Photo courtesy of Top Gear

Ferrari 849 Testarossa First Look

The new 849 Testarossa arrives not as a retro throwback but as the modern successor to the SF90—and a statement of where Ferrari wants its hybrid era to go next. At its heart lies a twin-turbocharged V8, heavily reworked with stronger internals and larger turbos. Alone, it produces 818 horsepower and retains the unmistakable Ferrari soundtrack. Add in three electric motors—two up front, one at the rear—for another 216 horsepower, and you’ve got 1,036 hp in total.

The result? All-wheel drive with torque vectoring that feels seamless, not synthetic, plus a 6.5 kWh battery that allows up to 16 miles of electric-only driving at speeds up to 81 mph. Performance numbers border on outrageous: 0–62 mph in 2.3 seconds, a 205-mph top speed, and a Fiorano lap time of 1:17.5, eclipsing the SF90 Stradale. The real magic, though, is in the delivery—instant electric shove paired with turbocharged surge that makes the car feel alive. An active rear spoiler deploys in under a second, helping generate up to 915 lbs of downforce at 155 mph.

Opt for the Asetto Fiorano package, and you gain extra aerodynamics, lose 66 lbs, and reduce the dry weight to just 3,462 lbs. Design-wise, the 849 nods to heritage with subtle cues, such as a gloss-black bridge between the headlights, but avoids full retro cosplay. Both coupe and Spider are offered, with the latter’s hardtop folding in 14 seconds.

Inside, Ferrari has shifted focus back to the driver, restoring physical controls on the steering wheel and pairing them with a sharp digital cluster. Modern conveniences—such as CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging—come standard. Top Gear’s Tom Ford was at Ferrari’s unveiling to get an early look at the 849 Testarossa. Take a look at the video below to learn more about this new hybrid supercar.