The Ferrari Testarossa is back, and it’s making a big statement. Forty years after the original icon defined the 1980s, Maranello delivers a new version. This 849 model blends history with extreme power, but don’t expect a simple rerun of the past.
Forget those classic side grilles or pop-up headlights. Ferrari made it clear: this isn’t a blast from the past. This new Testarossa is built for 2026. It packs serious hybrid tech and 1,035 horsepower. This car reminds everyone that the V8 engine still has plenty of fight left. Yes, this updated beast is now a plug-in hybrid.
The name Testarossa means “red head” in Italian.
It breaks down like this:
- Testa = head
- Rossa = red
This name comes from the red-painted valve covers on Ferrari’s V12 engines. It was a famous feature of the motor. So, the name is not just poetic; it highlights a technical detail that made the car special.
A V8 Engine That Defies Expectation
The heart of this powerful machine is still a V8. It’s a 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit, pushing out 818 horsepower. That’s more than double what the first Testarossa offered. Add three electric motors that give another 217 horsepower. The total power hits an impressive four-digit number.
This makes the older SF90, which had 986 horsepower, seem almost tame. Ferrari redesigned everything. It features brand new cylinder heads and turbos inspired by the F80 hypercar. The exhaust is wider, and the gear shifting system comes from the SF90 XX Stradale.
What’s the outcome? The engine revs up to 8,200 rpm. Ferrari also promises a sound that stays true to its core DNA, even with the added electric power.
Obsessed with the Clock
This car is incredibly fast. It goes from zero to 100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds. Its top speed is more than 338 km/h. These numbers place it somewhere between the wild F80 and the retired SF90.
On the Fiorano track, it finishes a lap in 1 minute and 17 seconds. That’s close to the FXX (1 minute and 16.20 seconds). It’s still two seconds behind the F80. But there’s no shame in that; this is a street-legal coupe.
What about its weight? It matches the SF90 at 1,570 kg. Ferrari made up for this with custom tires, stronger brakes, and lighter suspension parts.
The chassis was built to handle its huge power smoothly. The aerodynamics create 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. This is also thanks to an active rear spoiler. It can change its setup in less than one second.
A Bold New Look, Not a Retro Throwback
Ferrari chose not to go for a retro look. This is different from how Lamborghini brought back the Countach. You won’t find slatted vents from the past here.
The 849 model follows Ferrari’s current design rules. It has a geometric front and a black strip connecting the headlights. The sculpted rear features a double flick, which brings to mind the 512 S.
Some longtime fans might call this a betrayal. But Ferrari’s goal wasn’t to copy the 1980s. It wanted to make the Testarossa name fit right into modern times.
The front of the car especially reminds people of the Ferrari F80. Many who missed out on the F80 (only 799 were made) should be happy about the new 849 Testarossa.
Inside the Driver’s Seat
The interior looks much like the SF90. The driver sits in front of a digital screen. The steering wheel is packed with touch controls, including the famous eManettino dial.
There’s a small surprise: Ferrari brought back a physical red button for starting the car. They dropped the haptic (touch-based) start. In a world full of digital screens, a real button feels like a special touch.
The cabin can have black and yellow colors, or black and blue. You can also customize your own model to match your style.
Ferrari’s Clear Statement
The 849 Testarossa is more than a nod to the past. It’s a clear declaration from Ferrari. The brand isn’t jumping fully into electric vehicles. It still believes in the hybrid V8. This engine delivers amazing performance and a truly engaging drive.
The official price is not out yet. However, it will likely cost well over €400,000. The original 1980s Testarossa won hearts with its bold style. This 2026 version will attract buyers with its daring engineering. Ultimately, that’s exactly what everyone hoped for.