2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa unleashed 

The Testarossa legend is back with the launch of the new 2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa, a wild new plug-in hybrid V8-powered rival for the Lamborghini Revuelto and McLaren 750S with stunning styling and more power and performance than the SF90 Stradale it replaces. 

Reviving the Testarossa nameplate first used on the 1956 Ferrari 500 racers and then again in the 80s on the better-known wide-hipped supercar, the new 2025 Ferrari 849 Testarossa isn’t a clean sheet design. 

Instead, think of it as a substantially uprated overhaul of the SF90 Stradale, with the ‘849’ part of its name indicating eight-cylinders and 49cc per cylinder. 

Featuring an entirely new body, the 849 Testarossa Coupe and Spider are said to draw influence from both the latest F80 hypercar and prototype racers from the Prancing Horse’s past, with the 1970s 512 S donating its twin-tail fins. 

In the flesh, the reborn Testarossa is both striking and exotic, but mimics the F80 and 12Cilindri’s retro bridge-like connecting fascia that links the headlamps. 

Along its flanks, careful surfacing jets air to both of the enlarged intercoolers, plus new ducts for the rear brakes. 

We’ve already mentioned the twin-tail architecture that, combined with a multi-level diffuser and further pair of vortex generators, sees drag slashed by 10 per cent, cooling improved by 15 per cent and generates more than 415kg of total downforce – some 25kg more than before. 

Behind the cabin is a heavily upgraded version of the Italian firm’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid system that now produces 772kW/842Nm – 37kW/38Nm more than before – while revving to a higher 8300rpm. 

All those gains have come from the combustion engine that now sports the of the biggest pair of turbochargers ever fitted to a Ferrari road car, while fresh cylinder heads, and an entirely new engine block, exhaust manifolds, intake, valve train system and a higher-flow fuel rail complete the considerable upgrades. 

Combined with an updated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a pair of radial e-motors that muster a combined 162kW drive the front wheels while a third, next-gen axial flux e-motor is sandwiched between the transmission and V8. 

Amusingly, the old car’s small 7.45kWh lithium-ion battery carries over, which when fully charged, provides a 25km zero-emission range, although most will snap up the wild reborn Testarossa for its ability to launch from 0-100km/h in 2.3 seconds – the same as the most extreme SF90XX, while 0-200km/h takes just 6.4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds brisker. 

Top speed is more than 330km/h. 

Boosting performance further is the Assetto Fiorano pack that’s expected to add a near six-figure sum to an already near million-dollar price tag. 

The track-focused kit doesn’t add any more power, but it does carve around 30kg off the kerbweight through lightweight parts that include a set of carbon-fibre wheels that save 28kg alone. 

Maximising downforce, the twin tails are ditched for a more effective bi-plane wing and end plates that avoid adding any drag. 

Front flicks and a plethora of underfloor vortex generators are yet more changes, while a more aggressive suspension set-up includes stiffer springs and more reactive Multimatic dampers to reduce body roll, while stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2s boost grip.  

In standard form, the 849 Testarossa still rides on new springs and gets adjustable Magnaride dampers that improve body control, but the big news is the adoption of the new Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator (FIVE) that uses a 6D sensor to manage the traction, yaw angles, reaction of the electronically controlled diff and the torque distribution of the front axle for more precise feedback. 

Combined with Ferrari’s brake-by-wire ABS Evo, the new 849 Testarossa should be both quicker to brake and even faster on road and track. 

Finally, the 849 Testarossa features a new cabin architecture that sports the F80’s integrated gearchange gate and feels more spacious thanks to slimming down the lower half of the doors. 

Two seat options are available: a comfort pew, or a racier full carbon-fibre bucket. 

Perhaps the most welcome addition to the Testarossa is Ferrari’s latest multi-function steering wheel that features real buttons, in place of the previous haptic touch surfaces that were too easy to trigger on the move. 

A wireless charger is now included in the revised centre console, while the infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

With production set to begin before the end of the year, following the very final batch of SF90 XXs roll off the line, pricing and full details of the 2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa are yet to be locked in for Australia. 

When it arrives in the second half of next year, the 849 Testarossa is expected to be priced from around $850,000 plus on-roads, mirroring what’s charged for the outgoing SF90 Stradale – which would see the latest Ferrari supercar priced more than $100,000 downstream of the Lamborghini Revuelto. 

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