The Ferrari Testarossa (Type F110) is a 12-cylinder mid-engine sports car manufactured by Ferrari, which went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The Pininfarina-designed car was originally produced from 1984 until 1991, with two model revisions following the end of Testarossa production called the 512 TR and F512 M, which were produced from 1992 until 1996. Including revised variations, almost 10,000 cars in total were produced, making it at the time one of the most mass-produced Ferrari models.
The Testarossa is a two-door coupé that premiered at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. All versions of the Testarossa were available with a rear-mounted, five-speed manual transmission. The rear mid-engine design (engine between the axles but behind the cabin) keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability and improves the car's cornering ability, and thus results in a standing weight distribution of 40% front: 60% rear.
The original Testarossa was re-engineered for the 1992 model year and was introduced as the 512 TR (TR meaning TestaRossa), at the Los Angeles Auto Show, effectively as a completely new car, and an improved weight distribution of 41% front, 59% rear. Another new variant called the F512 M was introduced at the 1994 Paris Auto Show. The car dropped the TR initials and added the M which in Italian stood for modificata, or translated to modified, and was the final version of the Testarossa, which continued its predecessor's weight distribution improvement of 42% front, 58% rear. The F512 M was Ferrari's last vehicle that featured the flat-12 engine.
The Testarossa is a recognized cultural icon of the 1980s, and was popularized by media including the 1984 television series Miami Vice (from the 1986 season onward) and Sega's 1986 video game Out Run.
Development
The Testarossa traces its roots back to the faults of the 1981 512 BBi. The problems that the Testarossa was conceived to fix included a cabin that got increasingly hot from the indoor plumbing that ran between the front-mounted radiator and the midships-mounted engine and a lack of luggage space. To fix these problems the Testarossa was designed to be larger than its predecessor. For instance, at wide, the Testarossa was half a foot wider than the Boxer. This resulted in an increased wheelbase that stretched about to , which was used to accommodate luggage in a carpeted storage space under the front forward-opening hood. The increase in length created extra storage space behind the seats in the cabin. Headroom was also increased with a roofline half an inch taller than the Boxer.
The design came from Pininfarina. The design team at Pininfarina consisted of Ian Cameron, Guido Campoli, Diego Ottina, and Emanuele Nicosia. They were led by design chief Leonardo Fioravanti, who also designed many other contemporary Ferrari models. The design was originated by Nicosia, but the guidance of Fioravanti was equally important. Being trained in aerodynamics, Fioravanti applied his know-how to set the layout of the car. The designers were originally trying to minimize the necessary side intakes, which also could not be left open due to American safety legislation, but then decided on making them a statement of style instead - one that ended up becoming emblematic of the late eighties. The Testarossa did not need a rear spoiler. The aerodynamic drag coefficient of was significantly lower than the Lamborghini Countach's 0.42.
The styling was a departure from the curvaceous boxer—one which caused some controversy. The side strakes sometimes referred to as "cheese graters" or "egg slicers," that spanned from the doors to the rear fenders were needed for rules in several countries outlawing large openings on cars. Unlike the Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa had twin side radiators near the engine at the rear instead of a single radiator up-front - eliminating much piping and allowing for a much cooler cabin. After passing through the engine bay, the cooling air exited through the vents at the engine lid and the tail. The strakes also made the Testarossa wider at the rear than at the front, thus increasing stability and handling.
One last unique addition to the new design was a single high mounted side view mirror on the driver's side. On US-based cars, the mirror was lowered to a more normal placement for the 1987 model year and was quickly joined by a passenger side view mirror for the driver to be able to make safe lane changes.
The "Testarossa" name pays homage to the famed 1957 World Sportscar Championship-winning 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car. Testa Rossa, which literally means "red head" in Italian, refers to the red-painted cam covers sported by both cars' 12-cylinder engines.
Like its predecessor, the Testarossa used double wishbone front and rear suspension systems. Ferrari improved traction by adding 10-inch-wide alloy rear wheels. The Testarossa's drivetrain was also an evolution of the 512 BBi. Its engine used near identical displacement and compression ratio, but unlike the 512 BBi had four-valve cylinder heads that were finished in red.
Testarossa
Engine The Testarossa has a naturally aspirated longitudinally-mounted, Tipo F113 flat-12 engine. The engine has DOHC 4 valves per cylinder (48 valves in total) and is lubricated via a dry sump system. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.30:1. These combine to provide a maximum power of at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of at 4,500 rpm. Early U.S. versions of the car had the same engine, but had slightly less power, which stood at .
The Testarossa can accelerate from 0– in 5.8 seconds and on to in 11.4 seconds (though Motor Trend Magazine managed 5.29 seconds to 60 mph and 11.3 seconds, respectively). It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile ~ in 13.5 seconds and a standing kilometre in 23.8 seconds. The top speed of the Testarossa is estimated at .
GearReverse12345Final DriveRatio2.523:13.139:12.104:11.526:11.167:10.875:13.210:1
Engine specifications +Petrol enginesModelYear(s)DisplacementFuel typePowerTorqueCatalyst Europe-market1986–1989Petrol5.8 sCatalyst1989–1991Petrol5.7 sUS-market1984–1989Petrol6.1 sEurope-market1984–1989Petrol5.8 s
Wheels and suspension When introduced for the 1985 model year, the Testarossa had magnesium single bolt "knockoff" wheels with a diameter. These wheels used the Michelin TRX tyres having sizes of 240/45 VR 415 at the front and 280/45 VR 415 at the rear. The TRX cars did have the option of specifying 16" wheels and 225/50R16 and 265/50R16 Pirelli Cinturato P7 were homologated.
In the 1986 model year, the wheels kept the same design but were changed to a standard diameter, with a width of 8 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear. Goodyear Gatorback or Pirelli Cinturato P-Zero 225/50 VR 16 front tyres and 255/50 VR 16 rear tyres were fitted. However, for the US market the cars were delivered with the metric sized TRX wheels until the 1989 model year.
The rear suspension consisted of independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, twin telescopic shock absorbers on each side, and an anti-roll bar. The entire drivetrain and suspension was designed to be removed as a unit from underneath the car so the engine and timing belts could be serviced.
In the mid of the 1988 model year, the suspension was redesigned and the wheels were changed again from the single bolt knockoff setup to the standard Ferrari five bolt pattern. The wheel design still resembled the ones installed at the Testarossa's debut.
The front brakes have a diameter of and the rear brakes have a diameter of .
Reception
The car received a positive reception from the automotive press - it was featured on the cover of Road & Track magazine 10 times from December 1984 through July 1989. It lost comparison tests to the Lamborghini Countach, Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo and BMW M5.Car April 1986Sport Auto 1/1990Car April 19901989 Road and Driver, Exotic Edition.
Well-known Testarossa owners included Elton John, Marti Pellow, Alain Delon, O. J. Simpson, Rod Stewart, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, John Carmack, Dr. Dre, M.C. Hammer, Austrian Formula One racing driver Gerhard Berger, and Gary Monsieur. Don Johnson, who famously drove a white Testarossa on Miami Vice, was gifted a brand-new silver 1989 Testarossa by Enzo Ferrari himself, who was a fan of Miami Vice. Michael Mann, executive producer of the series, also had a custom painted, blue metallic Testarossa.
As Ferrari's flagship model during the 1980s, the car made numerous appearances in pop culture, most notably in the arcade game Out Run, and in the third, fourth, and fifth seasons of Miami Vice. The car has subsequently become synonymous with 1980s "yuppies" and is an icon of 1980s retro culture. Its signature side strakes have become a popular aftermarket body component for wide arch aesthetic body kits. The side strakes also spawned body kits that were designed for cars such as the Pontiac Fiero and the Mazda B-Series pickup trucks (these were referred to as "Truxtarossa" kits), in addition to a wide variety of Japanese and American sports cars and motorcycles such as the Honda VFR.
512 TR
Engine The 512 TR sports a longitudinally rear-mounted Tipo F113 D flat-12 engine. Each cylinder of the engine has four valves, with forty-eight valves total. The engine is lubricated via a dry sump system, and has a compression ratio of 10.00:1. These combine to provide a maximum of at 5,500 rpm and a maximum power output of at 6,750 rpm.
The car can accelerate from 0– in 4.8 seconds and on to in 10.7 seconds. It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile in 13.2 seconds or a standing kilometre in 23.4 seconds. The 512 TR has a top speed of .
GearReverse12345Final DriveRatio2.428:12.916:11.882:11.421:11.087:10.815:13.45:1
A recall was issued in 1995, regarding fuel hose fitting issues. Over 400 cars had this defect which was caused by variances in temperature and environment. Another recall was issued in relation to the passive restraint system on seat belts not functioning properly, on over 2,000 cars. If the restraint system suffered a mechanical or electrical failure only the lap belt would provide safety to the occupant.
The 512 TR's engine was extensively reworked. Nikasil liners were added, along with a new air intake system, Bosch engine management system, larger intake valves, and a revised exhaust system. In addition to the higher peak power, the modifications delivered a more broad power band for better acceleration.
Gearshifting effort, a prolonged complaint about the Testarossa, was eased with a new single-plate clutch, sliding ball bearings, and better angle for the gearshift knob. The braking system included larger cross-drilled front rotors. Quicker steering, lower-profile tyres, and new shock settings improved handling. Most importantly, engine and gearbox position was rethought, which improved the centre of gravity, aiding the handling and making the car easier to drive.
The interior also received updates, with the centre console split from the dashboard, and the climate controls relocated. at Pininfarina was tasked with redesigning the body of the car for better integration of the newly included spoilers and the new engine cover. The design was updated in line with the recently introduced 348.
Wheels The 512 TR has wheels with a width of at the front and at the rear. The tyre for the front wheels are 235/40 ZR 18 and 295/35 ZR 18 for the rear. The front brakes have a diameter of and the rear brakes have a diameter of .
Notable appearances The 512 TR is featured on the cover of and in the 1994 arcade racing video game The Need for Speed.
F512 M