Prepare to be captivated by the revival of a legend as Ferrari unveils the spectacular 849 Testarossa, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of supercars! This iteration of a timeless classic slots perfectly within Ferrari’s renowned lineup of mid-engined beauties, sitting just below the rare F80 and above the dynamic 296 GTB, serving as a glorious successor to the remarkable SF90. As with all modern marvels from the prancing horse, the 849 Testarossa is forged with an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain that has undergone a revolutionary overhaul compared to its SF90 predecessor. The much-anticipated model is set to grace the market in 2026, offering two tantalizing variants: the sleek Berlinetta coupé and the striking drop-top Spider. While the official pricing remains under wraps, you can expect it to far exceed the impressive prices of the SF90 and SF90 Spider, which retailed for €440,000 and €468,000 respectively.
For those eager to embrace the Ferrari spirit without the wait, a pre-owned Ferrari 488 GTB can be yours for just over €150,000 through select channels. The heart of the 849 Testarossa is a formidable plug-in hybrid system, inspired by the SF90, that allows the vehicle to unleash a staggering combined output of 1,035 horsepower—a robust 48 hp more than the SF90! The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine delivers a phenomenal 818 hp and a massive 1,141 Nm of torque, doubling the power of the legendary original Testarossa’s 390 hp and 490 Nm. While this new V8 bears resemblance to its SF90 counterpart, Ferrari has meticulously fine-tuned it to extract even greater power. The enhancements include newly designed cylinder heads, a revamped engine block, fresh intake systems, and larger turbochargers inspired by the F80 hypercar. Ferrari promises that the 849 Testarossa will produce that intoxicating Ferrari sound “in all driving conditions,” thanks to improvements in the exhaust manifold and the innovative “gearshift strategy” drawn from the exhilarating SF90 XX Stradale. To maximize performance, the rev limit has been thoughtfully elevated to an exhilarating 8,200 rpm, surpassing the previous 8,000 rpm redline.
The dynamic potential of the 849 Testarossa is further amplified by a trio of electric motors—two mounted on the front axle and one at the rear—providing an impressive 217 hp. Although this electric output mirrors that of the SF90, Ferrari has completely reconfigured the entire system for a more seamless and natural driving experience during brake regeneration, plus enhanced thermal efficiency that broadens the electric motors' performance range. While the all-electric driving range stands at 25 kilometers (a detail most Testarossa enthusiasts may overlook), the real magic lies in how this beauty accelerates. The astonishing 0-100 km/h time is clocked at a scintillating 2.3 seconds—impressive though slightly shy of the F80’s 2.15 seconds, yet still bolting 0.2 seconds faster than the SF90. Ferrari confidently projects that the 849 Testarossa will achieve a thrilling top speed of over 340 km/h.
Weighing in at 1,570 kg, the 849 Testarossa is perfectly balanced, with 45% of its mass at the front and 55% at the rear. Although the Spider’s retractable metal roof adds an additional 90 kg, the balanced weight distribution remains intact. Drawing inspiration from the SF90, Ferrari focused on enhancing power, grip, and responsiveness. The Testarossa boasts larger brake discs and pads across the board, improved cooling systems, and lighter suspension springs that reduce overall weight by 35%. Drivers will enjoy an exhilarating ride with a selection of Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone tires, paired with refined acceleration mapping in third gear. Driving modes, selectable via Ferrari’s signature ‘eManettino’ switch on the steering wheel, include eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. In its most spirited Qualify mode, the Testarossa can lap Ferrari’s famed Fiorano test track in just over one minute and 17 seconds—just two seconds shy of the F80, and a tantalizing 0.2 seconds behind the track-tuned SF90 XX.
Aerodynamically, the 849 Testarossa is a marvel of modern engineering, generating a staggering 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h—25 kg more than the SF90. Remarkably, Ferrari has improved engine and brake cooling by 15%, ensuring that every ounce of airflow is utilized effectively. Its downforce design is smartly divided, with 35% created beneath the vehicle, alongside a sophisticated active rear wing derived from both the SF90 and the 296 GTB. This wing can transition between ‘low drag’ and ‘high downforce’ configurations in under a second, yielding an impressive 100 kg of downforce in its most aggressive setup.
With the iconic Testarossa badge, the 849 carries the weight of history on its shoulders—an expectation of extraordinary design, reminiscent of its 1980s predecessor, the legendary Testarossa. Gone are the famed side strakes and retro pop-up headlights; instead, the 849’s design boldly charges into the future. Yet, it still pays homage with elegant design features, such as the double tail flicks above the rear lights, inspired by the classic 512 S. The contemporary geometric front end hearkens back to the 1980s, while the ‘horizontal fascia’ resonates with modern Ferrari aesthetics, tying it beautifully to the F80 and the 12Cilindri. This bold model rolls on striking 20-inch, aero-optimized forged wheels.
The 849 Testarossa Spider showcases a design almost identical to its hard-top sister, but its standout feature is the remarkable folding roof, which operates seamlessly in just 14 seconds—impressive even at speeds approaching 43 km/h. Inside the cabin, the layout strikes a chord of familiarity with the SF90, boasting an intricate driver-focused cockpit. A wraparound dashboard encapsulates an intuitive gear selector and climate control—complemented by a massive digital display, seamlessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Steering feels authentically Ferrari thanks to its classic design and the inclusion of an eManettino switch for driving modes. Among the notable changes is the physical engine start button, a welcome upgrade from the previous model’s touch-sensitive option.
Luxury and performance converge in interior design, offering two seat options: a plush ‘comfort’ style or a sleek carbon-fiber racing bucket seat. To heighten the exclusivity of the 849 Testarossa, the Assetto Fiorano trim package is available, shedding an additional 30 kg through increased use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and titanium, even featuring 20-inch carbon wheels. Additional upgrades maximize downforce and fine-tune suspension, but tire selection is limited to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 rubber. Enthusiasts can choose between two striking colors for the Assetto Fiorano: the pristine Bianco Cervino and the bold Rosso Corsa. This astonishing blend of heritage and cutting-edge engineering promises that the 849 Testarossa will not just be an automobile, but a piece of art that defines the very future of engineering excellence!