Ferrari has officially unveiled the new 849 Testarossa, a groundbreaking plug-in hybrid supercar that sets a new benchmark as the brand’s most powerful production model ever. It revives one of the most legendary names in automotive history. Replacing the SF90 Stradale as Ferrari’s flagship model, the 849 Testarossa combines cutting-edge Formula 1-derived hybrid technology with astonishing performance figures that redefine what is possible in a production car.
Ferrari 849 Testarossa Price and Launch
European price: €460,000 for the coupe and €500,000 for the spider (approximately ₹4.75 – 5.15 crore before duty/tax)
Expected price in India: Considering the tax and the position above the outgoing SF90 Stradale, the ex-showroom price will come to an estimated ₹8 – 9 crore.
Availability: Expected to arrive in India in late 2025 or early 2026 in very limited quantities
Testarossa Engine, Powertrain, and Technology
Powertrain: Mid-rear 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (F154FC) + Hybrid. A reworked V8 engine that produces 830 CV (818 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 842 Nm of torque.
Three electric motors (two front, one rear) add 220 CV more, bringing the total output to 1,050 CV (≈1036 hp). A new record for a Ferrari production car.
The hybrid system features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) architecture derived from the SF90 Stradale, with a 7.45 kWh battery. This provides an electric range of around 25 km, and allows pure-EV driving up to 80 mph (using the front motors).
Transmission and Drivetrain: 8-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox, all-wheel drive with a V8 to the rear wheels and a motor, each front wheel driven by its own electric motor. Ferrari’s advanced torque-vectoring e-4WD and RAC-e systems maximize traction through corners.
Acceleration: The car has been born to be lightning-fast. Ferrari claims 0-100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds (~2.25 seconds for 0-62 mph). 0-200 km/h time is 6.35 seconds. In independent testing, a 0-60 run was predicted in ~2.2 seconds.
Top speed: Over 330 km/h (205+ mph). Above ~130 mph, the car effectively becomes rear-wheel-drive only (the front motors are cut off).
Handling and brakes: Excellent power-to-weight ratio (dry weight 1570 kg, the same as the SF90). Upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes with larger discs and ABS Evo ensure consistent stopping power. Ferrari’s latest electronics are fitted, including Slip-Slip Control 9.0 (SSC), FDE 2.0, electronic differential and Ferrari’s new FIVE system (real-time “digital twin” predictor). Together, these high-tech aids sharpen cornering and stability, allowing the car to “think ahead” by microseconds.
Driving Modes and Experience.
The 849 Testarossa offers four distinct driving modes selectable via the eManettino.
- eDrive Mode: Pure electric driving with up to 25 km range
- Hybrid Mode: Offers the best balance of electric and combustion power.
- Performance Mode: Provides maximum system performance.
- Qualify Mode: Provides a track-focused maximum attack mode.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Engine | 4.0L (3990cc) twin-turbocharged V8, re-engineered |
| Engine Output | 830 CV (818 bhp) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Electric Motors | 3 total: 2 front (AWD + torque vectoring), 1 rear (MGU-K from F1) |
| Combined Power | 1,050 CV (1,036 bhp) |
| Torque | 842 Nm |
| Battery | 7.45 kWh lithium-ion |
| Electric Range | Up to 25 km (pure EV mode) |
| Transmission | 8-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox |
| Drivetrain | Advanced AWD with on-demand torque vectoring |
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Under 2.3 seconds (claimed) |
| 0–200 km/h | 6.35 seconds |
| Top Speed | 330+ km/h |
| Fiorano Lap Time | 1’17.5” (1.2s quicker than SF90) |
| Braking 100–0 km/h | 28.5 m |
| Braking 200–0 km/h | 108 m |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 1.5 kg/CV |
| Dry Weight | 1,570 kg |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspirations | 1970s Ferrari Sports Prototypes (esp. 512 S) |
| Rear Aero | Twin-tail architecture with active rear spoiler |
| Downforce | 415 kg @ 250 km/h (25 kg more vs SF90) |
| Cooling Efficiency | 15% improved overall, 30% more air to intercooler |
| Wheels/Tyres | Front: 265/35 R20, Rear: 325/30 R20 |
| Alloy Options | Multiple bespoke designs, including carbon-fiber options |
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 35% lighter road springs vs predecessor |
| Assetto Fiorano Pack | -30 kg weight, Magneride suspension, track tyres |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic discs with advanced cooling |
| Disc Size (Front/Rear) | Front: 410 mm, Rear: 372 mm |
Interior, Features & Technology
Ferrari’s focus on the driver is clear from the inside. The cockpit features a split-cockpit design with a low central sail and two-tiered digital screens. A 12.3″ digital instrument panel and a large passenger display project speed and telemetry.
One highlight: the steering wheel now features physical switches and buttons (including a proper start button) instead of a touchpad, addressing feedback from the SF90 cockpit. The gated-gear look returns as a styling nod (though the car still has an auto-shift), and the center console is a sleek, floating unit.
Technology: The 849 uses Ferrari’s FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) system (from the F80) that creates a real-time model of the car’s dynamics. This algorithm operates ABS, stability and torque-vectoring faster than human reflexes. Upgraded brake-by-wire and traction control (F1-derived eDiff, SCM, etc.) optimize stopping and handling for any driver mode.
Infotainment: The F1-inspired and modern HMI features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and Ferrari’s MyFerrari Connect app. Analogue is balanced with luxury technology. Among the premium materials, carbon-fibre finishes and optional two-tone Alcantara trim are available. Ferrari has also used recycled aluminium in the engine castings, which has slightly reduced CO₂ emissions.
Safety: Despite lacking the usual mass-market ADAS (Ferraris usually do), the 849 Testarossa is equipped with advanced chassis and stability systems ABS Evo, electronic e-Brake, predictive torque control that enables it to keep its 1,036 horses under control. The focus is on high-speed stability and predictable cornering rather than braking assistance.
Seating: Newly sculpted sports and optional carbon racing seats get improved ergonomics and style
Colour & Customisation
Debut shades: Rosso Fiammattei, Giallo Ambra (new metallic red and deep amber) colors.
New interior finish: Giallo Sienna Alcantara is available.
A full Ferrari Tailor-Made customization program is available, allowing customers to fully customize the car to their liking.
Key Highlights & Innovations
Historic nameplate: The “Testa Rossa” name was first used in 1956 to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Ferrari, now reborn as a high-tech hybrid.
Record power: With 1,050 CV (≈1036 hp), it is the most powerful road Ferrari today. Yet thanks to lightweight materials and design, the kerb weight matches that of the SF90, giving an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio (1.5 kg/HP).
Turbo innovation: Ferrari uses the largest turbochargers and specially heat-shielded turbines ever fitted to a road car (borrowed from the F80 supercar). This allows for high boost with minimal lag.
Aerodynamics: The new active aerodynamic bi-wing rear spoiler switches between “low drag” and “high downforce” modes almost instantly. The overall downforce is 25% higher than the SF90. The Spider’s patented tonneau cover and wind-stop system reduce cabin buffeting when lowered.
Track orientation: The Fiorano has a lap time of 1:17.500 (about 1.2 seconds faster than the SF90). For extreme driving, the Assetto Fiorano version sheds ~30 kilograms and triples downforce with additional flaps and a double wing.
Software: Ferrari’s new FIVE Estimator (learned from the F1 and F80) gives the car predictive control of chassis systems, effectively making it a “track-learning car.” Braking in particular is enhanced by the ABS Evo’s race-derived control, which ensures consistent stopping even under repeated hard use.
Connectivity: Smartphone mirroring and Testarossa support MyFerrari Connect, which helps owners monitor vehicle data and controls via a mobile app (including remote battery charging management and diagnostics). Modern connectivity and features are provided for this high-performance Ferrari.
Specifications of the Retractable Hardtop (RHT) of the Spider variant
- Opening/closing time: 14 seconds
- Operating speed: The hardtop can be opened and closed up to 45 km/h (28 mph).
- Weight penalty: +90 kg over the Coupe
- Performance impact: Retains the same power figures and capabilities.
The Spider variant offers the same performance specifications as the Coupe while providing open-air driving capability through Ferrari’s advanced retractable hardtop system.
Competition and market position.
The 849 Testarossa competes directly with the Lamborghini Revuelto and positions itself as Ferrari’s flagship hybrid supercar. Combining a heritage nameplate revival with cutting-edge technology, it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s current engineering capabilities.
