Ferrari 849 Testarossa replaces SF90 Stradale in the Prancing Horse’s range

This is the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa, a plug-in hybrid model that marks the return of one of the Prancing Horse’s most famous names.

The 849 Testarossa heads to the top of Ferrari’s range, replacing the SF90 Stradale, and is powered by a twin-turbo V8, alongside three electric motors. The Testarossa, also available in Spyder form, produces 1,036bhp (819bhp alone from the V8 engine), around 36bhp more than the outgoing SF90 Stradale.

The Testarossa name

First, let’s have a brief look at how the Testarossa got its name.

It was first used in 1956 on the 500 TR to describe the colour of the cam covers of Ferrari’s high-performance and iconic racing engines. It then reemerged nearly 30 years later as a name for one of Ferrari’s most famous road cars, the 1984 Testarossa. It was most notably used in the third series of the 1980s TV show Miami Vice, where it was driven by the character Sonny - played by Don Johnson. As a thanks for its significant cultural impact, Johnson was gifted a silver 1989 Testarossa by Enzo Ferrari. It was also later seen in Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Wolf of Wall Street.

Powertrain

At the heart of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa is its previously mentioned 1,036bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a twin-turbo V8 alongside three electric motors. Two of these motors handle a front wheel a piece, while the other supports the rear axle. Overall, the numbers represent a production record for Ferrari, with that power being controlled through an eight-speed dual-clutch F1-style paddleshift gearbox.

The completely reengineered powertrain has an advanced hybrid system derived from Ferrari’s motorsport division, while a new turbo is the largest ever fitted in a Ferrari production car, giving ‘unprecedented’ acceleration. The excess power has been achieved without adding too much weight, with a 10% improved power-to-weight ratio compared to the outgoing SF90 Stradale.

Electric range & performance numbers

The plug-in hybrid Testarossa’s 7.45kWh battery also provides 15 miles of electric-only range.

In terms of numbers, the engine has a limit of 8300 rpm, a top speed of 205mph and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.3 seconds. Around Fiorano, the 849 Testarossa managed a lap time of 1 minute 17 seconds, two seconds slower than the F80.

Aerodynamically, the Testarossa can generate 415kg of downforce at 155mph, which is 25kg more than the SF90. There is also an improvement in cooling, with a 15% increase offsetting the more powerful engine.

Exterior

Developed under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, who was tasked with improving what was seen on the SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa’s design has a futuristic look, but uses vertical and transverse lines inspired by aeronautics and sports prototypes of the 1970s. Sitting on

Front

Just like the F80 and 12Cilindri, the Testarossa’s front end is characterised by the horizontal fascia connecting the headlights. This feature has certainly been a contentious talking point since pictures of the car were first revealed, with its inclusion dividing opinion.

Rear

The rear is dominated by the two tails inspired by the 512 S, and aid aerodynamics along with the integrated active wing. The bumper adds to the Testarossa’s sporty stance, and the tail is completed by a full-width diffuser.

Interior

Inside, the layout is similar to what we’ve seen before on the SF90, with a driver-focused cockpit featuring a large screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and C-shaped air vents framed in aluminium. The new steering wheel has physical buttons and mechanical controls carried over from the F80, including the Engine Start button, while a digital cluster allows you to configure electric driving modes. In the middle sits a touchscreen for climate controls, while the passenger side has a screen to control things like settings and audio.

Two choices of seats are available in the 489 Testarossa. The comfort version is sculpted into the cockpit through their use of upholstery and styling, while the carbon fibre racing seats have sporty side bolsters.

There has also been a conscious effort to make better use of interior space, with accessibility improved by reducing the width of the bottom of the door panel and adjacent area, giving additional space for a rear bench and passenger side glove box.

Spider variant also revealed

Also revealed this week in Modena Yellow was the 849 Testarossa Spider variant featuring a folding metal hardtop, which adds an extra 90kg to its dry weight (1,660 kg). While similar in design to the regular version, the showstopping feature here is the 14 seconds it takes to open and close the roof, all while travelling up to 27mph.

However, to reduce the weight by 30kg, there is the option of the Assetto Fiorano trim level, which makes use of plenty of carbon fibre and titanium. It also comes completed in an exclusive livery available in Bianco Cervino and Rosso Corsa.

Pricing has yet to be revealed for the 849 Testarossa, although rumours suggest a starting figure of €460,000, an extra €40,000 for the Spider, with the Assetto Fiorano package costing a further €52,000. It is expected to go on sale at some point during 2026.

What’s the verdict?

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ferrari North Europe