Ferrari Unveils 849 Testarossa Spider

Ferrari has unveiled its latest sports car, the 849 Testarossa Spider, to international press and clients. The car, which replaces the SF90 Spider in the range, is a hybrid plug-in super sports berlinetta equipped with three electric motors alongside the mid-rear twin-turbo V8, delivering a total of 1050 cv, 50 more than the car it replaces.

The car is both a true coupé and a true spider, thanks to Ferrari’s retractable hard top (RHT), which allows the driver to open and close the roof in just 14 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 45 km/h. This means that the car’s extraordinary performance can be enjoyed in any condition and even en plein air, offering an even more vibrant connection with the surroundings and heightened driving emotions. To maximize comfort, a new system has been developed to minimize turbulence inside the cabin: an innovative new wind catcher positioned behind the seats.

The 849 Testarossa Spider takes its place at the top of Ferrari’s open-top sports car range thanks to its performance, its ability to thrill the driver without ever compromising ride comfort or interior refinement, as well as its futuristic yet deeply historically rooted design. This car is conceived for the most demanding clients; those who want the very best from a Ferrari. It is also the reason for the return of a legendary name in Maranello’s history, Testa Rossa, which was first used on the 500 TR in 1956 to describe the colour of the cam covers of some of Ferrari’s most extreme, high-performance and iconic racing engines, before being used as a name for one of the marque’s most famous road-going models, the 1984 Testarossa.

The heart of the 849 Testarossa Spider revolves around its twin-turbo eight-cylinder internal combustion engine, part of the family of engines that received multiple International Engine of the Year awards. The unit has been completely re-engineered to reach new performance peaks (a remarkable 830 cv of maximum power) and is combined with an advanced hybrid system derived from Ferrari’s unmatched motorsport experience. Among the most prominent innovations is the new turbo, the largest ever for a Ferrari production car, enabling unprecedented acceleration. The hybrid group, consisting of a rear electric motor and two units installed on the front axle, is capable of delivering 220 cv. The on-demand four-wheel drive system and torque vectoring maximize performance in all conditions.

To enhance its dynamic qualities and the driver feedback at the limit, the 849 Testarossa Spider is equipped (in addition to the latest generation brake-by-wire system) with Ferrari’s ABS Evo controller, which improves braking precision and consistency in all conditions, along with the new braking system. The spring and damper set-up has been completely revised for improved behaviour at the limit of grip. Extensive component weight reduction has allowed the 849 Testarossa Spider to boast the best power-to-weight ratio ever for a range model, since the enormous performance increase has not resulted in any additional weight compared to the SF90 Spider.

From a styling point of view as well, the 849 Testarossa Spider marks a revolution in the concept of a Ferrari V8 mid-rear berlinetta: the inspiration taken from 1970s Sports Prototypes, together with sharp and geometric lines, creates a unique and timeless design. The synergy between form and function has enabled impressive aerodynamic performance: the total downforce of 415 kg at 250 km/h represents a 25 kg increase over the SF90 Spider as well as providing a 15% boost in cooling power for the powertrain and brakes.

The cockpit is even more enveloping and ergonomic than before: the central sail motif with the integrated gear-change gate, inspired by the F80, improves the positioning of components and makes them more accessible. The new steering wheel, equipped with mechanical buttons (including the iconic engine start button), elevates the driving experience while maintaining the high functionality of the latest-generation Ferrari steering wheels. Finally, a new HMI system makes interaction with the car even simpler and more intuitive.

Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider