Ferrari 849 Testarossa Styling | Page 15 | FerrariChat

Ferrari 849 Testarossa Styling

Discussion in 'SF90/849' started by technom3, Sep 9, 2025.

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  1. day355

    day355 F1 Rookie

    Jun 25, 2006
    2,712
    I know that many are expecting this, and it is a perfectly logical expectation. For the moment, nothing on the horizon. The state of future European rules and standards will undoubtedly be decisive, because we are talking about post-2030, knowing that it takes about 2 years to make an M version on the same engine base.
     
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  2. collegeboy

    collegeboy Formula 3
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    This doesn't look good.

    :)
     
  3. LMP

    LMP Formula Junior

    Aug 11, 2022
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    Looks like a Mansory kit for SF90!
     
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  4. snowboy458

    snowboy458 Karting

    Jan 31, 2013
    113
  5. Fortis

    Fortis Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2019
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    Fortis
    Thank you but this is not the only V12 I have if you only consider V12 real cars haha, you see, you really don't know what's in my garage.
     
  6. KZEVO

    KZEVO Formula Junior

    Jul 25, 2021
    347
    spoke to a local dealer and they are surprised at the interest in the car. Ferrari will have no issue selling this car as well. I need to see it in person.
     
  7. Fortis

    Fortis Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2019
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    The only things I’d change are the dinner plates and the wheel gaps but that’s a Ferrari trait, and it does help with the ride. I get that, even though the GT3RS fender almost kisses the rubber and still works perfectly.

    As for the 849, a lot of the criticism comes from people who haven’t seen the car in person. The design features make much more sense IRL. I don’t even mind the black strip between the lights, if you remove it or color-match it, the lights look awkward on their own because the inner casings are styled to work with the stripe. Every Photoshop attempt I’ve seen without it makes the front end look off.

    Honestly, photos don’t capture all the nuances of the design. Until you see it in the flesh, it’s impossible to judge the whole package. I’m not saying you’ll automatically love it in person, but that’s when you’ll be able to form a proper, definitive opinion, love it, hate it, or somewhere in between.

    TLDR:
    If the dinner plates were gone and the front bar had larger, rounder, more organic intakes, I’d call it a 9/10. As it stands, I’m at 8.5/10—nothing else bothers me. I actually can not wait to get this car, my order and spec is in with the dealer.
     
  8. NGooding

    NGooding Formula 3
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    Beautiful!!!
     
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  9. Fortis

    Fortis Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2019
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    LOL, that actually made me laugh, well played.
     
  10. Lebby

    Lebby Karting

    Oct 10, 2020
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    I love these angles on a light coloured car too.. can't get an F80 or SP3 but his cones close. I love it. I'm relatively new to Ferrari so my expectations to previous design philosophies of Ferrari may not be so high, just different.
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  11. Fortis

    Fortis Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2019
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    Lebby it looked very good in blue when I saw it, it also looked good in red but blue would be my choice between the two.
     
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  12. Jelial

    Jelial Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2017
    417
    Can't agree more of what you just said....when I saw for the first time in real life at the factory the 12 Cilindri I was blown away! the wideness and the presence of the back end it doesn't come up to my eyes in the pictures. In the flesh? total different story, almost looks like a different car, but I believe it's very personal.
    I want to see the 849 in real life, but at the moment the more I see it and more I'm liking it.
     
  13. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    6,049
    Considering my first yellow car. The press/demo spider with its black roof and gray seats is a stunning spec. The yellow alcantara stripe brings the exterior into the interior.
     
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  14. MDEL

    MDEL F1 Rookie
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    Rosario Scelsi is a renowned independent Italian journalist with many articles published on modern and classic Ferraris and with a profound understanding of the history of the brand and its models. Because R.S. writes in Italian below is a translation into English of his recent article about the 849 Testarossa.



    Ferrari 849 Testarossa:
    Discover the latest work from the Emilian legend, which pushes the performance bar to the limit.

    Rosario Scelsi 11/09/2025


    The new Ferrari 849 Testarossa is the star of the motoring news these days. It's monopolizing the spotlight, not only because of its position in the Prancing Horse's product lineup, but also because of its bold design language, a source of heated debate online. Those who frequent social media know what I'm talking about. While no one doubts the technical and performance excellence of the latest "red car," save for a few rare criticisms of the vehicle's hybrid nature, its relationship with its design is quite different, a source of disappointment for many.

    Style: well-balanced volumes, but with questionable aesthetic elements
    Historical references: 512 S and 512 M, at the rear
    Why Testarossa? For the red color of the valve covers
    Why 849? Eight-cylinder engine, with a displacement of approximately 490 cubic centimeters
    Plus: top-notch performance, highly usable horsepower, cutting-edge technology
    Maximum power: 1050 horsepower
    Inexplicable: the vertical black band behind the doors

    Once again, Flavio Manzoni has expressed his creative streak with expressive codes that aren't unifying in terms of admiration, at least not in the official images released by the Maranello-based manufacturer. To form a more reliable and qualified opinion, it's best to wait to see the model in person, which will provide a more accurate gauge of its popularity. For now, I think the styling of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, while less refined than one might expect from a "red," isn't bad, except for the vertical black element behind the doors, which seems like a major discordance. It's incredible that days of work were spent searching for the most suitable juncture to create such a distinctive, tasteless feature. An effort that could certainly have been done without, for a graphic element that only creates visual disturbance. I also don't like the black band connecting the front headlights, in the style of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which creates a cloying family feeling, the other victim of which was the F80. The case of the 12 Cilindri and 12 Cilindri Spider is different, as they are architecturally and philosophically linked to that historic car, from which they took the styling in question.There, however, the rear window area creates the discordant effect, almost as if the "prancing horse" chief designer simply couldn't accept absolute harmony, like that of the Monza SP2 and SP2, to limit ourselves to models he's created in recent years.Returning to the black front fascia of the new Ferrari 849 Testarossa, this is fortunately less generously sized than the solution on the F80, thus reducing the unpleasant optical effect, which here becomes acceptable. Aside from the contrasting elements mentioned above, the rest of the look of the most recent "red" expresses grit and personality. Overall, this is a highly engaging car, with refined references, such as the two fins in the tailgate, which hark back to the legendary 512 S and 512 M, but the rear window area remains troubled, although less so than on the SF90.
    I think its live stage presence will be captivating, even if the theme of beauty could have been addressed better, avoiding certain decidedly un-Michelangelesque "artistic" digressions, which serve only to spark debate—good for a painting but not for a car. Overall, however, I don't mind the Ferrari 849 Testarossa at all, even if it doesn't trigger in me the horse fever of Pininfarina's old works.

    Considering the competition and the priority given to functional aspects, the aesthetic flaws can be viewed with great leniency, especially since—all things considered—they have relatively little impact, as well as being easily metabolized over time. Of course, the comparison with the magnificent silhouette and impeccable spirituality of the "red" from which it borrowed its name is untenable: the 1980s supercar was stylistically from another planet. It's hard to imagine the new one capturing people's hearts with the same iconic intensity as the previous model.

    The technological and performance profile, however, has been raised to new levels, far superior to those of its predecessor, even considering what the competition offered in their respective historical periods. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa, while giving up the irreplaceable magic of the 12-cylinder engine, pushes the bar to a much more extreme level, not only in absolute terms but also relative, with reference to the state of the art of the two eras being compared.
    The new berlinetta, created to replace the SF90 Stradale, is a plug-in hybrid with a maximum power output of 1,050 horsepower. The increased energy comes from the mid-rear-mounted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which delivers 830 horsepower. The result is top-notch performance, clearly illustrated by the numbers, although they don't fully convey its dynamic prowess. For the record, we'll list them here: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.3 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 6.35 seconds, and a top speed of over 330 km/h.

    The level of driver engagement it promises is incredible, without compromising ride comfort or refinement. This sports car was designed for the most demanding customers, for those who demand the most from an "ordinary" Ferrari. Only a few limited editions can go further. Suffice it to say that the lap time set on the Fiorano track, 1'17"50, can be beaten only by the SF90 XX Stradale and the F80.

    The new Ferrari's connection to the Testarossa family is evident in the color of the valve covers, which is echoed on this model to legitimize the use of such a noble acronym. Among the most notable innovations are the turbines, which are the largest ever for a Prancing Horse model. The electric powertrain features two units installed on the front axle and one on the rear. Together, they add 220 horsepower, delivering instant responsiveness. The on-demand four-wheel drive system and torque vectoring maximize the car's performance in all conditions.

    To enhance handling and refine the feeling when driving on the limit, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa offers, along with the latest-generation brake-by-wire system and the innovative FIVE estimation system, ABS Evo, which improves braking precision and repeatability. The spring and shock absorber calibration has been completely revised to improve the car's behavior at the limit of grip. The power-to-weight ratio is the best ever among the "red" cars in the "standard" lineup. The remarkable study of flows has led to impressive levels of downforce: the downforce reaches 415 kg at 250 km/h: 25 kg more than the SF90.

    The interior has been significantly upgraded, making it even more enveloping and ergonomic. The return of some physical buttons, much requested by customers, is welcome. The sound quality has been improved compared to the car it replaced, thanks to meticulous work on the exhausts, resulting in a more adrenaline-filled experience, though not as engaging as that of the V12s. The sound level has been increased across the entire rev range, with particular attention to the richness and purity of the sound in the low and mid-range ranges. The Ferrari 849 Testarossa features a lightning-fast gearshift, perfectly matching its dynamics.
    Alongside the coupé, the Spider was also unveiled. The latter features a retractable hard top (RHT), allowing the driver to switch from the closed to the open configuration (and vice versa) in just 14 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 45 km/h. This way, all the car's extraordinary performance can be enjoyed in all conditions, even en plein air, for a greater connection with the surrounding environment. This increases the emotional range, vibrantly enjoyable even with a breath of wind caressing your hair. To maximize comfort, a new system has been developed for the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider that minimizes onboard turbulence: the innovative wind stop positioned behind the seats.

    Those who aren't satisfied with the standard performance profile are offered the option of the Assetto Fiorano kit. In this configuration, the 849 Testarossa further improves the dynamic and aerodynamic performance of its "base" siblings. Weight is reduced by approximately 30 kg, thanks to the extensive use of composite materials such as carbon fiber and titanium. The solutions chosen for even more effective airflow management are also effective. Vehicle dynamics have been optimized with stiffer Multimatic suspension, 35% lighter springs, and a 10% reduced roll gradient, improving body motion management and aerodynamic efficiency. What can I say? Hats off!
     
  15. gliazzurri

    gliazzurri Formula Junior

    Jun 11, 2016
    532
    Maryland
    I hear you and understand. But the point is not that you can’t see certain details in photo and would thus change your opinion in person. The point is that at best on paper it is not an amazing package that is clearly appealing and wow moment. The kind of thing like others have echoed they experienced when seeing their dream cars in the past.
     
  16. gliazzurri

    gliazzurri Formula Junior

    Jun 11, 2016
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    #366 gliazzurri, Sep 18, 2025 at 4:01 AM
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2025 at 4:08 AM
    And the fact also is that there are clear differences between a great looking person and a maybe. I wasn’t immediately blown off my feet but later grew on me is different for evaluating humans who are more than just visually interacted with. This is like saying, “”well I didn’t like her face but when I saw her fingers and cuticles I was sold and knew she was for me.” Again the apologetic style of “yes not great, but this” seals the issue that the design is not amazing or a 10. Some things have clear universal appeal. These last cars are way out of that league of late with the brand.
     
  17. gliazzurri

    gliazzurri Formula Junior

    Jun 11, 2016
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    Exactly. If someone doesn’t accept this bottom line then other things are confounding the belief.
     
  18. MDEL

    MDEL F1 Rookie
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    Forty years ago, photos spoke for themselves, clearly showing what was a beautiful Ferrari and a beautiful woman. Times have changed, and today some claim that a photo of a Ferrari designed by Manzoni is always a kind of optimistic blind date.


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  19. Jelial

    Jelial Formula Junior

    Mar 25, 2017
    417
    Sorry, I don't see any Ferrari.... :p
     
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  20. Cocoloco

    Cocoloco Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2013
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    #370 Cocoloco, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:54 AM
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2025 at 6:14 AM
    Wrong and wrong -
    Ferrari recently placed a patent on a new V12 with oval shaped pistons to build a smaller engine.
    For someone who claims an "insiders" view - you like the 12Ci and make up silly stuff to justify it.

    Honda did this in the 70's with a motorcycle engine, NR500 the NR stood for new racing.
    With new 3D technologies to produce these - Porsche / Ferrari have gone this direction as the new tech allows this to be a success.
     

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  21. Fortis

    Fortis Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2019
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    Personally I think the car looks subpar with some hardware store bought safety fencing plonked on the rear, the woman on the other hand is stunning but even higher maintenance than the car so they cancel themselves out for me.
     
  22. MDEL

    MDEL F1 Rookie
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    Subpar ? Understood …..
     
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  23. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
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    Jun 11, 2013
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    I actually find this angle challenging, for me, the car looks a bit too tall here, I think the best angles for this car are a direct view of the front, a direct view of the rear, a direct view of the side, and overhead. I dont love the front ¾ for the aforementioned reason.
     
  24. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
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    It will be a sad Day if you decide to leave f chat.
     

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