2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider - Hybrid Plug-in Super Sports

The decision to resurrect the Testarossa name a moniker last seen on one of the most iconic posters of the 1980s was audacious. Yet, the 849 Testarossa Spider is no mere nostalgia trip; it is an epochal leap forward that justifies every letter of its legendary badge. This open-air hypercar doesn't just replace the SF90 Spider, it comprehensively elevates the entire top end of the Ferrari range, setting a new benchmark for open-top driving intensity and technological sophistication.

Powertrain: A Thousand Horsepower Symphony

The heart of the 849 Testarossa Spider is its phenomenally re-engineered Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain, which delivers a staggering total system output of 1,050 metric horsepower (cv), or 1,036 hp. This makes it the most powerful open-top production Ferrari in history.

The internal combustion element is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the latest evolution of Ferrari's multi-award-winning V8 family. It now produces an astonishing 830 cv (819 hp) on its own—a 50 cv increase over its predecessor. This gain comes from a completely revised component set, including new cylinder heads, engine block, and the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a Ferrari road car, featuring F1-derived low-friction bearings.

This V8 is seamlessly augmented by three electric motors—two independent motors on the front axle, which enable the advanced RAC-e all-wheel-drive system and torque vectoring, and a third MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) derived directly from Formula 1 experience, positioned at the rear. The electric system alone contributes a max of 220 cv (217 hp).

The raw performance figures speak volumes:

• Total System Output: 1,036 hp (1,050 cv)

• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Under $2.3$ seconds

• 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph): $6.5$ seconds

• Top Speed: Over $330\text{ km/h}$ (Over $205\text{ mph}$)

Furthermore, the 849 Spider offers a practical electric-only range of up to $25\text{ km}$ ($16\text{ miles}$) thanks to its $7.45\text{ kWh}$ battery pack, allowing for quiet cruising in eDrive mode at speeds up to $45\text{ km/h}$.

Aerodynamics and Chassis: Form Meets Ferocity

The car's aggressive, yet elegant, styling—developed under the direction of Flavio Manzoni—is a perfect marriage of historical cues and futuristic purpose. The design draws inspiration from 1970s Sports Prototypes, melding a sharp, geometric aesthetic with modern, flowing lines. The iconic side design is functional, artfully channeling airflow into the large intercoolers—a nod to the original Testarossa's signature strakes.

Aerodynamics are significantly improved over the outgoing SF90 Spider, generating a total of $415\text{ kg}$ of downforce at $250\text{ km/h}$, a 25 kg increase. Key innovations include:

• A re-engineered front underfloor.

• An active rear spoiler that shifts between Low Drag and High Downforce modes in less than a second.

• A redesigned tonneau bridge and twin-tail rear inspired by the 512 S Le Mans racer, specifically for the Spider variant.

The chassis and dynamics are managed by Ferrari's latest electronic control systems, including the refined ABS Evo controller and the innovative FIVE (Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Estimator). This technology creates a real-time digital twin of the car's dynamic performance, pre-empting and coordinating all control systems for unparalleled precision and repeatable performance. For the uncompromising driver, the optional Assetto Fiorano pack further shaves weight and increases downforce.

The Open-Air Experience and Sound

The "Spider" experience is central to this model. The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) is a masterpiece of engineering, capable of opening or closing in just 14 seconds at speeds up to $45\text{ km/h}$. When closed, it maintains the coupé's sleek silhouette and cabin refinement.

Crucially, lowering the roof allows for full immersion in the improved V8 soundtrack. Engineers focused on enhancing the richness and purity of the sound across the rev range, particularly in the low and mid-ranges, ensuring the flat-plane crankshaft's glorious scream is emphasized all the way to the $8,300\text{ rpm}$ redline. A new wind catcher behind the seats ensures turbulence is minimized, keeping the cabin serene even at high speeds.

Interior and Technology: Driver-Centric Purity

Inside, the cabin maintains a purely driver-focused philosophy. The new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) places essential functions directly on the steering wheel, intentionally eschewing a large central touchscreen to minimize distraction.

Key interior features include:

• A large $16.0\text{-inch}$ digital gauge display for the driver.

• A slim $9.0\text{-inch}$ passenger display integrated into the dashboard, which relays performance data and controls.

• Physical buttons and mechanical controls, carried over from the F80, including the Engine Start button.

• A sophisticated blend of luxury and racing-derived materials, with two seat options: comfortable cruising seats and carbon-fiber racing buckets.

Verdict: The Pinnacle of Open-Air Motoring

The 2026 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider is more than just a performance machine; it is a statement of intent. It takes the electrifying pace of the SF90 platform, wraps it in a stunning, heritage-inspired design, and injects it with a further boost of power and dynamic refinement. It manages the improbable task of being an absolute beast on the track while remaining a surprisingly comfortable and usable grand tourer, thanks to its advanced suspension and hybrid versatility.

The combination of 1,036 horsepower, instantaneous electric torque vectoring, and the unparalleled sensory experience of open-top V8 fury makes the 849 Testarossa Spider not just a hypercar, but an investment-grade future classic—a true Thoroughbred that stands proudly at the very top of Ferrari's extraordinary open-top range.