces, thanks to new turbochargers, cylinder heads and lightweight components derived from racing engines. The electric motors contribute an additional 220 cv, managed by an advanced control system that allows seamless integration between combustion and electric power. Four selectable modes on the eManettino dial, eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify, ensure that the car adapts to every scenario, from quiet urban cruising to track-level intensity. Handling is sharpened by Ferrari’s latest generation brake-by-wire system, ABS Evo controller and the pioneering FIVE digital estimator, which acts as a real-time virtual twin of the car’s dynamics. Together, these innovations guarantee extraordinary braking precision, flawless torque distribution and an immediacy of response that reinforces Ferrari’s reputation for building cars that are as rewarding at the limit as they are on the open road.

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Aerodynamics and design in perfect symbiosis

Ferrari has always fused artistry with function, and the 849 Testarossa Spider continues this tradition with a design language inspired by the endurance prototypes of the 1970s. The exterior is defined by geometric sculpting and purposeful aerodynamic solutions, resulting in 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, 25 kg more than its predecessor. The twin-tail architecture, active rear spoiler and extensively reworked underbody with vortex generators highlight the extent to which every line is dictated by performance. The retractable hard top, operable in just 14 seconds even at speeds up to 45 km/h, transforms the Spider from coupé to open-air symphony without compromise. A patented wind-stop system ensures cabin comfort while preserving the rush of speed, making open-top driving as exhilarating as it is refined. Inside, the cockpit balances racing intensity with ergonomic elegance. A floating dashboard, integrated gear-change gate inspired by Ferrari’s F80 concept, a reengineered steering wheel with mechanical controls and a new HMI system place every command within intuitive reach. This is a cabin designed not just for control, but for immersion in the experience of driving.

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The pinnacle of ferrari’s open-top range

The 849 Testarossa Spider is far more than an evolution of the SF90 Spider; it represents Ferrari’s vision for the hybrid age, ensuring that electrification enhances rather than dilutes the character of the Prancing Horse. Options such as the Assetto Fiorano package, shedding 30 kilograms through carbon fibre and titanium components while adding track-focused aerodynamics, underline its dual identity as both road-going grand tourer and track weapon. Extensive personalization, from new exterior shades like Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra to exclusive Alcantara trims such as Giallo Siena, allows every client to tailor their car to individual taste. Even the soundscape has been meticulously tuned, with harmonics amplified across the rev range to create an unmistakable Ferrari soundtrack that crescendos toward the 8,300 rpm limiter. In every respect, the 849 Testarossa Spider is not merely a car but a statement: a celebration of heritage, a showcase of engineering innovation, and the ultimate expression of open-air performance in the twenty-first century.

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