"Ferrari is not a car, it's a way of life." - Enzo Ferrari
The Testarossa debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1984. Its name derived from the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT featuring a 60 degree V-12 engine that won many endurance races with legendary drivers such as Hill, Collins, and Gendebien. It was this engine that reached a specific power in excess of 100 horsepower per liter first. This high output engine featured red valve head covers (instead of the usual black); thus, it came to be known as the "Testarossa" which means "red head".
In 1984, the name Testarossa was given to the car that was to achieve many awards including "Design of the Year" and the "Car Design Award". Acclaim recognized not only the aesthetics of the car but its technical accomplishments as well.
The Testarossa was not only powerful, but fast. It was also comfortable. It became an immediate success with both critics and the public alike.
It's difficult to surpass excellence, particularly when comparing it with the Testarossa -- a car which had already attained a very high level of performance, maximum speed, acceleration, and road handling. How was it possible to proceed one step further?
In 1991, the answer was the Ferrari 512 TR. The new testarossa represented a big step up in Ferrari performance. With 41 more horsepower than its predecessor, the new 428 bhp engine shaves a big 1.0 seconds off the already impressive 5.7 second 0-60 mph speed. The chassis has been extensively reconstructed as has the 5 speed manual transmission, and brakes. A minor facelift adds to the new bodywork giving the TR a more aggressive, lean look yet holds that timeless Testarossa style intact.
I've always loved Ferraris for their beauty and power, but one that really caught my attention was the Ferrari 512 TR. I hope to test drive one someday. The closest I've ever come to driving the Ferrari 512 TR is in the game Need For Speed by Electronic Arts. This is one of the best racing games I have ever played.
ENGINE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
Engine type: Aluminum Block and Heads/Flat-12 in 180° V/DOHC
Timing gear: 4-valves per cylinder, 4-overhead camshafts
Bore and stroke: 82.0 x 78.0 mm
Displacement: 302 cu/4943.04 cc/4.9 L
Position: Mid-mounted longitudinal
Compression ratio: 10:1
Horsepower: 428 bhp@6750 rpm
Torque: 360 lb-ft@5500 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed: 7250 rpm
Injection System: Bosch Motronic M 2.7 combined electronic
Fuel: Premium Unleaded, 91 Pump Octane
Exhaust system: Dual Port
CHASSIS AND BODY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
Layout: Mid Engine/Rear Wheel Drive
Body Frame: Steel & Aluminum Panels/Tubular Steel
Dimensions-Length,width & max. height: 4480/1644/1135 mm
Dimensions-Wheelbase and front/rear track: 2550/1532/1644 mm
Steering: Rack and Pinion
Brakes F/R: 12.4-in. Ventilated Discs/12.2-in. Ventilated Discs/Vacuum servo
Suspension F/R: Unequal-length A-Arms, coil springs, Anti-Roll Bar/Unequal-length A-Arms, Dual coil springs, Anti-Roll Bar
Tires F/R: Pirelli P-Zero 235/40 ZR-18, 295/35 ZR-18
Weight empty: 1473 kg.
Acceleration
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
Time To Speed In Seconds 0-30: 2.1
0-40: 2.9
0-50: 3.8
0-60: 4.7
0-70: 5.8
0-80: 7.0
0-90: 8.5
Time To Distance In Seconds 0-100ft: 2.9
0-500ft: 7.2
0-1320ft (1/4 mile): 12.9@112 mph
BRAKING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
Minimum Stopping Distance From 60 mph: 125 ft.
From 80 mph: 220 ft.
Control: Excellent
Pedal Effort For .5g Stop: 16 lbs.
Fade, Effort After 6 stops From 60 mph: 16 lbs.
Brake Feel: Excellent
Overall Brake Rating: Excellent
