Ferrari has brought back one of its most iconic nameplates, the Testarossa, with the unveiling of the 849 Testarossa, the successor to the SF90 Stradale and Spider. Revealed on September 9, 2025, in both coupe and spider variants, this plug-in hybrid supercar is now the most powerful series-production Ferrari ever, boasting a staggering 1,036 horsepower. Combining a reworked 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with advanced electric motors, refined aerodynamics, and cutting-edge chassis electronics, the 849 Testarossa blends nostalgic branding with futuristic performance, aiming to redefine the supercar landscape.
A Storied Name Returns with Unprecedented Power
The Testarossa name, first used on Ferrari’s 1950s race cars and immortalized by the wedge-shaped 1984-1996 model, evokes images of pop culture glory, from Miami Vice to bedroom posters. Unlike its flat-12 predecessor, the 849 Testarossa builds on the SF90’s plug-in hybrid foundation but pushes boundaries further. The mid-mounted 4.0-liter V8 has been extensively revised with larger turbochargers (the biggest ever on a Ferrari production car), new cylinder heads, exhaust manifolds, and lightweight titanium components borrowed from the 296 GT3 racer. Alone, the V8 delivers 819 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 621 lb-ft of torque, a 67-hp increase over the SF90’s engine.
Three electric motors—two on the front axle for torque vectoring and one between the engine and gearbox—add 217 horsepower, powered by a 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined output of 1,036 hp (772 kW) surpasses the SF90 Stradale (986 hp) and even the limited-run SF90 XX Stradale (1,016 hp), outmuscling rivals like the 1,001-hp Lamborghini Revuelto. The coupe rockets from 0-62 mph in under 2.3 seconds, hits 124 mph in 6.35 seconds, and laps Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit in 1:17.5. The Spider, with its retractable hardtop (RHT), is close behind at 6.5 seconds to 124 mph and a 1:18.1 Fiorano time, with a top speed exceeding 205 mph for both.
The hybrid system offers 15.5 miles of electric-only range (front-wheel drive, up to 80 mph) and four eManettino modes—eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify—for tailored driving dynamics. Despite the power gains, the coupe’s dry weight remains at 3,461 pounds, matching the SF90 through clever engineering, while the Spider is slightly heavier due to its RHT, which opens in 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 km/h.
Aerodynamics and Design: Heritage Meets Innovation
The 849 Testarossa’s design draws inspiration from Ferrari’s 1970s sports prototypes like the 512 S and 512 M, blending sharp, geometric lines with functional aerodynamics. A standout feature is the twin-tail rear with an active spoiler, generating 915 pounds of downforce at 155 mph—55 pounds more than the SF90—while reducing drag via an optimized underbody and diffuser. The doors serve as aerodynamic ducts, channeling air to intercoolers and rear brakes, and the front fascia features structured volumes for enhanced airflow. The Spider’s “wind catcher” system behind the seats minimizes cabin turbulence, ensuring open-air comfort.
While the SF90 was criticized for its polarizing looks, the 849 Testarossa’s styling is bolder yet more cohesive, with a nod to classic Ferraris like the FXX-K. An optional Assetto Fiorano package shaves 66 pounds with carbon-fiber components and sharper handling tweaks, appealing to track enthusiasts. The interior, fully redesigned, features a modern human-machine interface (HMI) and a proper engine start button—a nod to purists—while maintaining daily drivability with surprising comfort for a supercar.
Chassis and Electronics: Precision at the Limit
The 849 Testarossa inherits the SF90’s all-wheel-drive layout but refines it with advanced electronics derived from the F80 hypercar and SF90 XX. The new FIVE (Ferrari Intelligent Vehicle Estimator) system enhances dynamic control, while the ABS Evo braking technology—first seen on the SF90 XX—improves precision by better estimating available grip. Larger brake discs and pads, paired with lighter suspension springs and bespoke tires from Michelin, Pirelli, or Bridgestone, ensure superior handling. The eight-speed F1-style dual-clutch gearbox is tweaked for faster shifts and a more emotional exhaust note, especially on overrun
These upgrades make the 849 Testarossa more engaging than its “aloof” predecessor, which some felt lacked the soul of simpler models like the F8 Tributo or 296 GTB. Ferrari’s chief marketing officer, Enrico Galliera, called the SF90 “a success everywhere” but acknowledged the 849’s mission to be more lovable and versatile, balancing hypercar performance with grand-tourer refinement.
India Prospects: A Niche Dream for Enthusiasts
While Ferrari’s Indian presence is small—focused on high-net-worth individuals via dealerships in Mumbai and New Delhi—the 849 Testarossa is likely to arrive as a completely built unit (CBU) by mid-2026. The SF90 Stradale starts at ₹7.5 crore (ex-showroom) in India; expect the 849 Testarossa to command ₹8-10 crore, factoring in 100% import duties and customization options like Assetto Fiorano. The Spider could push past ₹10 crore. Limited units (likely under 10 annually) will target collectors and supercar enthusiasts, with demand fueled by the Testarossa’s iconic name and unmatched performance.
India’s supercar market is growing, with Ferrari reporting 20-25 annual sales across models. However, challenges like poor road infrastructure and limited charging stations (under 10,000 nationwide in 2025) may restrict the 849’s electric mode usage. Still, its 15-mile EV range suits short urban jaunts, and the hybrid’s efficiency could appeal to eco-conscious elites. Social media buzz on X highlights excitement among Indian petrolheads, with posts calling it “the ultimate Ferrari flex” for 2026.
A Worthy Successor and a New Benchmark
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is more than an SF90 evolution—it’s a statement of intent. With 1,036 hp, it outpaces rivals while honoring a legendary badge. Its aerodynamic and electronic advancements make it a technological marvel, yet Ferrari’s focus on drivability ensures it’s not just a track weapon but a versatile supercar. While the SF90 struggled to win hearts, the 849 Testarossa’s blend of heritage, power, and refinement positions it to reclaim the Testarossa’s iconic status.
For Indian buyers, it’s a distant but tantalizing prospect, promising to elevate Ferrari’s prestige in a market hungry for exclusivity. As deliveries begin globally in 2026, the 849 Testarossa—coupe or Spider—sets a new bar for what a production Ferrari can achieve. The redhead is back, and it’s fiercer than ever
