The legend is reborn. The new Ferrari 849 Testarossa combines a twin-turbo V8 with electric motors to generate 1,036 horsepower of pure emotion.
- What makes the new Testarossa so special? It combines the iconic name with a 1,036-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain, redefining performance.
- What is the main technological innovation? The integration of three electric motors with a twin-turbo V8, offering brutal performance and purely electric driving capability.
- How does the design compare to the original model? While maintaining the wedge silhouette, the 849 Testarossa adopts a more futuristic aesthetic, with retro touches at the front and an innovative rear spoiler.
- Is a convertible version available? Yes, Ferrari revealed the Spider version simultaneously with the coupe, offering an open-top experience from launch.
- What is the expected price range? Although not officially disclosed, it is expected to be in the luxury hypercar category, with prices exceeding €500,000 or $550,000.
The roar of a legend echoes again in the automotive universe. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa, the direct successor to the SF90 Stradale, arrives to redefine the concept of a hybrid supercar. This machine is not just a tribute to the past, but a bold statement about the future of performance. Prepare for an unprecedented experience where tradition and innovation merge spectacularly.
For 1980s enthusiasts, the news is a delight: the Ferrari Testarossa is back! The new model, unveiled in Milan, revives one of the brand’s most iconic names, immediately associated with an era of luxury and speed. The new 849 Testarossa is undoubtedly a masterpiece of design and engineering, although the pop-up headlights remain a fond memory.
The overall design, while reminiscent of the original’s wedge silhouette, projects into the future. The front end, with its pointed nose and aggressive lower fascia, evokes the classic Testarossa aesthetic but with a modern interpretation. This balance between the familiar and the revolutionary is what makes it so captivating, keeping Ferrari’s lineage alive with a new look.
Looking at the three-quarter front view, there’s a clear inspiration from the Daytona SP3, with a fluid roofline, muscular rear fenders, and a cockpit that visually stands out with its contrasting black trim. This fusion of aesthetic elements creates a unique identity that respects the brand’s history while pointing towards new directions. Curiously, the SP3’s rear is more reminiscent of the original Testarossa than the new model, but this doesn’t diminish the 849’s charm.
The rear of the 849 Testarossa is remarkably minimalist, following the philosophy of Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid, the very car it replaces: the SF90 Stradale. A striking detail is the three-section “ducktail” spoiler, inspired by the 512 S. This piece expands dynamically, adjusting to the driving mode and conditions to optimize aerodynamic performance. It’s an example of how functionality integrates perfectly with form, a hallmark of Italian engineering.
Under the hood, or rather, in the mid-rear position, beats a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, an evolution of the legendary “red heads.” However, the big news is that this is a plug-in hybrid machine, much like the acclaimed Ferrari 296 Speciale 2026 with its impressive specs. The powertrain features two electric motors on the front axle and one on the rear, integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The combustion engine alone delivers 819 horsepower and 842 Nm of torque. Combined with the battery, the total output reaches an incredible 1,036 horsepower, a number that melts asphalt. Ferrari claims a 0-60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds and 0-124 mph in 6.3 seconds. Given the SF90’s capabilities, these figures might even be considered conservative. The new 849 will undoubtedly be even faster than promised. For those who appreciate discretion, the vehicle can travel up to 18.6 miles (30 km) in all-electric mode, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h).
The interior of the 849 Testarossa breaks conventions. There is no traditional infotainment system on the center console. Instead, the infotainment screen is integrated into the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, a solution seen in other recent models from the brand, such as the Ferrari Purosangue, which defies common sense. The passenger also enjoys their own screen with dedicated multimedia capabilities, elevating the onboard experience.
The gear selector is one of the few elements that evoke the past, abandoning the “fin” or “spine” design of previous generations for a more traditional arrangement, reminiscent of Maranello’s classic manual gear selectors, seen in models like the Roma and the Ferrari Amalfi 2027 with its brutal V8 engine. This subtle nod to the brand’s heritage is a touch that purists will surely appreciate, uniting the best of both worlds.
Unlike past launches, Ferrari has made no secret of the convertible version. The 849 Testarossa Spider was revealed simultaneously with the coupe, showcased in a vibrant mustard yellow, a color many consider more flattering to the wedge design than traditional red. This decision reinforces Ferrari’s intention to offer complete options from the outset, catering to different preferences. Other recent launches like the New Ferrari 12Cilindri, a V12 monster among electrics, also demonstrate the brand’s diversity.
The official price has not yet been disclosed. However, as the saying goes, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. The price is estimated to exceed €500,000 or $550,000, placing it among the most exclusive hypercars on the planet, such as the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla, a 1,064-hp hybrid monster. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is not just a car; it’s a piece of engineered art, an investment in passion and exclusivity.
Performance Comparison: Ferrari 849 Testarossa vs. Elite Hybrid Competitors
- Ferrari 849 Testarossa: 1,036 HP, 0-60 mph in 2.3s, 18.6-mile EV range.
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale: 1,000 HP, 0-60 mph in 2.5s, 15.5-mile EV range.
- Aston Martin Valhalla: 1,064 HP, 0-60 mph in 2.5s (estimated), EV range not disclosed.
- McLaren Artura: 680 HP, 0-60 mph in 3.0s, 18.6-mile EV range.
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is more than a supercar; it’s a reinvented legacy. Its combination of power, design, and hybrid technology positions it at the forefront of automotive innovation. It’s a machine that promises to deliver intense emotions and unparalleled performance, honoring its name and paving the way for the future of high performance.
What’s your opinion on the return of the Testarossa with this hybrid approach? Leave your comment and join the discussion!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.