Resurrecting the legendary “Testarossa” name first introduced in 1956, the Ferrari 849 Testarossa combines classic design with advanced hybrid technology and cutting-edge innovation.
Cavallino Motors of Bangkok, Thailand unveiled the Ferrari 849 Testarossa for the first time to Southeast Asia at the ICONSIAM’s Pinnacle Hall. This debut celebrated the revival of one of Ferrari’s most unforgettable and legendary models, made popular by 80’s pop-culture, now reimagined for today’s generation.
More than a launch, the event honored an era that shaped modern supercars. Originating in 1956 with the 500 TR, “Testa Rossa” (which means red head in Italian) has symbolized racing heritage, fiery wrinkle-red finished cylinder cam covers, and the pinnacle of motorsport performance. Cemented in the 1980s by the Testarossa Berlinetta, the name became a cultural emblem, defining power, speed, and Italian design for decades, and in pop-culture, this devil-may-care anti-hero that everyone secretly desired to become.
Now, nearly 70 years later since its inception, and 30 years after the last production Testarossa, the 512M was made, the Testarossa nameplate returns, transformed by F1-inspired hybrid innovation, new design language brought about by Ferrari’s Centro Stile, and the world-renowned, championship winning engineering excellence.
The evening commenced with a very solemn tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, led by Cavallino Motors’ Voravud and Nandhamalee Bhirombhakdi, alongside Ferrari’s regional executives including Charles Antoine Geneste, Head of Ferrari Southeast Asia & India, and Marco Spessotto, Product Marketing Manager. A minute of silence was observed before Her Majesty’s portrait, a greatly loved and universally admired icon and a symbol of Thailand’s inner strength and resilience as the nation’s mother. This was followed by a generous 500,000 Thai Baht donation to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, underscoring Ferrari’s dedication to compassion and community.
Central to the 849 Testarossa is a reimagined direct-injected twin-turbo V8, honed further to produce 830 cv (approximately 818hp) at 9,500 rpm. Integrated with a Formula 1-derived hybrid system, three electric motors boost output beyond 1,050 cv (approximately 1,036hp), more power than a modern Formula 1 race car. It also makes 50 hp more than its predecessor, the SF90.
This hybrid powertrain combines with a Variable All-Wheel Drive system and Torque Vectoring, delivering exceptional grip and precision. The largest turbochargers ever fitted on a Ferrari production car enhance responsiveness without sacrificing the signature Ferrari sound. Brake-by-Wire and ABS Evo Controller systems further sharpen stability and braking performance.
Despite its immense power, weight optimization keeps the 849 Testarossa’s curb weight on par with the SF90 Stradale, achieving Ferrari’s best power-to-weight ratio yet. Reinterpreting the mid-engined Berlinetta tradition, its exterior channels the spirit of 1970s Ferrari Sports Prototypes like the iconic 512 S, the later 512 M and the 312PB) through clean, muscular lines and aerodynamic surfaces that generate 415 kg of downforce at 250 km/h—25 kg more than the SF90 Stradale—while improving cooling for the hybrid system and brakes.
Inside, Ferrari merges tactile heritage with digital advancement. The classic gated gear design returns as a refined central sail while the steering wheel now features physical controls, replacing touchpads for a more direct, intuitive and analog feel. An updated Human-Machine Interface enhances ergonomics through natural interaction, keeping the driver at the very core of the 849 Testarossa’s experience.
At its Southeast Asia debut, guests and fellow Ferrari fans and enthusiasts experienced a rare introduction to a model embodying Maranello’s next evolutionary chapter. Blending iconic heritage with groundbreaking innovation, the 849 Testarossa is more than just the latest hypercar; it points to the future of the Cavallino Rampante while carefully holding onto sacred tradition.
