The Ferrari Testarossa is a 12-cylinder mid-engined sports car made by Ferrari, which went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The Pininfarina-designed car was radically wide at 1976 mm (77.8 in) and low at just 1135 mm (44.7 in) high.
It shouldn't be confused with the 1950s Testa Rossas, GT sports cars that ran in the World Sportscar Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Also, the first Ferrari 512M was a race car based on the 512S of 1970.
[] Testarossa
The Testarossa name, which, in Italian means "red head", comes from the red painted cylinder heads on the flat-12 engine. The engine was technically a 180° V engine since it shared flat-plane crankshaft pins with opposing cylinders. Output was 390 hp (291 kW), and the car won many comparison tests and admirers - it was featured on the cover of Road & Track magazine nine times in just five years. Almost 10,000 Testarossas, 512TRs, and 512Ms were produced, making this one of the most common Ferrari models despite its high price and exotic design. In 1985, the Testarossa retailed for about $94,000 ($176,032 in 2006 dollars) in the United States. This included a $2,700 (i.e., $5,100) gas-guzzler tax.
The car could trace part of its roots back to the 512 BBi. Both shared the same basic platform, though the Testarossa added coilover shocks to the double wishbones at the rear. The engine was similar, too, though it now featured 4 valves per cylinder. One significant mechanical difference was the radiator: The 512 BB featured a single radiator in the nose, while the Testarossa used a pair of smaller units on each side in front of the rear wheels. This necessitated the distinctive side slits and strakes as well as the wide body.
While being successful on the road, the Testarossa did not appear on race tracks, like the 512BBi had done with minor success. In that aspect, Ferrari did in the 1980s like Lamborghini always did. The market for race-ready sportscars was left to Porsche.
[] 512TR
The original Testarossa was thoroughly re-engineered for 1991 and released as the 512TR, effectively a completely new car. It bumped the output of the 4.9 L engine to 428 hp (319 kW).
The 512TR's engine was modified in many ways. Nikasil liners joined a new air intake system, Bosch engine management system, 10.1:1 compression ratio with new pistons, larger intake valves, and a revised exhaust system. In addition to the extra power, this delivered a flatter torque curve for better acceleration.
Shifting effort, long a complaint about the Testarossa, was eased with a new single-plate clutch, sliding ball bearings, and better angle for the shifter. The braking system included larger front rotors and cross-drilling all around. Quicker steering, lower-profile tires, 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 less fearsome on the limit.
The interior was revised too, with the center console split from the dashboard and relocated climate controls. Outside, Pininfarina tweaked the look of the car to better integrate the spoilers and engine cover and update the design in line with the recently released 348. All models were discretely suggested to recall in 1995 with fuel hose fitting issues. Over 400 models had this defect. Certain variances in temperature and environment would cause the hose to fail.
The 512TR could accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and could reach the quarter mile mark in 12.8 seconds. Top speed was 192 mph (309 km/h). It cost US$212,160 in 1992 with luxury items, the gas-guzzler taxes, and destination freight.
[] F512M
The Modificata F512M was the modified final Testarossa, with power now climbing to 440 hp (328 kW). The first Ferrari 512M was also a modified version of the 512S race car in 1970. Released in 1994, the 512M was the company's last mid-engined 12-cylinder car, apart from the F50 and Enzo supercars, and featured the company's last flat engine. It was replaced in 1996 by the front-engined 550 Maranello coupe. It should also be noted this car featured a different front lid with twin NACA ducts and totally revised fixed headlamps. The rear of the car also controversially received four round F355 style lamps, replacing the classic straked rear grille.
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