The Ferrari 849 Testarossa name carries a legacy few supercars can match. Unlike the original '80s icon, this modern iteration favors subtle retro cues over side strakes, blending classic design inspiration with contemporary engineering.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the 500 TR, the 849 Testarossa represents one of Ferrari's most powerful V8 hybrids. Iconic red cam covers remain a signature touch, while the V8 sits lower in the cockpit, emphasizing driver-focused performance and handling.
Ferrari executives say the revival reflects the technical advancements of the SF90 Stradale platform, marrying heritage aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering for a truly modern hypercar.
Powertrain Evolution: 830 HP V8 Hybrid
Under the hood, the 849 Testarossa houses a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, upgraded with new cylinder heads, exhaust manifolds, plenums, and a refined valvetrain. The redesigned block and largest turbos ever fitted to a Ferrari production car deliver exhilarating performance.
With low-friction bearings borrowed from the F80 and heat shielding from the 296 GT3, the engine now produces 830 horsepower, a 50 hp increase over the SF90 Stradale and 20 hp more than the XX track variant. This impressive power output rivals other high-performance Ferrari models in our coverage.
The hybrid system remains, with one rear motor and two front motors providing 16 miles of electric-only driving. Recalibrated software ensures smoother torque delivery and energy recovery, while the upgraded eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox unites the powertrain for stunning acceleration: 0-62 mph in 2.25 seconds and 0-124 mph in 6.35 seconds.
Chassis, Suspension, and Aerodynamics
The 849 retains the SF90 Stradale's aluminum architecture and a dry weight of 1,570 kg. Ferrari revised the suspension and, paired with four tailor-made tire options, reduces body roll by 10% while enhancing cornering precision. Brakes feature 420mm front discs and 370mm rear discs with upgraded calipers for stopping power to match the car's rapid acceleration.
Aerodynamic design draws inspiration from the 1970s 512S and 512M race cars, featuring a twin-tail rear deck and pronounced high shoulder lines. Functional tweaks add 25kg of downforce at 155 mph, while the Assetto Fiorano package reduces weight by 30kg and boosts downforce by 25% using carbon fiber and titanium components.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The 849 Testarossa introduces Ferrari's ABS Evo brake-by-wire system and the Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE). ABS Evo ensures consistent braking feel, while FIVE employs advanced sensors to estimate parameters such as yaw angle, optimizing traction control and torque vectoring. Ferrari claims these innovations are seamless for drivers yet improve lap times, including a 1.5-second gain around Fiorano.
The cockpit has been redesigned for a wraparound, driver-focused experience. Physical buttons replace haptic controls, enhancing usability, while luggage space remains modest with a 74-liter compartment under the bonnet.
Pricing, Availability, and Variants
The 849 Testarossa starts at €460,000, with the Spider variant at €500,000. The Assetto Fiorano package adds €52,000, offering lightweight components and improved aerodynamics. First UK deliveries are expected in the second half of 2026, followed shortly by the Spider variant.
Ferrari positions the 849 as a near-F80 performer for roughly one-sixth of the price, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking a hybrid hypercar with iconic styling and track-ready performance. This pricing strategy places it among other elite performance vehicles we've featured.
Why the 849 Testarossa Matters
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa exemplifies how heritage and innovation merge in a modern hypercar. With an 830 hp V8 hybrid powertrain, advanced suspension, and Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that is collectible, historically resonant, and technologically impressive.
This latest Ferrari joins an exclusive group of exceptional performance machines that push the boundaries of automotive engineering. Like other recent hypercar reveals, the 849 Testarossa represents the pinnacle of modern automotive achievement.
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