Ferrari has unveiled the 849 Testarossa, a plug-in hybrid berlinetta that replaces the SF90 Stradale and takes the brand to a new level of performance and sophistication. With a combined power output of 1,050 hp—830 hp from a mid-rear twin-turbo V8 and 220 hp from three electric motors—the 849 Testarossa revives the Maranello tradition by bringing back the legendary Testarossa name and introducing technical solutions derived from racing.
The thermal heart, identified as project F154FC, is a profound evolution of the award-winning twin-turbo V8. It delivers 830 hp (50 hp more than its predecessor) and achieves 208 hp per liter thanks to a complete overhaul: redesigned cylinder heads, a new larger turbocharger with low-friction bearings, a heat shield, an optimized intercooler, manifolds, and Inconel® in the exhaust. Ferrari has maintained the same displacement but has increased performance through lightweight machining, titanium fasteners, and other racing innovations. The exhaust incorporates a particle filter and a new-generation ceramic catalyst. In addition, for the first time, secondary alloys of recycled aluminum are used in engine parts, reducing CO₂ emissions associated with aluminum by up to 80% and saving up to 0.4 tons of CO₂ per unit.
The PHEV hybrid architecture adds three electric motors: two on the front axle that make up the RAC-e system for on-demand all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, and a rear MGU-K inspired by the experience of Scuderia Ferrari. The 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery allows up to 25 km in all-electric mode. Thermal and electrical integration has been recalibrated to deliver smooth transitions (active idle damping), improved cooling maps—with a thermal improvement of 10–12 °C—and a braking regeneration strategy that improves pedal feel. The four modes selectable via the eManettino (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify) adapt maps and behaviors according to use.
The result is a combined maximum power output of 1,050 hp and a record power-to-weight ratio for a production Ferrari, achieved by maintaining the weight of the SF90 Stradale despite the addition of larger components. Ferrari announces tangible improvements in longitudinal acceleration (especially in third gear from 5,500 rpm), throttle response, and power delivery at high revs, without sacrificing response at low revs.
Aerodynamic design is a central part of the project: the 849 Testarossa generates 415 kg of total downforce at 250 km/h—25 kg more than the SF90—and improves powertrain and brake cooling by 15%. The bodywork, inspired by 1970s sports prototypes and historic Ferrari solutions such as the 512 S, optimizes flow to the intercooler (30% more) through side intakes, internal channels, and a blower that captures the boundary layer. The front underbody contributes 35% of the downforce through cascading vortex generators; the active rear wing and twin tail work in synergy to switch from Low Drag to High Downforce in less than a second and deliver up to 100 kg more in its most aggressive position. The multi-level diffuser and passive elements manage flow expansion and reduce drag at the rear.
The thermal system has been redesigned to dissipate 15% more heat: asymmetrical radiators with 18% more surface area, a 19% larger side intercooler, and an 18% larger front intake to maximize flow to the radiators. Internal ducts and bulkheads prevent flow mixing and improve structural rigidity; brake intakes and air management in the wheel arches have been optimized to increase flow to the front and rear calipers (increases of 15% and 70%, respectively).
In terms of dynamics, Ferrari has emphasized consistency, accessibility, and feel. The FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) system generates a real-time digital twin that estimates parameters that cannot be measured directly—such as speed with a margin of less than 1 km/h and angles with a margin of less than 1°—to fine-tune traction, differential, and e4WD controls. ABS Evo uses these estimates to determine target slips, optimizing brake distribution in all conditions and Manettino positions. Adjustments to stiffness, kinematic angles, new tires, and spring weight reduction (−35%) increase lateral performance by 3% and reduce roll by 10%. The brakes have been redesigned and thermally optimized to maintain consistent performance even during prolonged use.
Ferrari has worked on the sound signature to preserve the characteristic harmonics. The V8 reaches 8,300 rpm, features a flat-angle crankshaft, and offers a richer tone in the low and mid ranges, amplified by a gearshift strategy inherited from the SF90 XX Stradale that synchronizes the engine and gearbox to intensify the sensation in each upshift, especially in the Manettino's Race position.
The 849 Testarossa incorporates advanced electronic systems: brake-by-wire, ABS Evo controller, torque vectoring, FIVE estimation, and thermal/electrical transition control. Calibration has improved the regeneration strategy and pedal feel, and an active damping function has been introduced to manage idle and ensure smooth transitions between modes.
The interior is driver-oriented: a more enveloping cockpit, a central sail with an integrated door inspired by the F80, a new steering wheel with mechanical buttons (including the iconic start button), a revamped HMI, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless charging. The offering includes Comfort and Racing seats in carbon fiber, and a redistributed center tunnel for improved ergonomics and usable space.
The Assetto Fiorano equipment is a track-focused option that reduces weight by approximately 30 kg through the use of carbon fiber and titanium, and includes ultra-light tubular seats, carbon wheels, and stiffer Multimatic suspensions. Aerodynamically, it adds a splitter and vortex generators that triple the local load compared to the standard configuration, without significantly penalizing drag.
Ferrari has developed tire solutions with Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone; options include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R (on request), Pilot Sport Cup2 (Assetto Fiorano), Pirelli PZero R (standard), and Bridgestone Potenza Sport (standard and runflat). The dimensions adopted are 265/35 R20 at the front and 325/30 R20 at the rear, with forged wheels designed to optimize air extraction and aesthetic customization.
In terms of driver assistance, the 849 Testarossa features configurable ADAS: Stop&Go adaptive cruise control, automatic braking with cyclist detection, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic headlight switching, traffic sign recognition, peripheral vision, cross traffic alert, and driver fatigue monitoring. These functions operate in a non-invasive manner and only intervene when necessary, adapting to the driver's preferences.
Stylistically, the Centro Stile Ferrari under Flavio Manzoni proposes a futuristic and architectural interpretation: aerodynamic “sponda” door-duct in a single piece of aluminum, double tail inspired by the 512 S, horizontal front with a strip connecting the headlights, and rear panels shaped using unconventional processes and die casting. The wheels feature rotating spokes with a diamond-cut finish that optimizes air extraction.
Customization options include exclusive colors such as Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra, Alcantara Giallo Siena upholstery, and a wide range of wheel and finish options.
The project has also paid special attention to usability and perceived quality: the calibration of springs and shock absorbers offers a balance between comfort and sporty response, the battery is located to optimize the center of gravity, and thermal and acoustic management ensures a refined interior even at high speeds. Attention to the life cycle includes the use of recycled aluminum and optimized manufacturing processes to reduce the relative carbon footprint.
Overall, the 849 Testarossa represents a contemporary reinterpretation of the Testarossa spirit: a hybrid supercar that combines the power of a racing V8, advanced electrification, aerodynamic resources, and technical sophistication to offer performance, excitement, and more everyday usability than extreme track variants. It is designed for customers who demand the utmost without sacrificing comfort and traditional Ferrari exclusivity. The 849 Testarossa arrives as a technical and emotional statement, designed for customers who value performance, exclusivity, and Ferrari tradition.