Powertrain: A symphony of tradition and innovation
When Ferrari unveils a car wearing the name Testarossa, the entire automotive world pays attention. That name is not just a badge, it’s a legacy. First used in the 1950s to describe the red-painted cam covers of Ferrari’s most extreme racing engines, and later immortalized by the iconic 1984 Testarossa, the moniker represents the pinnacle of Maranello’s performance philosophy. Now, in 2025, Ferrari brings it back with the 849 Testarossa, a plug-in hybrid berlinetta that doesn’t just honor history, but propels it into the future. Replacing the SF90 Stradale at the very top of the Ferrari range, the new 849 Testarossa blends a re-engineered 830 cv twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors to deliver a staggering 1050 cv in total. That makes it the most powerful production Ferrari to date, and a technological masterpiece that pushes performance, dynamics, and design into uncharted territory. At the heart of the 849 Testarossa lies Ferrari’s award-winning 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, reworked with new turbochargers, cylinder heads, lightweight titanium fasteners, and Inconel exhaust manifolds. The result is 830 cv, 50 more than its predecessor, with sharper response and a visceral soundtrack designed to thrill. But the V8 is only half the story. Three electric motors, two on the front axle and one on the rear, contribute 220 cv on demand. This creates an advanced four-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, ensuring explosive acceleration and agility in all conditions. Selectable modes via the eManettino allow everything from silent electric cruising (up to 25 km on battery power) to full “Qualify” mode, unleashing all 1050 cv. The hybrid system has been refined for smoother transitions between electric and combustion power, improved thermal efficiency, and a more natural regenerative braking feel. Together, the systems achieve not only brutal performance but also seamless usability, making the 849 Testarossa as comfortable threading through Milan traffic as it is dominating Monza.
Aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics: Racing DNA on the road
The 849 Testarossa’s design is as much about function as form. Inspired by Ferrari’s legendary 512 S and modern prototypes, its sharp, sculpted lines house a sophisticated aerodynamic package. Active vortex generators, a redesigned underfloor, and the active twin-tail rear spoiler work in harmony to produce 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, 25 kg more than the SF90, while improving cooling efficiency by 15%. Handling is elevated by Ferrari’s ABS Evo braking controller, coupled with the revolutionary FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) system, which creates a real-time “digital twin” of the car. This enables predictive control over traction, braking, and stability, giving the driver sharper feedback, greater consistency, and confidence at the limit. With a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio, new suspension geometry, and specially developed Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone tyres, the 849 Testarossa is faster, more precise, and more exploitable than any Ferrari V8 before it.
Design and Interior: Heritage meets futurism
The 849 Testarossa’s styling, crafted by Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Styling Centre, is both futuristic and reverential. The cab-forward stance, double-tail rear architecture, and sculpted side intakes pay tribute to 1970s prototypes, while its sharp geometries give it a thoroughly modern edge. Every surface serves aerodynamic and cooling functions, reinforcing the bond between form and performance. Inside, the cockpit is immersive and driver-focused, blending the architecture of a berlinetta with the feel of a single-seater. The floating dashboard, aluminum-framed air vents, and F80-inspired gear gate reflect Ferrari’s pursuit of both beauty and ergonomics. A new steering wheel with mechanical buttons, including the iconic red engine start, underscores Ferrari’s return to tactile simplicity. The HMI integrates seamlessly with digital clusters, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the MyFerrari Connect app ensure the 849 Testarossa is as connected as it is visceral. Buyers can choose between comfort-oriented sculpted seats or lightweight carbon-fiber racing buckets, while extensive personalisation options, from bespoke leathers and trims to the new Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra paint shades, allow each Testarossa to reflect its owner’s individuality. For the most hardcore, the optional Assetto Fiorano pack adds carbon-fiber wheels, Multimatic dampers, additional aero, and a 30 kg weight reduction.
Beyond performance: A complete Ferrari experience
Like all modern Ferraris, the 849 Testarossa comes with a seven-year maintenance program, ensuring peak condition through official service centres worldwide. Hybrid-specific warranty extensions even include free high-voltage battery replacement up to year 16, underscoring Ferrari’s commitment to long-term performance. In every sense, the 849 Testarossa is a bridge between past and future. It celebrates Ferrari’s racing heritage while embracing hybrid technology, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge digital systems. For clients who demand the very best, power, precision, beauty, and emotion, the new Testarossa delivers an experience that is as exhilarating on track as it is refined on the road. Ferrari didn’t just revive a legend. It redefined it for a new era.
