Electric vehicles don’t seem to be selling the way automakers hoped they would, but consumers are clamoring for hybrids — including supercar buyers? Not really, but Ferrari’s new 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid, which shows everyone’s looking to squeeze out more ponies however they can.
Ferrari’s newest model honors its past while nodding at the future. The 849 Testarossa is a plug-in hybrid.
Ferrari debuted its newest model to the world in Milan Tuesday, offering new technology tied to a historically significant name: Testarossa. The new 849 Testarossa not only borrows part of its name, but it also builds upon the supercar maker’s SF90 Stradale model, which debuted in 2019.
The new plug-in hybrid will come in coupe and a retractable top spyder version, plus the all-important number: 1,050 horsepower. It’s powered by a rear-mounted 4.0-liter turbocharged 8-cylinder that puts out 830 hp. That’s supplemented by three electric motors developing a total of 220 hp, which get you to 1,050 hp — 50 hp more than the aforementioned Stradale.
Get in and hang on
Predictably, it’s fast. It races from zero to 62 mph in just 2.3 seconds, and it takes 6.35 seconds to reach about 125 mph. The combination results in a top speed of 205 mph, according to Ferrari officials. It also stops fast (enough), going from 62 mph to zero in just 93 feet.
The new 849 Testarossa races from zero to 62 mph in just 2.3 seconds and to 125 mph in 6.35 seconds.
To ensure you can push the new Testarossa to those numbers, it comes with tires specifically designed — as is the norm — for the car. The tires were co-developed with Michelin, Pirelli and Bridgestone.
“This co-development has produced specific solutions for the most diverse needs. Available technologies include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R (on request), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (Assetto Fiorano), Pirelli PZero R (standard) and Bridgestone Potenza Sport (standard, also in run-flat version).
As you like it
The debut color of the 849 Testarossa is, of course, red. However, Ferrari does offer some options, including the ability to really personalize your new 849, especially the color.
The company is offering two new colors developed specifically for the occasion: Rosso Fiammante, a technological evolution of the historic pastel Rosso Corsa shade enriched by a metallic effect obtained through a process that gives warm and brilliant reflections under sunlight; and Giallo Ambra, an intense and warm shade with reddish hues, inspired by the depth and chromatic richness of natural amber.
The cabin of the new 849 Testarossa can be personalized to the tastes of the buyer — a little bit anyway.
The personalization extends to the cabin as well with a new Alcantara trim called Giallo Siena, which is designed to pair with the Giallo Ambra exterior color. The pairing is, according to Ferrari, “refined and sporty,” creating a modern look and a relaxing cabin.
“The forged rims, developed in close synergy with the aerodynamic department, are also customizable. The sophisticated geometries allow you to choose between different configurations, adapting the aesthetics to personal taste.”
Change is coming
Well, big dollars will need to come first as the new 849 Testarossa comes with a price tag of $540,000 for the coupe and about $585,000 for the open-air model. The first deliveries will take place next summer, starting in Europe. U.S. buyers will have to wait until the final quarter of 2026 to get theirs.
Ferrari isn’t abandoning EVs altogether. CEO Benedetto Vigna said the company is in the process of showing off its first electric vehicle sometime next month. It will be ready for its full debut sometime early next year, officials noted.
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