Ferrari Replaces SF90 Stradale With Hot New, Mightier 849 Testarossa
Ferrari’s half-dozen debuts planned for 2025 continue. Following the Amalfi, which takes over from the Roma, meet the all-new 849 Testarossa, heir to the SF90 Stradale. Despite using a name that revives one of the most famous Ferraris in history, this car is decidedly modern in every way.
Let's start with the exterior design, which incorporates larger air intakes at the front and sides, in particular to meet the cooling requirements of the new engine (more on that later). The silhouette can be seen as a reinterpretation of the original Testarossa, although with a vertical black band on the sides in place of the horizontal strakes.
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At the rear, the two fixed wing sections are reminiscent of the Ferrari 512 S from the 1970s, while the active wing in the middle is inspired by the SF90 Stradale and 296. The latter provides 100 kg (220 lbs) of downforce at a speed of 250 km/h, for a total of 415 kg (915 lbs), which is 25 kg (55 lbs) more than the SF90 Stradale. In terms of weight, however, the two cars are identical, which is a credit to Ferrari's engineers.
Naturally, the company has planned a convertible variant (Spider), this one featuring a retractable hardtop and a reinforced chassis, as well as an Assetto Fiorano package that lightens the 849 Testarossa by 30 kg (66 lbs) and gives it a stiffer suspension.
Inside, the latest creation from Maranello doesn't stray too far from the SF90 Stradale, except for the centre console and the flying bridge that connects it to the dashboard. The gear selector is located in a raised area on the console and there's no centre touchscreen, as the entire infotainment system goes through the digital interface in front of the driver. You'll also notice that there's no screen facing the passenger, which is a departure from recent models like the 12Cilindri.
Up to 1,036 Horsepower
Now, let's get down to more serious business. While the 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid supercar like its predecessor, the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 gets new cylinder heads, a modified intake, lighter camshafts and most importantly new, larger turbochargers. The engine alone generates 819 horsepower and 621 lb-ft of torque.
When the three electric motors kick in, total output rises to 1,036 horsepower. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time remains unchanged at 2.3 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h time drops to 6.35 seconds. As for braking, look for a 100-0 km/h stopping distance of 28.5 metres (thanks to larger front discs and redesigned rear calipers) along with more progressive action from the brake pedal. The wheels once again measure 20 inches.
Trips in pure EV mode can be done using a maximum of 161 horsepower, and the 7.45kWh battery provides a range of 25 km according to the WLTP test cycle—enough to silently drive through peaceful neighbourhoods and crowded downtown areas.
If you can afford it, orders for the Ferrari 849 Testarossa are already being taken, but you probably should act real fast—and be patient. The first units to land in Canada could be a year and a half away.
