Cars

Open-Air Performance

Words: Ben Barry

Replacing the SF90 Spider, the 849 Testarossa Spider draws on the 70-year heritage of some of the most iconic Ferrari’s ever made – both in its legendary name and with dramatic visuals that balance futuristic surfacing with classic cues rooted in the ’70s and ’80s. The new model is also the most powerful Ferrari Spider of all time.

A plug-in hybrid powertrain features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine and triple e-motors to provide all-wheel drive, just like its predecessor. But the 849 Testarossa Spider moves the game on with a completely revised engine, including new cylinder heads, engine block and the largest ever turbochargers engineered for a Ferrari road car. The engine alone produces 830 cv.

Spider-specific tonneau bridge flows into twin tails inspired by 512 S Le Mans racer

Combined with a 220 cv contribution from the advanced hybrid system, the total output of 1050 cv represents a 50 cv increase in performance, allowing this super sports spider to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in only 2.3 seconds.

Equally impressive is the retractable hard top. The neat design maintains the coupe’s refinement and sleek silhouette when closed, while the Spider-specific tonneau cover bridge flows into the rear twin-tail design – a signature shared with the berlinetta and inspired by classic sports prototypes including the 512 S Le Mans racer. Yet with a press of a button, the roof can be opened in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45km/h.

1050 cv performance, a striking design and an enveloping two-seat cockpit all live up to Testarossa legend

Lowering the retractable hard top also allows occupants to be fully immersed not only in sunshine and fresh air – while a new wind catcher behind the seats shields them from turbulence – but to enjoy more of the V8 soundtrack.

In fact, the aural richness of the International Engine of the Year winner has been enhanced during development, with extra sound quality noticeable all the way to its 8300rpm redline and a particular focus on low- and mid-range characteristics. A pure electric range of up to 25km also allows owners to enjoy total serenity on the move simply by moving the eManettino to eDrive mode.

Retractable hard top lowers in just 14 seconds while driving at up to 45km/h

The chassis strikes a similar balance, offering impressive comfort for long-distance drives while being even more dynamic than its predecessor. The suspension is revised with new springs and dampers, while a new braking system with the Ferrari ABS Evo controller provides added precision, as does the new FIVE estimator. This new technology creates a digital twin of the 849 Testarossa Spider’s dynamic performance in real time, ensuring all vehicles dynamics controls pre-empt the correct response and co-ordinate in a particularly fast and harmonious manner. From behind the wheel, the result is seamless precision with repeatable performance. The Assetto Fiorano pack is available for even greater dynamic and aerodynamic performance.

Combining the refinement of a coupe with the thrill of open-air motoring, and 1050 cv performance with pure electric running, the new 849 Testarossa Spider offers a stretch like never before.