Ferrari Revives the Testarossa Name With 1,036-HP Hybrid Flagship

A Name That Defined an Era Returns

The Ferrari Testarossa is inseparable from the 1980s and early ’90s. Its wide stance and signature side strakes made it one of the most recognizable cars of its time. From bedroom posters to video games, the Testarossa name defines a generation that saw it as the ultimate Italian supercar.

Now, the name returns as the new 849 Testarossa, previewed by a trademark filing discovered in July. Veering away from the wedge-shaped grand tourer of yesteryears, the new Testarossa is a high-tech, plug-in hybrid berlinetta positioned as the successor to the SF90 Stradale. The intent is clear: this is a Ferrari built for clients who want the pinnacle of performance without sacrificing comfort or refinement.

Design Rooted in History and Function

The 849 Testarossa takes inspiration from Ferrari’s 1970s Sports Prototypes and the 512 S. The body features sharp, geometric forms, but the most striking feature is the twin-tail rear, a nod to Ferrari’s endurance racers, paired with an integrated active spoiler. The car generates 915 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, 55 pounds more than the SF90, while still reducing drag thanks to new underbody and diffuser work. Doors double as aerodynamic ducts, sculpted to direct air into the intercoolers and rear brakes.

Up front, structured volumes and a horizontal fascia connect the headlights, a styling cue already seen on Ferrari’s latest 12Cilindri and F80. At the rear, the muscular bumper features twin round tailpipes and a full-width diffuser, creating a stance that is both aggressive and aerodynamically efficient. Forged wheels, developed in collaboration with the aerodynamics department, feature distinctive profiles to manage airflow around the arches.

Inside, the cockpit is shaped like a single-seater but softened by a berlinetta’s layout. A horizontal dash with floating C-shaped vents frames the main controls and screens. The new steering wheel combines mechanical buttons, including the classic Engine Start switch, with digital functions that adjust the eManettino drive modes. The central tunnel has been reworked to house secondary controls more efficiently, and the sail motif carries over into the door cards. Two seating options are available: sculpted comfort seats or lightweight carbon-fiber racing seats. Connectivity comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging, supported by Ferrari’s connected services app.

More Powerful Than the SF90

At the core of the 849 Testarossa is a heavily re-engineered version of Ferrari’s award-winning twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8. It produces 819 horsepower at 7,500 rpm with 621 lb-ft of torque, a 67-hp increase over its predecessor. The gains come from a larger turbocharger, new intercoolers, revised intake systems, and lighter internal components, including titanium fasteners and Inconel exhaust manifolds. Despite these upgrades, the engine’s weight has been held in check thanks to race-inspired machining and the use of recycled aluminum castings.

The hybrid system adds three electric motors: two on the front axle and one on the rear. Together, they contribute an additional 217 hp, bringing total system output to 1,036 hp. It’s more powerful than the outgoing SF90, but falls short compared to the most powerful Ferrari currently available, the F8, which produces 1,184 hp.

A compact 7.45 kWh battery enables up to 15.5 miles of electric-only driving in eDrive mode, while the eManettino allows the driver to switch between Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify modes. Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electronic all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring.

Ferrari quotes a sub-2.3 second sprint to 62 mph, 6.35 seconds to 124 mph, and a top speed north of 205 mph. Around Fiorano, the 849 Testarossa completes a lap in 1 minute, 17.5 seconds, bettering the SF90 Stradale’s time. Braking from 124 mph takes just 354 feet, assisted by a revised brake-by-wire system and Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller.

No Pricing Yet, But If You Have to Ask…

Ferrari has designed the 849 Testarossa to be extremely high-tech, with the FIVE system acting as a digital twin. The system models the car’s behavior in real time and feeds data into the traction, differential, and braking systems. This allows finer control of vehicle dynamics, making performance both more predictable and more accessible. ADAS features such as adaptive cruise, emergency braking, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard.

Pricing has yet to be officially disclosed, but given its position above the SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa will likely command a premium. Just like other Ferraris, buyers can expect a full suite of personalization options, including new Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra paint finishes, Alcantara interiors, and wheel designs. The Assetto Fiorano package, with lighter materials and track-focused aerodynamics, offers an even sharper edge.

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