A revival, an arrival

Ferrari's 849 Testarossa brings 1980s car design into the 2020s. It's a powerhouse. It's entering with a roar. So will you

- HORMAZD SORABJEE

Ferrari's revived 849 Testarossa (the SF90 replacement) sits at the top of the Italian brand's regular range. Think of it as a mix of '70s- and '80s-inspired design and a modern, potent plugin hybrid powertrain. You don't get the outrageous side strakes of the '80s Testarossa or its 12-cylinder aura, but you do get a sharp, almost concept-car silhouette and plenty of drama.

The twin-tail rear, inspired by Ferrari's 512 S and 512 M racers, looks stunning and generates 415kg of downforce at 250kph. The front is less theatrical, with a black band across the nose, masking the lights to evoke the old popup headlamps. Inside, the 849 is more evolution than revolution. It retains the split-cabin layout from the SF90. But crucially, Ferrari has responded to criticism of its all-haptic steering wheel by reinstating physical buttons for most functions. The aluminium drive selector “gate” has been raised so it's more in your line of sight.