2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider Initial Drive Review: 1,000 HP Feels Even Better Without a Roof
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Introducing the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider, which delivers a stunning 1,036 HP through its twin-turbo hybrid V8 and convertible format.
Convertible allure meets coupe precision. Despite a minor weight increase, the Spider's open-top feel is unparalleled, combining power with driving pleasure.
Cutting-edge technology and design. Features such as a steering wheel loaded with buttons and improved seat adjustments enhance the driving experience.
Targeted at the ultra-wealthy. The Spider appeals to luxury aficionados, flourishing in exclusive environments where showcasing is commonplace.
In summary: The 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider merges impressive power and luxury, providing a distinctive driving experience for those who appreciate aesthetics and performance.
Revised and editor-reviewed by AI.
In February, my boss Kyle Cheromcha put on racetrack gear and navigated a heart-pounding ride in the new Testarossa, powered by 1,036 horsepower on a very slick road course. Meanwhile, I donned shorts and a t-shirt while racing up a volcanic island in the Atlantic, wearing a bucket hat as a must. These contrasting outfits represent the different vibes between a fixed-roof coupe and a convertible—namely, the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Coupe and its new sibling, the 849 Testarossa Spider.
As is often the case with car designs subject to social media scrutiny, the new Testarossa looks significantly better in person than in photographs. While I don't find it unattractive on screen, the aggressive front splitter can be off-putting depending on the photo angle. In real life, the top-tier Spider appears amusingly boxy from the front, delightfully wedgy from the side, and rather fierce from the rear.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8 behind the cockpit boasts the largest turbos of any Ferrari road car, delivering 50 more horsepower than the intense SF90. It features a three-radial-flux-motor hybrid system—two motors in the front and one in the rear, situated between the engine and transmission—and a 7.45-kWh battery that provides 15 miles of electric-only range.
On the winding, cliffside roads of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, I didn't utilize those 15 miles of electric power at all. Perhaps only while exiting my hotel’s driveway, but that’s about it. Over the course of three hours under the relentless sun akin to that of the Sahara Desert just 185 miles to the east, I aimed to use as much fuel as possible to maximize the Testarossa Spider experience. Frankly, I don’t understand why anyone would choose the coupe over this one, especially with the folding hardtop that offers the best of both worlds.
The coupe’s weight disadvantage is approximately 198 pounds, which is not negligible, although the complex folding system allows the top to open and close in just 14 seconds even at speeds of up to 30 mph. If you have an aversion to convertibles and that’s why you wouldn't consider one, that's fair. However, if you believe you would feel a significant performance difference between the two during a spirited Sunday drive due to the extra weight, you might be mistaken. The enjoyment of driving is far more significant than any marginal time you might lose on a racetrack you’ll never use your Ferrari on.
With this in mind, I settled into the red-leather driver’s seat to get acquainted with the cockpit. Thankfully, it’s quite similar to the 296, Purosangue, and 12Cilindri I’ve driven before, making my adjustment relatively seamless. This particular model featured Ferrari’s new button-focused steering wheel, replacing the previous touch-sensitive controls for starting the engine and other functions. It's worth mentioning that the powertrain mapping choices (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify) remain unchanged, but the engine start button and manettino still have robust physical buttons finished in beautiful Rosso Corsa.
The adjustment features for the seat have also been improved. You can still use the side buttons, but now you can also access a menu via the digital displays ahead, using the steering-wheel-mounted D-Pad to adjust side bolsters, bottom bolsters, leg extender, and lumbar support. The layout is well-designed and easily accessible while driving. Additionally, new tweaks to the operating system make customizing the car's ADAS systems or interacting with amenities like ventilated or heated seats, an air scarf, and other conveniences, including Apple CarPlay, simpler than ever.
With the roof down, air conditioning up, and cooled seats activated, I embarked on Tenerife’s well-maintained winding roads to test what the Testarossa had to offer. The bucket hat was proving useful, but unfortunately, the tops of my legs
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2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider Initial Drive Review: 1,000 HP Feels Even Better Without a Roof
Although I have mixed emotions regarding the appearance and intended audience of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa, there is no doubt that the wedge-shaped Spider is significantly cooler than the Coupe.