The Testarossa was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1984. It derived its name from the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT which featured a 60 degree V-12 engine, and won numerous endurance races with legendary drivers such as Hill, Collins, and Gendebien. That engine was the first to reach a specific power in excess of 100 horsepower per liter. This high output engine featured red valve head covers (instead of the usual black) and thus came to be known as the "Testarossa" (Red Head).
In 1984, the name Testarossa was given to the car that was to receive many awards such as "Design of the Year" and the "Car Design Award". Acclaim that recognized not only the aesthetics of the car but also its technical accomplishments.
The Testarossa was not only powerful and fast. It was also comfortable. It was an immediate success with both critics and the public alike.
It's never easy to surpass excellence, particularly when the point of comparison was the Testarossa -- a car which already had attained a very high level of performance, maximum speed, acceleration, and road handling. How was it possible to go one step further?
The answer comes in the form of the 512TR. A car redefined in terms of engine performance and its structural architecture.
HIGHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE
More horsepower. Greater acceleration. Higher top speed. A new Engine Management System that provides computer controlled integration of the fuel injection and ignition systems.
IMPROVED HANDLING
This was accomplished not only by changing the characteristics of the suspension, but also because of the increased rigidity of the modified tubular chassis. Lowering the center of gravity, reducing suspended and unsuspended masses, the adoption of new tires, and revisions to the aerodynamic parameters of the vehicle also contribute greatly to the handling performance.
IMPROVED PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SAFETY
Passive safety is enhanced through an increased use of high-resistance steel. While active safety is enhanced through better ergonomics, drivability, and braking.
Ferrari 512 Design Features
Ferrari 512 Handling
Ferrari 512 Technology
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