Testarossa – or TR for short – is one of the most iconic names in Ferrari history. First used to describe the distinctive red cam covers of the Ferrari 500 TR’s engine in 1956, Testarossa subsequently appeared on legendary Le Mans winners and a certain 1980s poster pin-up supercar. Now it’s returning on a new super sports berlinetta to succeed the SF90 Stradale – the 849 Testarossa.

Harnessing heritage while embracing state-of-the-art technology, the 849 Testarossa uses plug-in hybrid technology to produce a total power output of 1050 cv – 50 cv more than the SF90 Stradale.

The fundamentals might be familiar – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine supplemented by triple e-motors, with one sandwiched between the engine and dual-clutch gearbox and two driving the front wheels individually – but the International Engine of the Year-winning V8 has been completely re-engineered. The engine block and cylinder heads are new, the exhaust manifolds and intake plenums thoroughly upgraded, while the turbochargers are the largest ever fitted to a Ferrari road car.

The result is 830 cv alone for the V8, with the hybrid powertrain adding a further 220 cv for a total 1050 cv. The huge output allows the 849 Testarossa to accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 2.3 seconds, go on to a top speed beyond 330km/h where legal and lap the Fiorano test track in just 1 minute and 17.5 seconds. With its 7.45kWh lithium-ion battery fully charged, the 849 Testarossa can also drive for up to 25km on nothing but electricity.

Naturally the 849 Testarossa’s chassis has been thoroughly revised to complement the increased performance, including with the introduction of the ABS Evo braking system, and revised springs and dampers to sharpen handling while preserving comfort.

The new FIVE estimator also takes driving dynamics to the next level. Standing for Ferrari Integrated Vehicle Estimator, FIVE uses digital-twin technology to replicate the dynamic behaviour of the 849 Testarossa in real time, ensuring all vehicle dynamics controls respond even more rapidly, precisely and intuitively than before.

For those wanting to dial up the downforce and dynamics even further, the optional Assetto Fiorano package includes a 30kg weight reduction, 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels, single-rate Multimatic shock absorbers and enhanced aerodynamics.

The design of the 849 Testarossa is resolutely contemporary with its sharp and geometric lines, while deferentially acknowledging Ferrari models of the past. The front, for instance, references classic geometries of the 1980s, while the rear nods to legendary sports prototypes, notably the 512 S with its sweeping twin tails.

The design doesn’t just look dramatic, it contributes towards a 15 per cent improvement in cooling performance and 25kg of additional aerodynamic downforce compared with the SF90, for a total of 415kg at 250km/h.

Inside, key influences include the horizontal architecture of a berlinetta, the enveloping cockpit of single seater and a central sail motif featuring an integrated gear-change gate inspired by the F80. Two seat designs are available – comfort seats, or more purposeful carbon-fibre racing seats. A new HMI system also concentrates functions around the driver.

Testarossa is one of the most recognizable names in automotive history, with a lineage dating back to Ferrari’s earliest days. Now the 849 Testarossa sets the scene for a bright new future.