The return of the Testarossa name is never a trivial decision. With the unveiling of the 849 Testarossa, Ferrari resurrects one of the most evocative names in its history and places it at the very pinnacle of its range. This new plug-in hybrid super sports berlinetta replaces the SF90 Stradale and surpasses it in virtually every measurable category.
From the very first kilometres behind the wheel, the numbers become tangible. The completely re-engineered twin-turbocharged V8 produces 830 hp on its own, while three electric motors contribute a further 220 hp, bringing total output to an astonishing 1,050 hp. The result is one of the highest power figures ever achieved by a production Ferrari. Yet the statistics tell only part of the story. The new turbochargers — the largest ever fitted to a road-going Ferrari — deliver explosive acceleration, while refined calibration strategies minimise lag and preserve the immediacy that has long defined Ferrari’s V8 lineage.
Drawing directly from Ferrari’s motorsport expertise, the hybrid architecture incorporates two electric motors on the front axle, enabling torque vectoring and all-wheel drive, alongside a rear-mounted MGU-K system inspired by Formula One technology. The result is breathtaking longitudinal acceleration and exceptional lateral precision. Through high-speed corners, the car feels almost glued to the tarmac, with electronic systems working in perfect harmony with a revised suspension geometry and the ABS Evo braking system, delivering confidence and clarity at the limit.
In Assetto Fiorano specification, the 849 Testarossa sharpens its focus even further. A 30 kg weight reduction, achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre and titanium — including 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels and lightweight tubular racing seats — improves responsiveness under both acceleration and braking. The aerodynamic developments are equally dramatic. Enlarged front flicks and additional vortex generators optimise airflow, while at the rear, two high-incidence wings replace the previous twin-fin architecture. The visual and dynamic effect is striking, tripling rear downforce compared to the standard configuration without a significant drag penalty.
At 250 km/h, total downforce reaches 415 kg, 25 kg more than the SF90 Stradale, while cooling efficiency improves by 15 per cent. The synergy between form and function is evident throughout, with styling cues drawn from 1970s sports prototypes translated into sharp architectural lines and powerfully sculpted surfaces.
Inside, the cockpit combines single-seater racing inspiration with handcrafted refinement. The central sail-shaped design incorporates a gear selector grille inspired by the F80, while the new steering wheel reintroduces tactile mechanical controls, including Ferrari’s iconic red start button. Despite its extreme performance capabilities, comfort and ergonomics remain exemplary. The 849 Testarossa Assetto Fiorano stands as a technological manifesto — a machine designed for those who demand the ultimate expression of performance, innovation, and heritage in a truly uncompromising statement.
