Overview: Ferrari Testarossa

How did Ferrari come to use the Testarossa name again?

      How can one company think its ok to revive a name from one if its most lackluster cars of all time?  Well, when you are Ferrari, you don't have to worry about downfalls from the past, as those will eventually hit the nostalgia playfield.

     Today's release of the all new 849 Testarossa is an homage to the past which moves this company even further into the future.  But you have to ask yourself.  Why, would they use a name from a past model which fell out of favour with so many purists.  Nostalgia is why.

      With a market consumed by everything 80's, it seems that there is no way to get around using names from the past.  But for Ferrari, the Testarossa name is not an 80's name.  Dating back to the 50's, Ferrari has used the Testa Rossa nameplate for another model other than its ill fated Miami Vice star.  The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa started the name and as with its sweeping design, Ferrari has once again brought back a past favourite.
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     Although it may not embody the original presence of the 57 Testa Rossa, this new Testarossa does use pieces from Ferraris past.  Borrowing design elements from a few past favourites, while adding on some unique twists along the way.

     Using a name synonymous with an 80's T.V. show is one way to start off a replacement model.  And if you haven't figured it out yet, the new Testarossa is here to bump the SF90 from its top spot.  It does seem rather odd as most of still see the SF90 as a new car, since this model still hasn't really been shown the light.  But I guess the only light it will see, is when Ferrari puts this top model out to pasture.

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      Ferrari's replacement for its top tier model seem like it is off to a good start.  Jumping the line with a retro inspired name is one the better ways to get noticed, but what about its design.  Overall the 849 does utilize most of Ferrari's new design language.  Gloss black accents, clean flowing lines with hard break offs at the end.  But one thing does stand out to us with this model. 

       Up front it seems that Ferrari really wanted to act like a little kid, as the front splitter seems to be sticking out its tongue.  From certain angles, this car seems to be sticking its tongue out at you.  This is not something you would expect from the top tier of the sports car world.  But again, they are trying to change the design layout for their model lineup.  Maybe this is a way of sticking it to whoever was not paying attention to the SF90.

​     Along the sides, this Ferrari borrows key features from a previous top tier model, the limited run Daytona SP-3.  Oh wait, that was another play on the past as well, but at least it was only in its naming rights.

    Breaking up the front from the rear, Ferrari has decided to add on some bland glossy black plastic.  Maybe they thought that if Bugatti can break the lines from front to rear, so could they.  But in all reality, Bugatti did it correctly, not cheaply.

     Out back the 849 becomes a bit alien to most.   With thin evil eyes, protruding tailpipes and stiff upper lip rear bumper.  Maybe some more time checking out the rear of this beauty would have helped before its launch.  But one great thing is, is that they brought back the little lip spoilers from the FXX-K.

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       Overall the 849 is a decent car which borrows key aspects from the past to rebuild their future.  But in all sense, the 849 Testarossa seems to be just another Ferrari trying to hold off the boutique builders.   Maybe someday soon they will find their way back to looking forward for inspiration, as the past has already been done.

Everett J.
​#autolooks