Ferrari has unveiled the 849 Testarossa, a model scheduled for release in 2026 that pays tribute to the iconic car of the 1980s, now equipped with a rechargeable hybrid engine.
From its launch in 1984, the Ferrari Testarossa established itself as a true automotive marvel. With its spectacular lines, famous side vents, and aerodynamic styling, it symbolized the quintessential supercar of the 1980s and 1990s. Its Pininfarina design and rear-mounted V12 engine made it a machine as beautiful as it was powerful, the dream of generations of exceptional car enthusiasts.
Produced until 1996, it embodied the perfect marriage of raw performance and flamboyant style. Today, Ferrari unveils the new 849 Testarossa plug-in hybrid, a supercar that revives the legendary name while adapting it to modern challenges.
Moderate electrification
Contrary to what many enthusiasts had hoped, this is not a completely zero-emission Ferrari. The brand has opted for plug-in hybrid technology, combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developing 830 horsepower with three electric motors : two at the front, integrated into the RAC-e system, and a third at the rear, directly inspired by Formula 1 technologies. The combination delivers a total power output of 1,050 horsepower.
The performance lives up to these impressive specs: 0 to 62 mph in around 2.3 seconds, with a top speed of over 206 mph. The range in all-electric mode, on the other hand, remains modest, limited to only around 12 miles.
Despite this, it represents an important step in the manufacturer’s transition strategy, with the arrival of its first fully electric Ferrari already announced for 2026. Until then, this hybrid Testarossa illustrates the brand’s ambition : to combine extreme performance with reduced emissions, without sacrificing what has made Ferrari’s reputation.
A design that blends past and future
Visually, the new Testarossa stays true to its heritage: its taut, geometric lines echo the iconic silhouette of its illustrious predecessor, while incorporating active aerodynamic elements and an adaptive spoiler to improve high-speed performance. Ferrari will offer the car in two versions : a coupe and a Spider equipped with a retractable hardtop. For fans of extreme sportiness, the manufacturer will offer the optional Assetto Fiorano package, which reduces the vehicle’s weight.
Some will nevertheless regret the absence of a naturally aspirated V12 engine, symbolic of Ferraris of yesteryear, or the choice of such a limited electric range. But Ferrari stands by its technical choices: the brand wants to preserve the driving pleasure, sound, and mechanical character that are an integral part of its identity.
Deliveries in Europe will begin in the second or third quarter of 2026. The United States will receive its model a little later, with a higher price tag due to import duties.
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Featured photo : © Ferrari
