
Photo Credit: Ferrari
With the SF90 Stradale reaching the end of its production run, Ferrari needed a worthy successor to take the crown at the top of its range. That successor has finally been unveiled, bringing with it the revival of a legendary name. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid super-sports berlinetta, pairing three electric motors with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The Testarossa name originated in 1956, referencing the red cam covers found only on Ferrari’s most extreme, high-end, and iconic racing engines, beginning with the 500 TR. It later became synonymous with one of Ferrari’s most famous road-going models, the 1984 Testarossa. In the new 849 Testarossa, the mid-rear-mounted twin-turbo V8 comes from a family of engines that has won multiple International Engine of the Year awards, though it has been extensively re-engineered. The result is a peak output of 830 cv, thanks in part to a newly developed turbo—the largest Ferrari has ever fitted. Complementing the V8 are three electric motors, a high-voltage battery, and an inverter that contribute an additional 220 cv, bringing the total output to a staggering 1,050 cv.

For vehicle dynamics, Ferrari used the SF90 as a benchmark, but with a focus on delivering more power, grip, and responsiveness. At the heart of this system is the Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE), which evaluates the car’s behavior in real time and relays data to the vehicle’s dynamic control systems, including the ABS Evo braking system. This integration enhances every aspect of the car’s handling, making responses sharper, more precise, and more repeatable. Despite incorporating additional hybrid components, the 849 Testarossa weighs the same as the SF90 Stradale, thanks to extensive weight-reduction measures. The result is a power-to-weight ratio unmatched by any other Ferrari currently in the lineup.

The 849 Testarossa is expected to debut in 2027, with a Spider and Assetto Fiorano trims. The Assetto Fiorano maximizes dynamic and aerodynamic performance. This special version reduces weight by 30 kg and features exclusive content unavailable on the standard model. All trims will offer extensive personalization options, including two new colors developed specifically for the car: Rosso Fiamante and Giallo Ambra.

Photo Credit: Ferrari