The Ferrari Testa Rossa, one of the most important models to carry the fabled Prancing Horse logo, is back for 2021. Before you get too excited, this isn’t a continuation car or a modern revival of the late 1950s / early 1960s racer as it takes the shape of a 75% replica developed in collaboration with The Little Car Company.
It’s a company that specializes in the production of junior cars and has teamed up with Ferrari to create a scaled-down tribute of the Testa Rossa, complete with an electric powertrain. Obviously not homologated for road use, the EV can be driven by anyone over 14 years of age and has been conceived to mimic the original barchetta version designed by Scaglietti.
Being a Ferrari-backed official replica, you can rest assured it’s a faithful interpretation of the Testa Rossa as the team behind the junior version used original paper drawings from the Ferrari Classiche Department. It carries over the steering and suspension geometry of the actual car, while the interior is also an accurate replica of the real thing. Take for example the steering wheel, which is made by Nardi – the very same company that supplied the 1957 Testa Rossa.
While the classic dials have been retained, these have been updated to reflect the Testa Rossa J’s electric nature. For example, the fuel gauge now serves as a battery gauge while the tachometer has been repurposed as a speedometer. Interestingly, there’s even a power gauge showing the level of regenerative braking.
It rides on 12-inch handmade wire wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires and borrows the pedals from the F8 Tributo. Bilstein coilover dampers and custom springs were used for the suspension, which has been fine-tuned at Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track at home in Maranello, Italy. Reinforced metal side panels and Brembo disc brakes were installed for added safety, while an optional roll-bar can be added by anchoring it to the chassis.
Power is provided by an electric motor developing a mighty 1 kilowatt (1.34 horsepower) when the Novice mode is activated. Switch to Comfort mode and the output rises to 4 kW (5.3 hp). Depending on the selected driving mode, the Testa Rossa J can do anywhere between 20 to more than 60 km/h (12 to 37 mph). Three battery packs have enough juice for a maximum range of 90 kilometers (56 miles).
The Testa Rossa J is more than just a one-off creation as it will actually be produced in 299 units, at an eye-watering €93,000 (about $110,000) a pop before taxes, shipping costs, and optional features. There’s even an online configurator allowing customers to pick from no fewer than 53 body colors, 14 historical liveries, and other extras.
Source: Ferrari
