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In order to improve driving dynamics, accommodate the enormous flat-twelve engine and still provide enough space in the interior, Ferrari needed to make Testarossa significantly bigger, wider, and even slightly taller than its predecessor. A perfect example of “form follows the function,” Testarossa had a noticeably wider rear track with the car’s overall width at almost two meters. The wide rear was necessary since the twelve-cylinder engine was positioned between the rear wheels, over the rear axle, and behind the cabin, making this the only possible solution.
The front was dominated by mandatory ’80s supercar design detail – pop up headlight and pointy nose hid decent-sized trunk. In order to maximize the available space, Ferrari delivered Testarossa with a bespoke, six-piece luggage set.
However, the most significant detail and the perfectly styled link between the wide rear and elegant front were those memorable side vents that rounded up the design and left an everlasting impression on anybody who ever laid eyes on Testarossa. Perfectly functional, the” “cheese graters” as they were called, channeled cool air to two big radiators mounted on each side, needed to cool down the massive 4.9-liter, twelve-cylinder engine. Also, due to smart aero engineering, hot air then exited the engine bay behind the car, creating a downforce effect and helped stability at high speeds.
With such gorgeous looks, dramatic presence, and almost jet-fighter stance, Testarossa was an instant classic and immediate hit with the wealthy customers rocking gold Rolex watches, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, white suits, mullets, and suitcases full of cash.
Engine and performance
The heart of the Testarossa was a very special 4.9-liter, naturally-aspirated, twelve-cylinder engine, which, even today, creates controversy amongst sports car fans. Numerous sources call this unit a flat-12, but in fact, it is a V12 engine with 180 degrees angle between the cylinder banks. It is based on the engine from Ferrari 512i BB, but it is thoroughly modernized with a new intake system and 4-valve per cylinder technology. Interestingly, the name” “Testarossa” was a nod to legendary Le Mans-winning 250 TR racing cars of the late ’50s and ’60s. Since it literarily means “Red Head” in Italian, the Testarossa had cylinder heads appropriately painted red.
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