- Ferrari 849 Testarossa revealed
- Testarossa name returns after almost 30 years
- Both coupe and Spider retractable hardtop unveiled
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain with 1,036hp
- EV driving range of up to 15 miles
- No pop-up headlights (sadly!)
Miami Vice fans, eat your hearts out, because the Ferrari Testarossa is back - and it’s packing more than 1,000hp.
The Testarossa was an undisputed pin-up of the 1980s and early 90s, with an iconic white example famously driven by Don Johnson's Vice character Sonny Crockett.
A white Testarossa was also piloted by actor Leonardo Di Caprio in the 2013 flick The Wolf of Wall Street, which cemented the car’s status in pop culture.
Now, after a 30 year hiatus, Ferrari has blown the dust of its Testarossa name with TWO new cars - the 849 Testarossa coupe and 849 Testarossa Spider convertible.
New Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid
When the last Testarossa rolled off the production line back in 1996 it produced around 440hp from its 4.9-litre flat-12, naturally aspirated engine (which is actually less power than you get with a modern BMW M2) and could accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.
The new 849 Testarossa, on the other hand, is a plug-in hybrid packing 1,036hp, courtesy of a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 and battery electric set-up.
It will rocket from 0-62mph in just 2.3 seconds, with power put to the road via an 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox.
How does that compare to rivals? Both the 1,015hp Lamborghini Revuelto (another PHEV) and the 1,079hp Aston Martin Valhalla (yep, also a PHEV) will do the 0-62mph sprint in 2.5 seconds. So, the new Testarossa has the competition licked.
Besides the brutal acceleration, you also get a top speed of 205mph - and those performance stats stand for both the coupe and the convertible.
As it’s a plug-in hybrid, the thoroughly-modern hypercar is also capable of travelling up to 15 miles using electricity alone.
The 849 Testarossa will replace the SF90 Stradale in Ferrari’s line-up, and is more powerful (by around 50hp) than the car it ousts.
But does the new Testarossa really look like a Testarossa of old?
You’ll have your own opinions here.
The instantly-recognisable horizontal ‘cheese grater’ side strakes in the doors of the 80s car are no more, which is a shame. You’ll be sad to hear there are no pop-up headlights either.
(Classic Testarossa, above, credit RM Sotheby’s)
There are, however, deep side intakes around the doors with contrasting black elements that echo the vents of the old Testarossa.
And there’s also a horizontal fascia at the front which conjures up images of the flat front ends of many Ferraris from the ‘80s.
Perhaps controversially, the 849 introduces a ‘twin-tail’ style rear end, inspired by Ferrari sports prototypes of the ’70s and also linking back to the Testarossa’s reputation for dramatic rear design.
Ferrari has equipped the car with its most advanced driver aids to date.
A new ABS Evo system improves braking precision while extensive weight-saving work ensures the car maintains the best power-to-weight ratio of any Ferrari in series production.
The active rear spoiler and reworked underfloor contribute to 415 kg of downforce at 155mph, an increase on the SF90, along with improved cooling for both the powertrain and brakes.
Inside, Ferrari has focused on driver immersion. A redesigned cockpit features an F80-inspired gear gate, new multifunction steering wheel with physical controls, and an upgraded infotainment system compared with the SF90.
Where does the ‘Testarossa’ name come from, exactly?
It means ‘red head’ in Italian and was first used in the 1950s to describe the red-painted cylinder heads on Ferrari’s racing engines. Now the legend lives on.
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is expected to be priced from around £400,000 (for the coupe) when it goes on sale next year.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Leapmotor launches sporty new electric hatch
- VW ID. Cross breaks cover
- Incoming BMW iX3 gets 500-mile range
- VW ID. Polo set for 2026 launch!
- Jaecoo 7 - the success story continues
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
