Automobile History Ferrari Testarossa
One of the more exotic and luxurious modern sports cars to emerge from the 1980's would have to be the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pininfarina as a replacement for the aging Berlinetta Boxer, the pretty lines and curves of the car along with its' high revving 12 cylinder engine and handling characteristics, were an immediate threat to the more outrageous and vociferous, Laborghini Countach. The Countach perhaps had the greater exclusivity, since Ferrari were simply producing a greater number of cars per year. However, Lamborghini was also notoriously difficult and uncomfortable to drive and therefore less popular with some drivers. It wasn't surprising then that Testarossa, quickly established itself as one of the most popular and desirable high end sports cars by the end of the decade and even today used examples command high prices.
The car features a mid-mounted 180 degree flat 12 which produces 390bhp@5300rpm, reaching 60 miles an hour in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 180 miles an hour. Another highlight of the car is the bold exterior which sees ventral slats mounted horizontally along the side of the car and into the enormous radiator scoops keeping the engine cool. Notably, early models had the single high mounted review wing mirror attached to the pillar of the driver's side and the racing pedigree of Ferrari emerges in the single nut wheel locks. This racing pedigree also demands owners to drive their cars hard and in the upper rev ranges to get the best from the vehicle.
Pininfarina used as light a weight of materials as possible whilst still keeping the car in line with numerous countries vehicle crash safety requirements. Plastic bumpers, steel doors and aluminum body work kept the car light, enhancing acceleration and allowing for the terrific handling which left most other sports cars in their wake. It was little wonder the car was a feature of the later series of Miami Vice as, if ever a show embodied 80's excess, then it was Miami Vice. It made sense then to have one of the most luxurious and fastest cars of the decade in the show, but don't confuse it with the Daytona Spyder seen in earlier episodes, as this was a replica. It's hard to fathom why two undercover drug cops would need to drive around in the most conspicuous sports car to conduct covert operations, but it was a Ferrari and we didn't care. It was as cool as the Miami sea breeze which ruffled Don Johnson's silk shirt and tickled his permanent 5 o'clock shadow. Ferrari executives were undoubtedly rubbing their hands together at the cash registers as the orders for the vehicle came in.
In 1991 the Testarossa was overhauled and re-badged as the 512TR. The engine was reworked and power output increased to 430bhp which was available in a flatter torque range, allowing for better acceleration across the rev range. Also, the gearbox and engine were re-positioned which improved the center of gravity and thus the handling. The wheels were redesigned which reduced their weight and the smaller spokes improved airflow to the brakes, which were cross drilled all round and lower profile tires were shod to the rims improving grip levels. Five bolt locking mechanisms replaced the single nut system on the Testarossa. Complaints about the heavy clutch were addressed and this too was revised allowing for easier gear changes and control of the car when pottering around down town or making rapid shifts on the open roads twisty bits.
Enhancements were also made to the suspension and steering systems, making the car more responsive and nimble. It was now capable of reaching 60 miles an hour in 4.8 seconds, whilst reaching 192 miles an hour at its' top speed. In many respects, the 512TR is a completely different vehicle to the earlier Testarossa. The TR was later modified in a limited edition 512M, or "Modificatta" version, where tweaks were made to the front and rear and power was increased slightly to around 440hp.
By the mid-1990's the Testarossa legacy ended and was replaced by the superb F50, the entry level 355 and the now front engine V12 575's and 550's. However, the Testarossa had done its' job, allowing Ferrari to have a strong grip on the high end sports car market, a grip which it still holds today. The Testarossa remains an iconic vehicle of the 1980's and early 1990's and is still a highly sought after and revered sports car, by both fans and aficionados.
Sources:http://www.familycar.com/ferrari/http://www.qv500.com/ferraritrp1.phpWikipaedia.com
