KUALA LUMPUR: Ital Auto, the authorised dealer for Ferrari in Malaysia since 2023, has unveiled the new 849 Testarossa.
Blending electrified performance with the brand's neo-classical design cues of its chequered past, the 849 was developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre under the direction of its chief Flavio Manzoni.
The 849 made its regional introduction in Bangkok, Thailand in November last year before making its local debut here.
Priced from RM5.2mil (without options, after duties and taxes), the 849, which replaces the SF90 Stradale, is further accompanied by a seven-year maintenance programme.
This covers all scheduled servicing for the first seven years of ownership while also expanding its support for its hybrid systems, which provides a warranty extension programme for future battery replacement at no additional cost for eligible owners.
Using a hybrid 4.0-litre (3,990cc) bi-turbo V8 that redlines at 8,300rpm, power output stands at 830hp at 7,500rpm and 842Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.
The V8's engine note is trumpeted by an exhaust manifold made out of Inconel, the same material used to handle the hot exhaust of fighter jets.
Meanwhile, a dual electric motor setup for the front axle and a single electric motor for the rear axle, supplements the engine's performance with 163hp to bring its total systems output to 1,050hp while torque remains at 842Nm.
A 7.45kWh lithium-ion battery located in the floor allows the 849 to travel up to 25km in pure electrified power.
An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission manages power delivery and allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in under 2.36 seconds before reaching a top speed exceeding 330kph.
Forged 20-inch wheels with front 265/35 and rear 325/30 series tyres provide grip with stopping power handled by front six-piston and rear four-piston callipers that bite down on front 410mm and rear 372mm carbon-ceramic discs.
With a dry weight of 1,570kg, the 849 to decelerate from 100kph to standstill in just 28.5 metres.
Visually, the car is said to depart from convention with its flanks dominated by deeply sculpted doors with complex three-dimensional surfacing that act as aerodynamic ducting to feed air directly into the intercoolers.
The front of the 849 receives a bridge-like horizontal fascia to link both front headlamps – a theme first seen on the 12Cilindri and F80.
Sculpted surfaces, black aerodynamic elements and an aggressive splitter complete the front section to unmistakably identify itself as a vehicle belonging to the lineage of the Cavallino Rampante (Prancing Horse).
The rear end sports an active wing that works with the twin-tail design derived from the legendary 512 S racecar.
While the exterior concentrates on generating downforce, the underside of the 849 focuses on keeping this car "sucked" onto the road.
This combination is said to generate some 415kg of downforce at 250kph (+25kg compared to the SF90 Stradale).
Inside, the cabin blends the horizontal dashboard layout of a traditional berlinetta (Italian for "little saloon" accompanied by a sporty coupe design) with a driver-centric feel of a single-seater cockpit.
Floating dashboard elements, aluminium-framed air vents and a cleaner centre tunnel design help to create a more minimalist atmosphere - freeing up room for occupants and passenger-side storage.
Much of the 849's controls are found on the steering wheel, from the engine start button to the electric driving modes via the eManettino system.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, alongside smartphone charging and the MyFerrari Connect system, which enables remote vehicle monitoring through an app.
As an optional extra, an Assetto Fiorano package is available, which drops the 849's dry weight of 1,570kg by 30kg through extensive use of carbon fibre and titanium parts, including lighter seats and carbon-fibre wheels.
Aerodynamic revisions are also introduced to significantly increase downforce, as well as a stiffer suspension setup and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The 849 is also provided with extensive personalisation options along with new exterior colours, including Rosso Fiammante (Flaming Red) - an interpretation of the iconic Rosso Corsa (Racing Red), as well as Giallo Ambra (Yellow Amber).
Interior finishes can also be bespoked to match, including a new Alcantara trim in Giallo Siena (Siena Yellow) – referring to the light yellow Italian marble found in the region of Siena, Tuscany.
To enhance safety, the 849's advanced driver aids system (ADAS), which are fully configurable within the 16-inch digital instrument cluster menus, include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Automatic Emergency Braking with Cyclist Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and driver fatigue monitoring.
Although the 849 Testarossa Spider has yet to have its own official introduction, it is available for order from RM5.7mil (before options, after duties and taxes).
