Ferrari 849 Testarossa Debuts in Milan

If we’re honest, current Ferrari mid-engine supercar nomenclature seems a little…off. 296 GTB/GTS? SF90 Stradale? It all means something – Ferrari’s model names always do – but it seems too jet-like, too scientific, too…numerical. What happened to the good old days of the the 308 Berlinetta Boxer? The Enzo? The TheFerrari?

The…Testarossa?

Well, our calls have been answered because that legendary name – translation, “red head” due to its having red cam covers — is coming back as a dry-sump 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid hypercar (official designation: “849 Testarossa” — guess they just couldn’t help themselves re: the numbers thing) capable of making 1,050 horsepower from the gas engine and three electric motors. Two of those sit up front, while one sits at the rear, attached to the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. They add power but also all-wheel-drive and the ability to cruise in EV mode for about 25 km. Like the recently-released Lamborghini Revuelto and Temerario, the Testarossa’s EV mode is more about moving around your neighbourhood (likely the streets of Monte Carlo or Lake Como) quietly and efficiently.

Once out on the open road (or track), lucky Testarossa drivers will have to brace themselves for a 0-100 km/h time of a scant 2.3-seconds, plus a top speed of over 330 km/h. The chassis and body are all in on the game, too, and the features that help the Testarossa stick to the ground sound like something out of a science fiction novel or Boeing manual: twin tail, vorticity-generating air intakes, upper auxiliary inlet, outwash-maximizing vortex generators – it’s a mouthful, all in the name of reducing lap times. The Testarossa is also adopting the styling language that debuted on the recently-released F80, meaning a squared-off nose, stepped side flanks and body creases that look like they could sabre a champagne bottle. Two new colours will also be offered: Rosso Fiammante and Rosso Corsa in a pastel shade.

Inside, the dashboard has been designed to mimic the cockpit of a single-seat formula car (something Ferrari knows a thing or two about), as well as a gear selector styled to look like the classic “gated” Ferrari shifters of old. Like the Temerario, the gauge cluster is fully digitized and there’s an additional display in front of the passenger so they can get in on the fun as well. Add a flat-bottom steering wheel adorned with a bright red starter button as well as the now iconic “Manettino” drive mode selector switch and the Ferrari family vibes are strong.

If all that’s not enough, Ferrari will also be releasing an Asetto Fiorano trim package that cuts weight, increases aero performance (MORE vortex generators! BIGGER spoilers!) with triple the downforce of the standard car and an even stiffer chassis with single-rate Multimatic shocks. Even stickier rubber comes courtesy of a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

 

It may look like never before both inside and out, and it may have eschewed the naturally aspirated V12 of the last Testarossa, but you can be sure that the performance offered will make folks quickly forget…until they return to their garage, where they keep their 1994 512 TR. You know, for the sunnier days.