Milan — Ferrari has taken the lid off its newest open-air missile, the 849 Testarossa Spider—a plug-in hybrid, mid-rear V8 berlinetta spider that replaces the SF90 Spider and politely informs physics that wind in your hair and 1,050 cv can, in fact, be best friends. The “Testarossa” name returns after 70 years of red-cam-cover lore, now paired with a retractable hard top that vanishes in 14 seconds (up to 45 km/h). Consider it a sunroof that deletes the roof.
Key Points (for the impatient and the pole-positioned)
- Total system output: 1,050 cv (830 cv from the revised twin-turbo V8 + 220 cv from three e-motors).
- Replaces SF90 Spider; best power-to-weight ratio of any current-range Ferrari.
- Downforce: 415 kg at 250 km/h (+25 kg vs SF90 Spider) with a redesigned active rear spoiler.
- Brains & brawn: new ABS Evo and FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator) for eerily precise control.
- RHT party trick: 14 s open/close at up to 45 km/h; new wind-catcher calms cabin turbulence.
- eDrive range: up to 25 km from a 7.45 kWh battery; modes via eManettino (eDrive/Hybrid/Performance/Qualify).
- Tyres: 265/35 R20 (front), 325/30 R20 (rear) co-developed with Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone.
- Assetto Fiorano pack: ~30 kg lighter, wild aero, stiffer Multimatic dampers, optional CF wheels.
The Engine Room (and its electric roommates)
Ferrari’s F154FC V8 has been re-engineered to 830 cv (specific output 208 cv/l) without a weight penalty—thank the new largest-ever Ferrari turbo, low-friction bearings, reworked heads, intake, exhaust, and Inconel® manifolds. A trio of electric motors (two up front for RAC-e torque vectoring, one MGU-K at the rear) adds 220 cv, delivering on-demand e-AWD traction that turns exits into exits-at-warp.
In eDrive, the Spider creeps through town silently for up to 25 km; twist the eManettino to Qualify, and the full choir belts to 8,300 rpm with new shift calibrations (inspired by SF90 XX Stradale) that deliver that cheeky over-run bark. It’s civilised when you want, sensational when you don’t.
Aero: When ‘Less Drag’ Meets ‘More Drama’
Inspired by ’70s Sports Prototypes and the 512 S, the Spider pairs sharp, geometric surfacing with functional aggression. Highlights:
- Front underfloor with cascading vortex generators (+20% front downforce vs SF90 Spider).
- Twin-tail rear architecture feeding an active spoiler that flips from Low Drag to High Downforce in <1 s and contributes up to 100 kg at 250 km/h.
- Re-profiled side intakes and door channels boost intercooler flow by 30%; overall cooling performance is up 15%.
- A patented wind stop behind the seats tames buffeting, so your hairstyle survives the lap of honour.
Dynamics: The Digital Twin That Wants a Trophy
Ferrari’s FIVE system builds a real-time “digital twin” of the car, estimating speed and yaw with uncanny accuracy to sharpen traction control, e-diff, and e4WD. Add ABS Evo, larger brake hardware, and revised spring/damper tuning, and you get later, harder, more repeatable braking and a car that responds to steering inputs like it’s reading your mind. Despite beefier components, weight matches the SF90 Spider—netting that headline power-to-weight win.
Cockpit & HMI: Fighter-Jet Theatre, Italian Logic
Inside, a more ergonomic, enveloping cabin features the central “sail” motif with an integrated, F80-inspired gated gear selector (the prettiest nod to nostalgia). A new steering wheel keeps mechanical buttons—including the iconic red Engine Start—while a refined HMI simplifies mode switching and displays. CarPlay®/Android Auto®, wireless charging, and MyFerrari Connect are onboard, so your phone can brag, too.
Assetto Fiorano: Because “More” Is a Setting
Tick this box for about 30 kg shaved via carbon and titanium, 20″ carbon-fibre wheels, lighter tubular seats (~18 kg saved), stiffer Multimatic dampers, additional vortex generators, and at the rear, twin wings that triple vertical load versus the twin tails—without a big drag bill. Michelin Cup 2 / Cup 2 R rubber is available if your commute includes curbing.
Sustainability Notes (the unglamorous, now glamorous bit)
For the first time on a Ferrari range car, recycled aluminium secondary alloys are used for major engine castings (head, crankcase, sump), trimming the aluminium CO₂ footprint by up to 80%—about 0.4 t CO₂e saved per car. Small number, big impact, very Maranello.
ADAS & Everyday Sanity
When you’re not chasing apexes, a full suite of ADAS (ACC with Stop & Go, AEB with cyclist detection, Blind Spot, LKA/LDW, Auto High Beam, TSR, Surround View, RCTA, driver fatigue monitoring) acts like a discreet co-driver who only speaks up when truly necessary.
Personalisation & Aftercare
Two new hero paints—Rosso Fiammante and Giallo Ambra—headline a deep options book, with Giallo Siena Alcantara for the cabin and aero-tuned forged wheels in multiple finishes. Ferrari’s 7-year maintenance programme covers regular servicing, while Warranty Extension Hybrid and Power Hybrid programmes protect the full car and hybrid components long-term, with HVB pack replacement at no extra cost at key milestones.
Fast Facts (clip-and-save)
- Layout: Mid-rear V8 PHEV, e-AWD
- Power: 1,050 cv (830 cv ICE + 220 cv e-motors)
- Roof: Retractable hard top, 14 s, operable to 45 km/h
- Downforce: 415 kg @ 250 km/h (+25 kg vs SF90 Spider)
- Battery: 7.45 kWh, up to 25 km eDrive
- Tyres: 265/35 R20 (F), 325/30 R20 (R)
- Highlight tech: ABS Evo, FIVE digital estimator, active aero, torque-vectoring RAC-e
The 849 Testarossa Spider is the rare convertible that’s both a true coupé and a true spider—quiet when you need stealth, operatic when you don’t. It reboots an icon’s name not with nostalgia, but with numbers, nuance, and a roof that disappears on command.
