Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer Ferrari has unveiled its latest sports car: the 849 Testarossa.
The car, which replaces the SF90 Stradale in the range, is a hybrid plug-in super sports berlinetta equipped with three electric motors alongside the mid-rear twin-turbo V8, delivering a total of 1050 cv, 50 more than the car it replaces.
The 849 Testarossa takes its place at the top of Ferrari’s range thanks to its performance, its ability to thrill the driver without ever compromising ride comfort or interior refinement, as well as its futuristic yet deeply historically rooted design.
This car is conceived for the most demanding clients; those who want the very best from a Ferrari. It is also the reason for the return of a legendary name in Maranello’s history, Testa Rossa, which was first used on the 500 TR in 1956 to describe the colour of the cam covers of some of Ferrari’s most extreme, high-performance and iconic racing engines, before being used as a name for one of the marque’s most famous road-going models, the 1984 Testarossa.
The heart of the 849 Testarossa revolves around its twin-turbo eight-cylinder internal combustion engine, part of the family of engines that received multiple International Engine of the Yearawards. The unit has been completely re-engineered to reach new performance peaks (a remarkable 830 cv of maximum power) and is combined with an advanced hybrid system derived from Ferrari’s unmatched motorsport experience.
Among the most prominent innovations is the new turbo, the largest ever for a Ferrari production car, enabling unprecedented acceleration. The hybrid group, consisting of a rear electric motor and two units installed on the front axle, is capable of delivering 220 cv. The on-demand four-wheel drive system and torque vectoring maximise performance in all conditions.
To enhance its dynamic qualities and the driver feedback at the limit, the 849 Testarossa is equipped (in addition to the latest generation brake-by-wire system) with Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller, which improves braking precision and consistency in all conditions, along with the new braking system. The spring and damper set-up has been 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 Stradale.
From a styling point of view as well, the 849 Testarossa marks a revolution in the concept of a Ferrari V8 mid-rear berlinetta: the inspiration taken from 1970s Sports Prototypes, together with sharp and geometric lines, creates a unique and timeless design. The synergy between form and function has enabled impressive aerodynamic performance: the total downforce of 415 kg at 250 km/h represents a 25 kg increase over the SF90 Stradale as well as providing a 15 per cent boost in cooling power for the powertrain and brakes.
The 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. Finally, a new HMI system makes interaction with the car even simpler and more intuitive.
Powertrain
The 849 Testarossa is equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system consisting of the 830 cv twin-turbo V8 engine combined with three electric motors, a high-voltage battery and an inverter that together deliver a total output of 220 cv. This system brings the total power of the powertrain up to 1050 cv, an absolute record for a production Ferrari. The architecture of the 849 Testarossa’s plug-in hybrid powertrain has been designed to ensure maximum performance, vehicle dynamics and usability.
Internal Combustion Engine
The 849 Testarossa’s internal combustion engine (project code F154FC) is the latest version of Ferrari’s multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8. It produces 830 cv with a specific output of 208 cv/l, marking a 50 cv increase compared to the previous iteration. This achievement was made while maintaining the same displacement and completely revising the components, including the all-new turbocharger, cylinder heads, engine block, exhaust manifolds, intake plenums, titanium fasteners, valve train system and fuel rail.
A new, larger turbocharger has been adopted with F80-derived low-friction bearings and an innovative heat shield on the turbine casing inspired by the 296 GT3 to improve thermal management in the engine compartment. The compressor wheels and the turbine have been optimised in terms of materials and aerodynamics and a refined calibration strategy has been introduced, all to minimise turbo lag and maintain the responsiveness of the engine. The intercooler has been optimised in order to manage the increase in power and improve thermal efficiency.
The increase in engine power was achieved without any significant weight penalty thanks to machining inspired by racing engines, lightening of the camshafts and the adoption of titanium screws, improving the weight/power ratio by almost 10 per cent compared to the SF90 Stradale.
The Inconel exhaust manifold sees the diameter of the ducts increase by 20 per cent and its length by 10 per cent to improve the performance and provide the timbre typical of the Ferrari sound. The adoption of a flexible Inconel joint manages extremely high temperatures without increasing weight. The exhaust system integrates GPFs and a new generation ceramic matrix for the catalysers, which keep the layout unchanged while complying with regulatory requirements without any significant increase in mass.
The 849 Testarossa, for the first time on a Prancing Horse range car, has also introduced the use of recycled aluminium secondary alloys for engine castings (cylinder head, crankcase and sump) reducing CO₂ emissions per kilogram of aluminium used by a maximum of 80 per cent, which equates to a reduction of up to 0.4 ton of CO₂ equivalent per car.
Electric Motors and Hybrid System
The 849 Testarossa adopts a PHEV architecture derived from the SF90 Stradale, combining the V8 internal combustion engine with three electric motors for a total power of 220 hp. Two of them are located on the front axle and make up the RAC-e (electronic cornering set-up regulator) system which enables the 4WD system and torque vectoring to maximise traction and efficiency when exiting corners. The third electric motor, the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic), is positioned on the rear axle and derives directly from the Scuderia’s experience in Formula One.
The battery and electric motor management strategies are calibrated according to the four electric driving modes that can be selected via the eManettino — eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify — optimising performance in all conditions. In eDrive mode, the car can travel up to 25 km in electric drive only thanks to the 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery which is installed in the chassis to ensure a low centre of gravity and optimal weight balance.
Sound
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.
Tyres
The tyres, as per Ferrari tradition, have been co-developed through intense refinement work in collaboration with Michelin, Pirelli and Bridgestone. This co-development has produced specific solutions for the most diverse needs.
Available technologies include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R (on request), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (Assetto Fiorano), Pirelli PZero R (standard) and Bridgestone Potenza Sport (standard, also in run-flat version).
Each solution has been co-designed through joint virtual and physical sessions to ensure optimal performance in various contexts, with a focus on maintaining driving emotions, increasing pure performance and behaviour in medium-grip conditions. The measures adopted are 265/35 R20 at the front and 325/30 R20 at the rear.
ADAS
The driver assistance systems have been integrated to increase comfort and safety, intervening only in emergency situations and in the least invasive way possible, only when the driver needs it.
They are fully configurable via the instrument cluster menus, and their features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Automatic Emergency Braking with Cyclist Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and driver fatigue monitoring.
The 849 Testarossa was developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, directed by Flavio Manzoni, revolutionising the shape of the SF90 Stradale and emphasising the car’s technological and performance characteristics. The stylistic language develops an architectural and futuristic direction, with a balance between sculptural forms and graphic elements. The vertical and transverse lines generate an unprecedented visual scheme, inspired by aeronautics and the Sports Prototypes of the 1970s.
The flank is dominated by the door with a three-dimensional modelling which starts from the main crease line. The deeply sculpted upper surface of the door has a complex three-dimensionality never before achieved on a standard production car and redefines the relationship between the car body and the cabin area. The panel is made of a single aluminium alloy moulding thanks to Ferrari’s advanced manufacturing processes.
The front has structured volumes that recall Ferrari geometries from the 1980s. A bridge-like horizontal fascia connects the headlights, recalling the styling theme already used on the Ferrari 12Cilindri and F80. This element creates a new ratio between volumes and voids in the surface treatment which creates a full-width spoiler effect. The body-coloured flicks and the black splitter complete the lower area of the bumper, reinforcing the technical and aerodynamic characteristics.
The rear is dominated by the two tails inspired by the 512 S which, integrated with the active wing, compose a patented aerodynamic solution. The sculpted rear bumper underlines the car’s sporty stance, emphasising the width, while the central section is characterized by the modelling around the iconic round tailpipes. The tail is completed by a full-width diffuser, which is very pronounced in the centre, and which enhances the sense of extreme performance.
Interior
The interior of the 849 Testarossa is a synthesis between the layout of a berlinetta with a horizontal dashboard and the cockpit of a single-seater. The upper body of the dashboard features a floating effect with C-shaped air vents framed in aluminium.
Between the upper and lower parts there is a contrasting horizontal band that integrates the main controls and the passenger screen. The lower part of the dash is characterised by two architectural sail motifs that incorporate the control functions, with the F80-inspired gate integrated in a floating position in the sail on the steering wheel side.
The central tunnel layout has been redesigned to distribute the secondary commands in a more rational and minimalist way. The central sail theme is picked up on the door cards where it houses a woofer with an aluminium grille. The same element also houses the door pull.
The interior design sets out to optimise space and improve ergonomics. Accessibility has been improved by reducing the width of the bottom of the door panel and adjacent areas, thus freeing up additional space for the rear bench and the passenger-side glove box.
The seats are available in two versions: comfort, with a sculptural treatment of the upholstery and styling that matches the geometry of the cockpit, and a carbon-fibre racing seat, with sporty side bolsters for ideal lateral containment. Both versions are the result of a combined study of ergonomics and style.
Seven Years Maintenance
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 849 Testarossa. Available across the entire range, all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life is covered.
This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular maintenance, original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the main advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.
Ferrari offers a wide range of after-sales services and there are now two programmes, named Warranty Extension Hybrid and Power Hybrid, aimed at meeting the needs of clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence of their hybrid Ferrari sports cars over time.
Owners of a Prancing Horse PHEV already enjoy a five-year warranty on the hybrid components and if they choose the Warranty Extension Hybrid programme, not only will they avail themselves of a factory-backed, all-inclusive extended warranty that covers the entire car, but if they extend the warranty up to the eighth year, the high-voltage battery pack (HVB) will be replaced at no extra cost.
The new Power Hybrid allows clients instead to extend the factory warranty on all major powertrain components, including those related to the hybrid system, from year eight to year 16, and again foresees the replacement, at no extra cost, of the high-voltage battery pack (HVB) from year 16.
For more information, please visit www.ferrari.com.