The Testarossa debuted in 1984 as a successor to the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer, a car that descended from the 512 model of the 1970s. The brand-new Testarossa maintained the tradition of Berlinetta Ferrari cars with engine located centrally behind the pilot with 12 opposite cylinders at 180 degrees. This type of engine is called Boxer.
The new generation of Boxer engines featured renewed fuel injection technology and four valves per cylinder. The same name of the car was derived from the engine, since in Italian “Testarossa” means “red caps”, alluding to its large cylinder caps painted in red.
The base of the Ferrari Testarossa was the same as the 512 BBi, although the new Testarossa car added hydraulic shock absorbers to the superimposed triangles of the rear beam. The engine was similar in concept but more advanced, with better fuel injection and four valves per cylinder.
Probably the most emblematic technical modification is the change of the cooling system, due to its impact on the exterior design of the body. While the 512 BB had a single radiator on the front, the Testarossa adopted two radiators located ahead of the rear wheel face. This forced the use of the immense side air intakes.
This Ferrari was a resounding success in many countries difficult to master for Italians. They even managed to gain popularity among fans of sports cars in the US, when their iconic Chevrolet Corvette was at a time of boom and splendor.
Although Testarossa was an unbeatable sportsman on the streets, it never reached the slopes; as did its predecessor 512 BB, although without great success. This absence on the tracks by Ferrari led to an impressive development and dominance by Porsche Germans.
The Ferrari Testarossa was manufactured between 1984 and 1990. The Testarossa and its successors, 512 M and 512 TR reached a shocking figure of nearly 10,000 units manufactured in 12 years, between 1984 and 1996. Because it is a limited and artisanal production car, it is a very high number.
Suspension: independent on all 4 wheels
Power: 390 hp at 6,300 rpm
Wheelbase: 2.550 mm
Weight: 1.660 kg
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
Ferrari 512 TR
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