Ferrari Testarossa

From Free net encyclopedia

{{Infobox Automobile	image=Image:Ferrari Testarossa.jpg	name=Ferrari Testarossa	aka=Ferrari 512TR Ferrari F512M	manufacturer=Ferrari	class=mid-engined coupe	body_style=Berlinetta	production=1984–1996	predecessor=Ferrari 512BB	successor=Ferrari 550 Maranello }}
{{Infobox Automobile generation	name=Ferrari Testarossa	production=1984–1990	engine=4.9 L F12 390 hp (291 kW)	length=176.6 in (4486 mm)	width=77.8 in (1976 mm)	height=44.5 in (1130 mm)	wheelbase=100.4 in (2550 mm) }}
{{Infobox Automobile generation	name=Ferrari 512TR	production=1991–1993	engine=4.9 L F12 428 PS (422 hp/315 kW) 360 ft·lbf (488 N·m)	wheelbase=100.4 in (2550 mm)	length=176.4 in (4481 mm)	width=77.8 in (1976 mm)	height=44.7 in (1135 mm)	weight=3650 lb (1656 kg)	fuel_economy=11 mpg (21.4 L/100 km) 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) }}
{{Infobox Automobile generation	name=Ferrari F512M	production=1994–1996	engine=4.9 L F12 440 hp (328 kW) }}

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 512 BB. The Pininfarina-designed car was radically wide at 77.8 in (1976 mm) and low at just 44.7 in (1135 mm) 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.

1 Testarossa
2 512TR
3 F512M
4 References
5 External links

[edit]

Testarossa

The Testarossa name, which 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 ($167,705 in 2005 dollars) in the United States. This included a $2,700 (i.e., $4,800) gas-guzzler tax.

The car was based strongly on the 512 BB. 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 and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. 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 512BB 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.

The Testarossa was also notable for its appearance in the 1980s TV series Miami Vice, making it one of the most recognized Ferraris since the 308 GTS used on Magnum P.I.. A fictional convertible version of the Testarossa also appeared in Sega's landmark coin-op game, Out Run. Squaresoft used it as the final car in Rad Racer II for the NES.

[edit]

512TR

The original Testarossa was modified for 1991 and released as the 512TR. 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.

The interior was revised as well, with the center console split from the dashboard and relocated climate controls. It still lacked any sort of entertainment system. Outside, Pininfarina tweaked the look of the car to better integrate the spoilers and engine cover and update the dated design.

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 and gas-guzzler taxes and freight.

[edit]

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 modfifed 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.