2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider Initial Drive Assessment: Feel 1,000 HP in a Cabriolet Style

In February, my boss Kyle Cheromcha donned race gear and endured a pulse-pounding ride in the new Testrossa, courtesy of 1,036 horsepower and a slick wet racetrack. Meanwhile, I sported shorts and a tee while zooming across a volcanic isle in the Atlantic. Also, I had a bucket hat—it was essential. These two contrasting outfits perfectly capture the different vibes between a fixed-roof and a convertible. More specifically, the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Coupe versus its new counterpart, the 849 Testarossa Spider.

Like many contemporary car designs that aren’t well-received by the social media elite, the new Testarossa looks significantly better up close than in images. Not that I find it unattractive on-screen, but that aggressive front splitter can make one avert their gaze depending on the captured angle. In person, the high-end Spider appears humorously boxy from the front, delightfully wedge-shaped from the side, and unexpectedly fierce from the rear.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8 positioned behind the cockpit utilizes the largest turbos of any Ferrari road vehicle, producing 50 more horses than the formidable SF90. It features a three-rotor-flux-motor hybrid configuration—two at the front and one at the rear, between the engine and transmission—and a 7.45-kWh battery capable of providing 15 miles of electric-only range.

On the winding cliff roads of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, those 15 miles of battery power went entirely unused. Sure, maybe when leaving my hotel’s driveway, but that was the extent of it. For three hours under the relentless sun that bathes the Sahara Desert 185 miles away, I made it a point to consume as much fuel as I could to fully appreciate the Testarossa Spider. And let me tell you, I can’t fathom why anyone would opt for the coupe over this model, especially with the retractable hardtop that gives you the best of both worlds.

The weight difference compared to the coupe is approximately 198 pounds, which is not trivial, but the sophisticated folding mechanism can open and close the roof in merely 14 seconds while driving up to 30 mph. If you absolutely detest convertibles and that’s why you won’t consider one, then that’s understandable. However, if you believe you’ll actually notice the performance gap between the two on a spirited Sunday drive due to the extra weight, you’re mistaken. The pleasure of driving far outweighs any fraction of a second you might lose at whatever track you’d never bring your Ferrari to.

With all that in mind, I settled into the red-leather driver’s seat to get acquainted with the cockpit. Fortunately, the layout is quite similar to the 296, Purosangue, and 12Cilinidri I’ve driven before, so my adjustment period was pretty smooth. This particular model featured Ferrari’s latest button-heavy steering wheel, which replaced the old haptic and touch controls for functions like starting the engine. It’s important to mention that the powertrain mode selections (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify) remain unchanged, but the engine start button and manettino still retain a lovely Rosso Corsa finish as chunky physical buttons.

The method to adjust the seat has seen improvements, too. You can utilize the buttons on the side of the seat, but now you also have access to a menu on the screen ahead (the digital gauges) and can use the steering-wheel-mounted D-Pad to meticulously adjust side bolsters, bottom bolsters, leg extension, and lumbar support. Everything is laid out efficiently and is easy to reach on the fly. Additionally, new updates to the OS simplify customizing the car’s ADAS features to fit your preferences or driving scenario, and help you manage tech like ventilated or heated seats, an air scarf, and other conveniences, including Apple CarPlay.

With the top down, air conditioning cranked up, and cooled seats activated, I set off on Tenerife’s well-kept winding roads to fully experience what the Testarossa had to offer. The bucket hat was already proving its worth, although unfortunately, the exposed tops of my legs quickly felt the effects of the sun. “Oh well, that’s the Spider life,” I told myself.

This year, I’ve driven two cars boasting over 1,000 hp and another that’s very close to that figure, and experiencing that raw power for the first time on any given day is reminiscent of the thrill from driving an EV at launch. Press the Testarossa’s gas pedal, and you’ll be thrust back into your seat as your brain screams, “Stop, this is intense!” And guess what, it truly is intense, especially while maneuvering along a mountain’s edge at absurd speeds in a vehicle that’s perilously close to being a million-dollar optioned car.

In contrast to a bulky EV, though, this Ferrari will play along in tight turns, and the route Ferrari planned for me interestingly featured many of those. Push the car into a corner at speeds higher than most other sports cars, and it will remain composed. The real excitement hits when you begin to apply more power through a turn and realize you are merely scratching the surface of its potential. The sound of the hybrid V8 is thunderous, while the upshifts and downshifts are downright aggressive. The first time I experienced them, I couldn’t help but chuckle. They’re more visceral than found in the 296 Speciale, and that car is nothing short of extraordinary. A gentle tap on the brakes assists with fine-tuning your angle as you aim for an imaginary mark to reapply throttle, propelling you through that sweeping curve to test the car’s equilibrium. Before you realize it, it’s time to genuinely put those carbon ceramics to the test as you try to bring the 3,700-pound hybrid to a halt. There’s a traffic jam ahead, but nothing like the ones the car creates at every busy crossroad when passersby stop to snap a picture.

Back at speed and with a flurry of shifts—up to third or maybe fourth gear—in a medium-length straight before yet another tight corner appears. Each shift is executed with precision, and you can feel the drivetrain tick as if you’re sitting atop a massive Swiss watch. After my first hour or so, I had a revelation concerning the car’s overall sensation. It appeared somewhat heavy to me, particularly mid-corner, as I approached maximum steering input. It’s challenging to describe, because it didn’t seem heavy in a way that delivered subpar performance, but rather heavy in the sense that you could perceive the car’s size. In fact, that’s precisely it. The 849 Testarossa Spider feels broad and sizable—likely because it is. During discussions with other journalists who tested its predecessor, the SF90, they didn’t share my impression, so perhaps it’s my mind drawing comparisons to the smaller, lighter Ferraris I’ve experienced. Even so, I believe there’s merit to my observation: if you seek the sprightliest, most nimble Ferrari, look elsewhere down the lineup.

As many drivers inevitably do, I grew weary of the sun, signaling it was time to raise the roof. I accomplished this while cruising at a leisurely pace without needing to stop. Despite having done this in numerous cars throughout the years, witnessing a power roof in action while driving will never cease to amaze. It’s akin to having to watch a helicopter fly by. Always impressive. However, it’s less impressive that Ferrari has begun to channel engine sounds into the cabin to amplify the aural experience, although this wasn’t necessarily out of choice. Due to regulatory requirements and the car’s homologation for various markets, it was necessary to fit a sensor capturing the pressure and frequency of the natural sound and transmitting it to the cockpit via the speakers. While I will say that A) it’s implemented so subtly that it’s hardly noticeable B) the pure roar of the V8 is more than sufficient in most scenarios, making this truly just a little extra tidbit when driving with both the top and windows closed.

Verdict

It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing Ferrari in the lineup; I’d argue that’s the 296. Nevertheless, I believe the Spider with the top lowered is significantly more attractive than the coupe. I wouldn’t label it beautiful, but I would definitely describe it as cool. It also stands as the most advanced and powerful in the array (excluding the F80, of course), which is significant when discussing a legendary manufacturer like Ferrari. Compared to the 12Cilindri I drove earlier this year, this car will outperform it on the road and the track.

That said, I concluded my test without clarity on the specific target demographic for the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider. If I desired the best handler (and prettiest) Ferrari, I’d choose the 296 Speciale Aperta; if I sought the most enjoyable and gentlemanly Ferrari experience, I’d take the 12Cilindri Spider; and for practicality’s sake, I’d opt for the Purosangue. So, where does that position this 1,036-hp beast?

As I pondered this, I glanced around at the idyllic island I was on, encircled by golf courses for the ultra-rich, luxurious resorts, and an abundance of helipads. Ah yes, that’s who.

Ferrari provided The Drive with travel, accommodations, and access to the vehicle to facilitate this review.

2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider Specs

**2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider First Drive Review: Experience 1,000 HP in a Convertible Format**

The automotive community is electrified as Ferrari reveals its newest creation, the 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider. This breathtaking convertible honors the legendary Testarossa while pushing the limits of performance and design. With an astonishing 1,000 horsepower, the 849 Testarossa Spider guarantees an exhilarating driving adventure that merges luxury, velocity, and innovative technology.

**Design and Visual Appeal**

The 849 Testarossa Spider maintains the classic design and bold presence of its forerunner, yet adds a contemporary flair. The exterior displays sleek aerodynamic lines, a low profile, and distinctive Ferrari stylistic elements, including the famous prancing horse logo. The retractable hardtop enables drivers to relish the fresh air, transforming the driving experience into something genuinely exceptional.

Inside, the cabin reflects a blend of luxury materials and state-of-the-art technology. High-quality leather finishes, carbon fiber details, and customizable ambient lighting create a lavish ambiance. The driver-centric cockpit showcases a cutting-edge infotainment system equipped with a large touchscreen, delivering seamless connectivity and access to performance data.

**Performance and Powertrain**

At the core of the 849 Testarossa Spider lies a powerful 6.5-liter V12 engine, designed to yield an incredible 1,000 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. This powerhouse is coupled with a sophisticated dual-clutch transmission, facilitating rapid gear changes and an exhilarating 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds. The vehicle’s maximum speed surpasses 220 mph, positioning it as one of the swiftest convertibles available.

Ferrari has also outfitted the 849 Testarossa Spider with an advanced all-wheel-drive system and adaptive suspension, ensuring optimal handling and stability across diverse driving conditions. The car’s lightweight design, employing a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, promotes agility and responsiveness, making it a delight to navigate on the track and open roads alike.

**Driving Experience**

Throughout the initial drive, the 849 Testarossa Spider exhibited its remarkable performance prowess. The engine ignites with a uniquely Ferrari roar. Acceleration is immediate, and the vehicle grips the road, even at high speeds. The steering offers pinpoint accuracy, providing fantastic feedback that boosts driver confidence.

The adaptive suspension effectively absorbs bumps and irregularities in the road, assuring a smooth ride without compromising performance. Whether cornering sharply or cruising along the highway, the 849 Testarossa Spider promises an immersive and thrilling experience.

**Technology and Features**

Ferrari has embedded advanced technology into the 849 Testarossa Spider, enhancing both performance and convenience. The vehicle incorporates a sophisticated driver-assistance system, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors. Furthermore, the infotainment system provides navigation, music streaming, and smartphone connectivity, ensuring easy access while on the move.

The 849 Testarossa Spider also includes a customizable digital dashboard, enabling drivers to select their desired display format and monitor vital performance metrics in real-time.

**Conclusion**

The 2027 Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider represents an extraordinary blend of legacy and innovation. With its stunning design, blistering performance, and luxurious amenities, it raises the bar for high-performance convertibles. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado of Ferrari or a newcomer to the brand, the 849 Testarossa Spider promises an unforgettable driving experience that embodies the essence of the iconic Testarossa. As Ferrari continues to redefine automotive engineering, the 849 Testarossa Spider stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence and zealous pursuit of performance.