Ferrari 849 Testarossa: specs, price and why the name is back
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa revives a famous name on a 1,036-hp plug-in hybrid. Here are the verified specs, the US price and what it replaces.
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid supercar with a twin-turbo V8, three electric motors and 1,050 cv, which is about 1,036 hp. It replaces the SF90 Stradale, and Car and Driver lists the US price from $565,685.
The name is the bit that gets attention. The original Testarossa arrived in 1984 with side strakes, a flat-12 and a poster on most bedroom walls. The new car has a V8, a battery and active aero, and it is far quicker than the old one in every measurable way. It also looks nothing like it, which is probably for the best.
Key specs
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 plus three electric motors, AWD, 8-speed dual-clutch |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,050 cv (about 1,036 hp) combined; V8 alone 830 cv, claimed |
| 0-60 mph | 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) under 2.3 seconds, claimed |
| Top speed | Over 205 mph (330 km/h), claimed |
| Price (US$) | From $565,685 (Car and Driver listing) |
Power, acceleration and top speed are Ferrari’s claims. Ferrari quotes 0-100 km/h rather than 0-60 mph. The price is Car and Driver’s US listing. We have left out an on-sale date because we could not confirm US delivery timing from Ferrari.
Quick facts
- Ferrari claims 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in 6.3 seconds.
- A Spider version is offered alongside the coupe.
- Car and Driver lists the 849 as a 2027 model.
- The 849 carries more power than the SF90 it replaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It is one of the most powerful cars Ferrari has put into series production.
- The plug-in hybrid system allows short electric-only drives.
- All-wheel drive should make the power usable outside of perfect conditions.
- The Testarossa name gives it instant recognition.
Cons
- At $565,685 it costs more than many Ferrari buyers will ever spend.
- It has a V8 rather than the flat-12 the name suggests.
- Hybrid weight and complexity are part of the deal.
Why it matters
The SF90 proved a plug-in hybrid Ferrari could be thrilling, not just compliant. The 849 Testarossa is the second round, with more power and a name chosen to make sure nobody mistakes it for a sensible car. It sits below the limited-run F80 and above the 296, so it is effectively the fastest Ferrari most customers can order.
It also shows where the top of the market is going. The Corvette ZR1X and the Lamborghini Temerario both use electric motors to add power and traction, and the 849 does the same at a much higher price. Combustion engines are not going away in this class yet, but they no longer work alone.
Who it is for
Realistically, the 849 Testarossa is for existing Ferrari customers with a strong purchase history. Ferrari tends to allocate its most desirable models to buyers it already knows, so walking into a dealer with cash is not always enough. For those buyers, the 849 is the step above a 296 GTB and a more usable car than a limited-series model like the F80.
For everyone else, it is a car to see at a show or an exotic car event. That is no small thing. A new Ferrari flagship draws a crowd wherever it appears, and photographers who get a clean shot of one early in its life usually find the images stay popular for years. If you are planning a day at a big show, check the exhibitor list in advance and arrive early, before the crowd builds around the stand.
How to photograph the 849 Testarossa
The 849 has a lot of surface detail and deep intakes, so flat midday light makes it look like a dark blur. Shoot it in early morning or late afternoon, and use a low, side-on angle to show the long tail. If it appears at an exotic car run, our guide to exotic car runs and car meets covers where to stand and when to arrive.
Red is hard for camera sensors to render without clipping. Check the red channel on your histogram, underexpose by a third of a stop if needed and recover shadows later.
Verdict
The 849 Testarossa is a very fast, very expensive Ferrari with a famous name and modern hardware. On paper it improves on the SF90 everywhere that matters, and the plug-in system gives it a quiet mode the original Testarossa never had.
Whether the name fits is a matter of taste. As a car, it looks like Ferrari doing what it does best, just with more wires than before.
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Ferrari 849 Testarossa have?
Ferrari rates the 849 Testarossa at 1,050 cv combined, which is about 1,036 hp. The twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 accounts for 830 cv on its own, and three electric motors supply the rest. That is more than the SF90 Stradale, which the 849 replaces in Ferrari’s lineup.
How much does the Ferrari 849 Testarossa cost in the US?
Car and Driver lists the 849 Testarossa coupe from $565,685. Ferrari buyers typically add a large amount in options, so most cars will cost more than that. The Spider is a separate model and is expected to cost more than the coupe, although we have not confirmed its final US price.
Is the 849 Testarossa a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. It combines a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors and a battery that can be charged from an outlet. That allows short electric-only drives at low speed. The main purpose of the system, though, is performance, adding power and front-wheel drive to help the car accelerate harder out of corners.
Does the 849 Testarossa have a flat-12 like the original?
No. The original Testarossa of 1984 used a flat-12, but the 849 uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with three electric motors. The name is a tribute rather than a description of the hardware. Combined output is far higher than the original car managed, and the 849 adds all-wheel drive.
