Ferrari revives Testarossa name with new 849 hybrid supercar

Ferrari has unveiled the 849 Testarossa, a radical new flagship that blends cutting-edge hybrid technology with a name steeped in Maranello history. The new model replaces the SF90 Stradale at the top of the range and introduces a modern interpretation of Ferrari’s iconic 1980s Testarossa while delivering unprecedented performance for a road car.

At the heart of the 849 Testarossa is Ferrari’s re-engineered twin-turbo V8, producing 830 cv on its own. Combined with three electric motors, the plug-in hybrid system raises total output to 1050 cv, 50 more than the outgoing SF90. The layout includes two electric motors on the front axle for torque vectoring and four-wheel drive, and one motor on the rear axle derived from Formula 1 technology.

A 7.45 kWh battery enables up to 25 km of pure electric driving, while four modes – eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify – optimize output for different conditions.

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Ferrari’s engineering team has focused on reducing weight while increasing performance. Titanium components, recycled aluminium castings, and machining techniques inspired by racing engines help deliver the best power-to-weight ratio ever in a Ferrari range model.

The 849 Testarossa features a host of dynamic upgrades. A new ABS Evo controller sharpens braking precision, while revised suspension geometry, lighter springs, and recalibrated dampers enhance agility and comfort. Ferrari’s advanced digital control system, FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator), creates a real-time “digital twin” of the car to improve traction, braking distribution, and stability.

Together, these systems allow the 849 to stop harder, accelerate quicker, and corner with greater precision than the SF90, all while retaining daily drivability. Tyres co-developed with Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone further tailor the handling for track or road use.

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The design, overseen by Flavio Manzoni, draws inspiration from Ferrari’s 1970s Sports Prototypes and the legendary 512 S, combining sharp, geometric lines with functional aero. The car generates 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, a 25 kg increase over the SF90. Active elements, including a lightweight rear spoiler that switches between low-drag and high-downforce modes in under a second, balance stability with efficiency.

The sculpted doors double as aerodynamic ducts, feeding the intercoolers and brakes, while the twin-tail rear architecture integrates seamlessly with the active wing. Cooling capacity has been improved by 15 per cent, vital for both the uprated V8 and hybrid system.

The interior continues Ferrari’s driver-focused philosophy, featuring an enveloping cockpit layout and a new steering wheel with mechanical controls, including the iconic red start button. A redesigned gear-change gate, inspired by the F80, sits in the central sail motif, while the new HMI system simplifies interaction. Connectivity includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging, supported by the MyFerrari Connect app.

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For clients seeking even greater performance, the optional Assetto Fiorano package cuts weight by 30 kg using carbon fibre and titanium, adds stiffer suspension, and introduces aggressive aero elements. Exclusive liveries and bespoke wheel options expand Ferrari’s personalisation programme.

The revival of the Testarossa name pays homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage. First used in 1956 to describe the red cam covers of competition engines, the badge later defined one of Ferrari’s most recognisable road cars of the 1980s. The new 849 Testarossa continues that lineage, combining tradition with the most advanced technology ever fitted to a Ferrari.

With blistering performance, striking design, and cutting-edge hybrid innovation, the 849 Testarossa cements its place as Ferrari’s new benchmark supercar – and a worthy bearer of a legendary name.

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