Ferrari 849 Testarossa

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is the latest flagship hybrid supercar from Ferrari, reviving one of Ferrari’s most popular and iconic monikers from the 1980s. The Testarossa becomes the successor to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and blends retro-inspired styling cues with modern design elements and a future-proof hybrid technology with impressive performance. 

The 849 Testarossa features a soulful twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors to deliver over 1,000 horsepower. With blistering acceleration and advanced aerodynamics, it aims to push the boundaries of the supercar segment even further than past Ferraris have managed to do. 

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa’s styling takes you back a few decades, but still looks breathtaking and modern enough to make sure that you keep staring at it. Its design language blends modern aerodynamic efficiency with styling elements inspired by classic retro Ferrari models. 

At the front, it gets striking L-shaped LED headlamps connected by a gloss-black strip that stretches across the bonnet, creating a stylish lighting signature. The bumper adopts a layered design with a large central air intake and an aggressive front splitter that improves airflow and cooling.

From the side, the Testarossa has a dramatic stance with large sets of alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof and A-pillars, and sculpted bodywork that enhances its aerodynamic efficiency. Large side air intakes integrated into the rear extensions help channel air toward the mid-mounted engine and cooling systems. The design also pays homage to the Testarossa of the 80s, through horizontal strakes integrated into the bodywork.

At the rear, the supercar features a distinctive twin-tail section with sleek LED tail lamps. A high-mounted dual exhaust and a massive rear diffuser dominate the lower section, helping generate significant downforce at high speeds. The split rear design and advanced aero elements ensure the car remains stable even when approaching its extreme performance limits. It also features a gloss black shark fin antenna, and you get a subtle Ferrari logo positioned above the dual exhaust system.

Inside, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa adopts a highly driver-centric cockpit layout. The cabin features a unique split-cockpit arrangement where the two sports seats are separated by a tall centre console. This design enhances the feeling of exclusivity while keeping the focus on the driver.

Instead of a traditional central infotainment screen, Ferrari has given it a minimalist dashboard layout. The driver gets a large 16-inch digital instrument display that presents all performance and vehicle information clearly. The passenger also gets their own small 9-inch screen, allowing them to view performance data and interact with certain vehicle functions.

A noteworthy change inside the Testarossa is the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel. Ferrari has reintroduced tactile controls after its earlier all-haptic setup wasn’t well received by the audience. You get a three-spoke steering wheel and carbon fibre finishes around the AC vents and steering wheel. 

Overall, the cabin feels sporty and is not loaded with large screens like most modern cars. Instead, you get a nice combination of physical buttons and smaller displays for your controls. You get multiple customisation options for the interior theme, seat colour and even seat belt colour. 

Features

Despite its performance-focused nature, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa comes equipped with a range of modern technology and connectivity features. Apart from the above-mentioned 16- and 9-inch displays, the cabin includes a seven-speaker audio system along with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get features like a wireless phone charger and connected car tech. 

The car also benefits from Ferrari’s latest vehicle dynamics software, including advanced torque vectoring and stability systems designed to manage the immense hybrid powertrain. These technologies ensure the car remains both incredibly fast and manageable at the limit.

While safety in a supercar primarily revolves around structural rigidity and electronic driver aids, Ferrari equips the 849 Testarossa with several advanced systems. The car features Ferrari’s latest Side Slip Control system, which constantly monitors traction and dynamically adjusts power delivery to maintain stability.

The hybrid drivetrain’s all-wheel-drive system, combined with advanced traction and stability control systems, ensures optimal grip under extreme acceleration and high-speed cornering. High-performance ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels provide immense stopping power to match the car’s performance capabilities.

You also get safety features like 4 airbags, a TPMS, and an advanced traction control system. It also comes with a plethora of ADAS features.

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa features a plug-in hybrid powertrain built around a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. This engine alone produces around 830 PS, making it one of the most powerful V8 engines developed by Ferrari to date.

The combustion engine is paired with three electric motors: two mounted on the front axle and one positioned between the engine and the gearbox. Together, the system produces a combined output of about 1,050 horsepower and sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As you would expect, performance figures are nothing short of extraordinary. Ferrari claims the Testarossa can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of around 330 kmph. The plug-in hybrid system also includes a 7.45 kWh battery pack that enables limited electric-only driving, with a range of up to around 25 km.

The Ferrari 849 Testarossa represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s modern road-car engineering, blending flagship performance with advanced hybrid technology. By reviving the legendary Testarossa nameplate and pairing it with a futuristic design and top-notch performance, Ferrari has created a flagship supercar that honours its heritage while pushing toward the future.

Once launched, it will serve as one of Ferrari’s most advanced production models and compete directly with high-performance hybrids like the Lamborghini Revuelto, offering a combination of V8 magic, electrification, and unmistakable Ferrari character.