Monday 21 March 2011

Ferrari Testarossa, 512TR, F512M

Probably the most iconic and instantly recognizable of all Ferraris, the Testarossa arrived in 1984 to replace the 512BBi as the brand's flagship supercar, keeping the 12-cylinder boxer engine. It survived in updated forms for over a decade until 1996, when Ferrari moved back into front-engined grand tourers for their flagship models, using the more familiar Dino V12 engine.

Testarossa - 1984 to 1991


High wing-mirror model.



512 TR - 1991 to 1994 - Front and rear styling changes with rounded running-light clusters and chrome 'Cavallino' front-grille in line with the 348 and other Ferraris at the time.



F512M - 1994 to 1996 - New style wheels, the pop-up headlights are removed and faired-in to improve aerodynmics and the front-grille is updated again to the rounder shape appearing on other Ferraris including the F512M's successor, the 550 Maranello and the smaller 456 GT. In my opinion this was a misguided way to end the Testarossa model - the headlights give it a kit-car look and without that trademark grille, the rear-end seems to imitate its arch rival of the day, the Lamborghini Diablo.



For the convertible 'Spider' Testarossa specials go here: Ferrari Testarossa Spider

For the limited-run Koenig Evolution Testarossa go here: Ferrari Koenig Competition Evolution

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