Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
“Testa Rossa” is Italian for “red head” and it does not refer to people with a head full of red or ginger hair. Rather, it refers to the famous line of high-performance Ferrari sports cars with red-painted cam covers on their powerful engines. The nameplate has been used on several Ferrari models, from the mighty 250 Testa Rossa (TR) race cars of the 1950’s to the Testarossa supercar (note the lack of space between the words) that was popularized in “Miami Vice” in the 1980’s.
1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (250 TR)
1988 Ferrari Testarossa
Ferrari recently revived it for their hybrid supercar – the all-new 849 Testarossa. Replacing the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercar that features hybrid technology developed from Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula One racing experience. It features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and three electric motors – two powering the front wheels and one on the rear axle – for a combined output of 1,036 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of under 2.3 seconds.
2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Concept
Enhanced Performance and Aerodynamics
An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, on-demand four-wheel drive system, and torque vectoring maximize the 849 Testarossa’s performance in all road conditions. Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller improves braking precision and consistency along with the new brake system. The spring and damper set-up has been completely revised for improved behavior at the limit of grip. Extensive component weight reduction has allowed the 849 Testarossa to boast the best power-to-weight ratio ever for a range model while the new FIVE estimator make its electronic controls the most advanced in the Ferrari range.
Some of the 849 Testarossa’s visual cues compare to the Ferrari Sports Prototypes from the 1970s.
With a design that balances futuristic elements with classic Ferrari cues, the 849 Testarossa is available as a Berlinetta (coupe) or as a Spider (convertible). Inspired by the Sports Prototypes from the 1970’s, it’s a revolutionary concept for mid-engine V8 Ferrari sports cars. Designed with unique, sharp and geometric lines, the synergy between form and function has enabled impressive aerodynamic performance: the total downforce of 415 kg at 250 km/h represents a 25 kg increase over the SF90 Stradale as well as providing a 15% boost in cooling power for the powertrain and brakes.
The top of the 849 Testarossa Spider opens to better appreciate the glorious cacophany of the V8 engine’s rumble.
Simpler and Intuitive HMI System
The cockpit is even more enveloping and ergonomic than before: the central sail motif with the integrated gear-change gate, inspired by the F80, improves the positioning of components and makes them more accessible. The new steering wheel, equipped with mechanical buttons (including the iconic engine start button), elevates the driving experience while maintaining the high functionality of the latest-generation Ferrari steering wheel. Finally, a new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) system makes interaction with the car simpler and even more intuitive.
Besides comfort, ergonomics and functionality, the interior of the 849 Testarossa features enhanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
While the 849 Testarossa can also be driven as a pure electric vehicle (EV) using only the front electric motors with around 25 kilometers of range, it somehow detracts from the Testa Rossa legacy – those classic Ferraris with red-colored cam covers on their V12 or flat-12 engines. But that’s the sign of the times: Ferrari has embraced electrified mobility by pairing their award-winning V8 engines with hybrid technology and enhanced powertrain system for a high-performance Italian driving machine. Bella macchina!
Ciao, bella! The Ferrari 849 Testarossa made its Southeast Asian debut in Thailand.