The Ferrari Testarossa is a supercar produced by Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari. The testa rossa, which translates to 'red head' in English, got its name from the large, pop-up headlights that dominate the front of the car.
Design and Features:
- Long, flat hood
- 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Pirelli tires
- Optional power windows, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- A distinctive pop-up headlight design
- Dual exhaust tips
The Testarossa was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti. The F110 Testarossa Spider is the convertible variant of the Testarossa.
Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 4,939 cc (301.6 cu in) V12
- Power output: 390 horsepower at 6,300 rpm
- Torque output: 406 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 3-speed automatic
- Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
- Top speed: 180 mph (290 km/h)
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 4.2 seconds
Production and Variants:
- Produced from 1984 to 1996, with a total production run of approximately 10,000 units.
- The F110 Testarossa Spider is the convertible variant of the Testarossa.
- There were several special edition variants produced during its lifespan, including the Spider's sister model, the F110 Monaro.
Price and Market Positioning:
- Initially priced at around $90,000 in the US market
- The Testarossa was marketed as a high-performance supercar with luxurious features, targeting wealthy enthusiasts and collectors.
- The F110 Testarossa Spider maintained its status as one of the most exclusive and coveted convertibles on the market.
Sales and Reception:
- Strong sales during its initial production run, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s
- Praised by critics for its styling and performance capabilities
- However, the Testarossa faced criticism for its excessive weight, relatively low power output compared to other supercars of the time, and limited practicality.
Impact on Ferrari's History:
- The F110 Testarossa Spider marked a new direction in Ferrari's design language, with clean lines and wedge-shaped styling.
- It helped establish the Testarossa as an iconic model within Ferrari's lineup.
- Its production run marked a significant increase in Ferrari's annual sales figures.
