The chassis was a stretched and much modified
development of the BB unit, still with the same basic double wishbone suspension
but now featuring twin coil-over units at the rear to help cope with the
increasing weight. The tracks were also increased and rather large 240/45
(front) and 280/45 (rear) tyres were fitted.
The engine was also a development of the
BB512, now with four-valves per cylinder, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection,
Marelli electronic ignition and numerous other modifications (including
red cam covers!) generating 390bhp from the same 4943cc capacity.
Performance was 'sufficient' despite the
rather heavy weight, with 0-100km/h in around 5.3 seconds and a top speed
of somewhere around 300km/h (186mph). Production continued until it was
replaced by the evolutionary 512TR in 1992.
See several high resolution detail images of the Testarossa here.
The
replacement for the Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa
was first shown at the Paris Motorshow in September 1984. The stunning
design by Pininfarina was a departure from previous Ferraris, whilst the
mechanicals were more evolutionary.
The
body design was a major change from the BB cars. The radiators for the
oil and coolant were moved to behind the doors, allowing a low, compact
front, and necessitating (!?) large straked inlets to get the cold air
in to where it was required. These air inlets, which dominate the side
view of the car, are one of the most memorable features of the design.
The rear lights were covered by a black slatted grille, whilst a black
band covered the lower part of the sills and front air dam. A poor drag
coefficient of 0.36 was due (supposedly) to designing for high downforce
rather than aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Details
| Engine | 4943cc (82x78mm) 48V flat-12 with 390bhp @ 6,300rpm |
| Suspension | front : independent with wishbones and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
rear : independent with wishbones and (twin) coil springs plus anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2550mm track (front/rear) : 1518mm/1660mm tyres (front/rear) : 225/50 VR16 / 255/50 VR16 |
| Brakes | ventilated discs all round with servo assistance |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual plus ZF self-locking diff |
| Steering | rack and pinion, 3.4 turns lock to lock |
| Empty weight | 1,506kg |
| Dimensions | Length / Width / Height : 4485mm / 1980mm / 1130mm |
| Performance | acceleration : 0-100km/h in 5.7s ; standing km in 24.5s ; 70-100km/h in 5th in 6.6s
braking from 100km/h in 48m |
 |
 |
See our picture gallery index for images from museums, motorshows and events.
There are also wallpapers/desktop backgrounds available to download.
Use the buttons at the top to navigate further, or
Copyright © 2000 to 2011 CarsfromItaly