Ferrari unveils its new 849 Testarossa with a 1050hp V8 (the war with Lamborghini is declared)

Ferrari has just dropped a bomb in Milan on September 9, 2025: here's the 849 Testarossa, the official replacement for the SF90 Stradale. And the message is clear: take back the crown of the most powerful hybrid supercar... and beat the Lamborghini Revuelto (1015 hp) to the punch. After the very limited edition F80 (1200 hp V6 hybrid), Maranello is pulling out all the stops for its "production" range. The result: a total of 1050 hp, a revived mythical name, and a time of 1'17''500 at Fiorano. Game, set and (re)match?

A cult name for a car by the numbers

Ferrari didn't choose "Testarossa" by chance. The label, first introduced in 1956 (500 TR) and then immortalized by the 1984 Testarossa, is making a comeback with a crazy technical specification. Under the hood: a completely revised 3.9L twin-turbo V8 (F154FC), 830 hp at 7,500 rpm, 842 Nm at 6,500 rpm and a breaker at 8,300 rpm. It is backed up by three electric motors (one MGU-K-type at the rear, two at the front) for an additional 220 hp. All this forms an AWD drivetrain, powered by a 7.45 kWh battery capable of delivering 25 km of range in 100 % electric mode.

In terms of performance, Ferrari announces :

• 0-100 km/h < 2.3 s
• 0-200 km/h in 6.35 s
• Max. speed > 330 km/h

The dry weight is still impressive considering the range: 1,570 kg (the best power-to-weight ratio ever achieved by a Ferrari model: 1.5 kg/hp), thanks to a veritable hunt for grams (lightened camshafts, titanium screws, "motorsport" machining, etc.).

Open "war" with Sant'Agata Bolognese

When it comes to the battle of numbers, the duel is head-on. The Lamborghini Revuelto boasts a 1015 hp hybrid V12, while the 849 Testarossa climbs to 1050 hp. At this level, the difference is no longer symbolic: Ferrari is back in front, and clearly so. What's more, the aerodynamics have improved (we'll come back to that later), and the time at Fiorano underlines the point. The SF90 Stradale (1,000 hp) is outdated, and the gap in philosophy widens: twin-turbo V8 + hybrid on the Maranello side versus V12 atmos + hybridization on the Lamborghini side. Two paths, one goal: domination. The war of numbers is declared!

Cutting-edge technology: XXL turbos and "FIVE" technology

The V8 engine has undergone major changes: new turbo (the largest ever fitted to a production Ferrari), thermal management inspired by the 296 GT3, redesigned exhaust manifolds, optimized intercooler. Of particular note is the use of recycled cast aluminum for the crankcases.

Chassis-wise, the 849 inaugurates ABS Evo and the new FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator): a digital twin that estimates speed, yaw angle and non-measurable parameters in real time to fine-tune traction, differential and braking distribution... The result: later, stronger and more repeatable braking than on the SF90.

Suspension, damping and calibration have been revised to deliver a 3 % increase in lateral grip. All this without sacrificing comfort: careful management of thermal/electric transitions, more progressive regeneration, more natural pedaling.

Aerodynamics and sculptural design

Visually, the 849 Testarossa boasts angular, geometric lines for maximum aerodynamics:

• 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h
• Active front spoiler with up to 100 kg of downforce at 250 km/h
• Double rear spoiler, multi-level diffuser, cascading vortex generators.

On board, ergonomics have improved: new steering wheel with mechanical buttons (yes, Ferrari abandons touchscreen), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charger. Finish à la carte, including new colors: Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra on the outside, Alcantara Giallo Siena on the inside.

849 Testarossa Spider: fresh air, same thrills

Ferrari also unveils the 849 Testarossa Spider. The retractable hardtop opens/closes in 14 seconds up to 45 km/h. Performance remains stratospheric: >330 km/h, 0-100 < 2.3 s, 0-200 in 6.5 s, 1'18''100 at Fiorano.

Dry weight: 1,660 kg, 45/55 split, and the same array of technology (ABS Evo, FIVE, active aero, etc.) with specific rigidity tuning to preserve the coupe's dynamic qualities.

Assetto Fiorano: the runway option

As on the SF90, the Assetto Fiorano package radicalizes the 849 (coupe or Spider):

• -30 kg (Alcantara tubular seats, 20" carbon wheels, titanium, composites),
• Multimatic shock absorbers ,
• reinforced aerodynamics and, on certain configurations, a double rear spoiler to triple downforce,
• Tires co-developed by Michelin Cup2R (optional), Cup2 (Assetto Fiorano), Pirelli P Zero R or Bridgestone Potenza Sport.