Ferrari has unveiled the 849 Testarossa, its latest sports car. This model replaces the SF90 Stradale and features a hybrid plug-in super sport berlinetta design with three electric motors and a mid-rear twin-turbo V8, generating a total of 1,050 cv—50 cv more than its predecessor.
The 849 Testarossa is set as the flagship of Ferrari’s range, delivering exhilarating performance, comfort, and a design that blends futuristic features with historic elements. The name Testa Rossa evokes its heritage, first used in 1956 on the 500 TR and later on the legendary 1984 model.
At its core is a re-engineered twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 830 cv. This engine harnesses the largest turbocharger ever found in a Ferrari production car, enabling significant acceleration. The hybrid system includes one rear and two front electric motors, adding 220 cv for improved performance. An advanced four-wheel drive system and torque vectoring further enhance driving dynamics.
The 849 Testarossa features a brake-by-wire system and Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller for enhanced braking accuracy. A revised suspension improves handling, while a focus on weight reduction guarantees the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.
Aesthetically, the car takes inspiration from 1970s Sports Prototypes with its sharp, geometric lines, resulting in impressive aerodynamics—total downforce is rated at 415 kg at 250 km/h.
Inside, the cockpit features an ergonomic design, with a central sail motif and a modernised steering wheel with mechanical buttons. A new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) system improves driver interaction.
Powertrain
The hybrid powertrain combines the 830 CV twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, a high-voltage battery, and an inverter, delivering a total output of 1,050 CV.
Internal Combustion Engine
The internal combustion engine is Ferrari’s latest twin-turbo V8, producing 830 cv with a specific output of 208 cv/l, marking a 50 cv increase while maintaining the same displacement. This was achieved through a complete redesign of key components, including the turbocharger and engine block.
A new, larger turbocharger has been introduced, incorporating F80-derived low-friction bearings and a heat shield inspired by the 296 GT3 to improve thermal management. The compressor wheels and turbine have been optimised for materials and aerodynamics, with a refined calibration strategy to minimise turbo lag and enhance engine responsiveness. The intercooler has also been upgraded to support the increased power while improving thermal efficiency.
This increase in power is achieved with minimal weight gain thanks to racing-inspired machining, lighter camshafts, and titanium screws, leading to nearly a 10% improvement in weight-to-power ratio compared to the SF90 Stradale.
The Inconel® exhaust manifold has seen a 20% increase in duct diameter and a 10% increase in length for better performance and the iconic Ferrari sound. A flexible Inconel joint allows for high-temperature management without added weight. At the same time, the exhaust system includes gasoline particulate filters and a new ceramic matrix catalyst that complies with regulations without significantly increasing mass.
The 849 Testarossa introduces recycled aluminium alloys for engine castings, reducing CO₂ emissions per kilogram of aluminium by up to 80%, equating to a potential reduction of 0.4 tons of CO₂ equivalent per car.
ELECTRIC MOTORS AND HYBRID SYSTEM
The 849 Testarossa features a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) architecture inspired by the SF90 Stradale, combining a V8 internal combustion engine with three electric motors for a total output of 220 hp. Two of the motors on the front axle support the RAC-e (Electronic Cornering Set-Up Regulator) system, which enables all-wheel drive and torque vectoring to improve traction and efficiency. The rear axle houses the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic), utilising Formula 1 expertise.
This system has been refined for improved performance and driving comfort, with optimised calibration for interaction with the combustion engine. New active damping smooths engine idle and improves transitions between thermal and electric phases. Enhanced cooling strategies increase thermal efficiency by 10-12 °C, ensuring consistent electric performance during intensive use.
The braking regeneration strategy has also been enhanced for a smoother pedal feel and more natural deceleration. At the same time, the battery and motor management are calibrated for four selectable driving modes: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. In eDrive mode, the car can travel up to 25 km purely on electric power, thanks to a 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the chassis for optimal weight balance.
- In addition, there is a huge amount of details and information available on this latest Ferrari, which you can review on the Ferrari UK website here: https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB
