The Testarossa name is back, and it’s not just a nostalgia trip—it’s a 1,050-horsepower hybrid beast that screams Ferrari’s future. Unveiled in Milan on September 9, 2025, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa replaces the SF90 Stradale, blending a re-engineered twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors to deliver neck-snapping performance and a design that’s pure Maranello magic. X users are buzzing, with one posting, “1,050 HP and a 2.3-second sprint? Ferrari’s Testarossa is back with vengeance!” As a lifelong Prancing Horse fan who’s had a Testarossa poster on my wall since the ‘80s, I’m diving into the specs, price, release date, hybrid powertrain, and design of this game-changer. Buckle up—this is Ferrari at its fiercest.
The original Testarossa, launched in 1984, was a flat-12 icon with pop-up headlights and side strakes that defined ‘80s cool. The new 849 Testarossa trades retro vibes for cutting-edge tech, but subtle nods to its heritage—like the red cam covers echoing the 1956 500 TR—keep the soul alive. With a 0-62 mph sprint in 2.3 seconds, a 205-mph top speed, and a Fiorano lap time of 1:17.5, it’s a street-legal rocket that outpaces its predecessor. Here’s the full scoop on why the 849 Testarossa is Ferrari’s boldest move yet.
Powertrain: A 1,050 HP Hybrid Monster
At the heart of the 849 Testarossa is a heavily upgraded 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (code F154FC), pumping out 830 horsepower and 621 lb-ft of torque—50 hp more than the SF90’s V8. Ferrari’s engineers didn’t mess around, fitting the largest IHI turbochargers ever on a production Ferrari, with F80-derived low-friction bearings and 296 GT3-inspired heat shields to keep things cool. New cylinder heads, a redesigned block, titanium fasteners, and a wider Inconel exhaust manifold crank the revs to 8,300 rpm, delivering a soundtrack that’s pure Ferrari fire. X users raved, “That V8 howl at 8,300 rpm? Chills.”
Three electric motors—two up front for torque vectoring and one (MGU-K) between the V8 and eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox—add 220 hp, pushing the total to 1,050 hp (772 kW). The 7.45-kWh battery, carried over from the SF90, offers 15.5 miles (25 km) of electric-only range at up to 81 mph. Ferrari’s chief product officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, told CarExpert, “The hybrid system fills torque at low revs, so there’s zero lag—like an F1 car.” The result? A 0-62 mph sprint in 2.25 seconds, 0-124 mph in 6.3 seconds, and a top speed over 205 mph (330 km/h).
The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, tweaked from the SF90 XX, shifts faster and amplifies the V8’s growl during upshifts, especially in Qualify mode. Four drive modes—eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify—let you dial in everything from silent EV cruising to track-ready fury. The Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) uses a 6D sensor to predict traction and yaw, making even amateur drivers feel like Charles Leclerc.
Design: Futuristic Flair with Retro Nods
Forget the ‘80s side strakes—Ferrari’s design chief, Flavio Manzoni, went full sci-fi with the 849 Testarossa. The coupe and Spider variants sport sharp, geometric lines inspired by the 1970s 512 S race car, with twin-tail rear winglets and an active spoiler that deploys in under a second. A gloss black trim bar links the headlights, echoing the F80 and 12Cilindri, while the front fascia subtly nods to the original Testarossa’s angular snout. At 155 mph, the car generates 415 kg (915 lbs) of downforce—25 kg more than the SF90—thanks to vortex generators and a redesigned underbody. Cooling is up 15%, with 18% larger radiators and 19% bigger intercoolers.
The Spider’s retractable hardtop folds in 14 seconds at up to 28 mph, adding ~200 lbs but keeping the coupe’s sleek proportions. The Assetto Fiorano package swaps the twin tails for a single stripe and shaves 66 lbs with carbon-fiber wheels and Alcantara seats, boosting track performance. New color options like Rosso Corsa Metallic and Giallo Ambra pop, with forged rims customizable for aero flair. X users called it “a spaceship with a Prancing Horse badge.”
Performance and Handling: Track Star, Street Charmer
The 849 Testarossa isn’t just about raw power—it’s a precision instrument. Weighing 1,570 kg (3,461 lbs) dry, it matches the SF90’s weight despite bigger turbos, thanks to lightweight components like titanium fasteners. The Assetto Fiorano trim drops another 30 kg. Ferrari’s ABS Evo brake-by-wire system and larger discs improve stopping power, while revised Magnaride dampers and 35% lighter springs sharpen handling. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, Pirelli P Zero R, or Bridgestone Potenza tires offer grip for every driving style.
On Ferrari’s Fiorano track, the 849 clocks a 1:17.5 lap—1.5 seconds faster than the SF90’s 1:19.0 and just 0.2 seconds off the SF90 XX. Fulgenzi claims its 0-62 mph time rivals an F1 car, though real-world tests (like MotorTrend’s 2.0-second 0-60 mph for the SF90) suggest it might dip below 2.3 seconds. The FIVE system and torque-vectoring front motors make cornering effortless, with 3% better lateral grip than the SF90.
Interior: Driver-First, Tech-Packed
Inside, the 849 Testarossa is a driver’s cockpit with F80-inspired touches. A wraparound layout frames the driver, with a central sail motif and raised gear selector for race-car vibes. The steering wheel ditches haptic controls for physical buttons, including the iconic red starter and eManettino dial. A digital cluster integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MyFerrari Connect, while a passenger display shows speed or navigation. Choose carbon-fiber racing seats or cushy comfort pews, wrapped in Alcantara or bespoke leather. X users loved the “back-to-basics buttons,” with one saying, “Ferrari finally listened—no more touchpad nonsense!”
Price and Release Date: A Premium Prancing Horse
Ferrari hasn’t announced U.S. pricing, but in Europe, the 849 Testarossa starts at €460,000 (~$540,000) for the coupe and €500,000 (~$586,000) for the Spider, with the Assetto Fiorano package adding ~$62,000. Expect U.S. prices to start around $600,000, topping the SF90’s $550,000 base, due to tariffs and upgrades. Production begins mid-2026 for the coupe, with the Spider following in Q3 2026. Australian buyers face a ~$850,000 starting point, with deliveries lagging by six months. Pre-orders are open now, so start begging your dealer.
Ferrari sweetens the deal with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, a seven-year maintenance program, and up to 16 years of hybrid component coverage, including battery replacements.
How It Stacks Up: Testarossa vs. Rivals
The 849 Testarossa takes on heavy hitters like the Lamborghini Revuelto and McLaren 750S. Here’s how it compares:
Ferrari 849 Testarossa vs. Competitors
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Horsepower | 0-62 MPH | Top Speed | Dry Weight (lbs) | Price (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 849 Testarossa | Twin-Turbo V8 + 3 e-motors | 1,050 HP | 2.3 sec | 205 mph | 3,461 | ~$600,000 |
| Lamborghini Revuelto | V12 + 3 e-motors | 1,001 HP | 2.5 sec | 217 mph | 3,915 | $604,366 |
| McLaren 750S | Twin-Turbo V8 + e-motor | 740 HP | 2.8 sec | 206 mph | 3,062 | $324,000 |
| Ferrari SF90 Stradale | Twin-Turbo V8 + 3 e-motors | 986 HP | 2.5 sec | 211 mph | 3,461 | $550,000 |
The 849 outpowers the Revuelto and crushes the 750S in acceleration, though Lamborghini’s V12 edges out in top speed. Its Fiorano lap time and torque vectoring give it a track edge, while the SF90’s lighter price tag makes it a value king by Ferrari standards.
Why the 849 Testarossa Matters
The 849 Testarossa isn’t just a spec sheet flex—it’s Ferrari saying, “We’re not done yet.” It blends hybrid efficiency with V8 fury, offering 15.5 miles of silent EV cruising or a 1:17.5 Fiorano lap that’ll make your heart race. The design, while missing the ‘80s strakes, turns heads with its futuristic aggression, and the cockpit feels like a fighter jet for the road. Critics on X debated the styling, with one user noting, “No pop-up lights, but that twin-tail rear is pure 512 S vibes.” Others griped about the SF90’s carryover platform, but Ferrari’s upgrades—bigger turbos, smarter electronics, better brakes—make this a proper evolution.
Challenges? The $600,000-plus price tag puts it out of reach for most, and the polarizing front fascia might not win over purists. Still, with 415 kg of downforce, a 1,050-hp hybrid setup, and a seven-year maintenance plan, it’s a supercar you can thrash daily or on track. Ferrari’s betting big on the Testarossa name, and it’s paying off.
A New Icon?
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a love letter to speed freaks and a middle finger to doubters. Its 1,050 hp, 2.3-second sprint, and track-honed handling redefine what a hybrid supercar can be. Whether you’re cruising in eDrive mode or redlining in Qualify, it’s a Prancing Horse that roars. Want one? Get in line—production starts in 2026, and dealers are taking orders now. Check out our Ferrari SF90 and 12Cilindri reviews for more Maranello magic, or visit Ferrari’s official site for updates. What’s your take—does the 849 live up to the Testarossa legacy? Drop a comment and let’s argue like true gearheads.
Source-ferrari.com
