Oh, the Italians and their flair for drama – they've gone and dusted off a name that once sent shivers down the spines of supercar enthusiasts everywhere, slapped it on a beast that's part rocket, part wizardry, and called it the Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not content with just whispering "hybrid" these days, Ferrari has cranked the dial to eleven, blending a snarling V8 with enough electric juice to make your gran's golf cart look like a relic from the stone age.
Picture this: a car that's evolved from the SF90 Stradale, but don't you dare call it a mere facelift. No sir, every panel is fresh, sharper than a razor on a bad hair day, with aerodynamics that could slice through butter at Mach speeds. There's an active rear wing back there, flapping independently like it's got a mind of its own, generating a whopping 415 kilograms of downforce at 250 km/h. That's 25 kilos more grip than its predecessor – enough to pin you to the road while the world blurs past in a haze of envy.
Under the hood? A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that's been fed steroids, pumping out 830 horsepower on its lonesome. But wait, there's more – three electric motors join the party: two at the rear for that all-wheel-drive shove, and one up front to handle low-speed electric-only jaunts. Total output? A mind-boggling 1,050 horses. That's fifty more than the SF90, enough to hurl you from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds, 0 to 200 in 6.4, and top out north of 330 km/h. And if you're feeling eco-conscious (perish the thought in a Ferrari), a 25 kWh battery lets you sneak around on electric power for up to 25 kilometers, all while the front wheels do the heavy lifting.
Now, let's talk heritage, because Ferrari loves a good nostalgia trip. "Testarossa" – or "Testa Rossa" if you're feeling historical – first roared onto the scene in the late 1950s as a Le Mans dominator, clinching wins in 1958, 1960, and 1961. Belgian ace Olivier Gendebien was part of that glory, proving even back then these cars were built to conquer. Fast forward to 1984, and it became the street-legal icon with a mid-mounted V12 that turned heads and melted tires. This new 849? It's no carbon copy; it's a hybrid homage, ditching the twelve cylinders for V8 efficiency without sacrificing the soul.
Inside, it's like stepping into a cockpit designed by someone who actually drives the thing. The dashboard bristles with physical buttons – hallelujah, no more fumbling with touchscreens mid-corner. A classic red start button begs to be prodded, and the high-floating center console keeps the gearshift within easy reach. The driver feels properly cocooned, focused, ready to unleash hell.
Of course, Ferrari's thrown in their latest toys: the "Five" assistance system that tweaks traction, diffs, and e4WD on the fly, plus an evolved ABS that's smarter than your average sat-nav. Opt for the Assetto Fiorano pack, and you shed 30 kilos with carbon bits and extra spoilers – because who doesn't want their Ferrari lighter and meaner?
In a world gone mad for sensible saloons, the 849 Testarossa is a defiant middle finger to mediocrity. It's fast, it's furious, and it's Ferrari doing what they do best: making machines that don't just drive, they dominate. If you're in the market for something that'll make your pulse race and your neighbors seethe, this is the one that'll leave them in the dust.
Readers can also check out our marketplace where you can search and buy electric cars (100% electric). https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/
