Ferrari Testarossa Design

In 1982 Pininfarina was commissioned to style a 12-cylinder Ferrari with radiators in the flanks like a racing car, GT-level luggage and storage space, extreme comfort, and performance to top the road-car line of the world's premier sports car manufacturer. The Testarossa was to be shaped partly by the wind tunnel to ensure clean airflow, low noise and high speed stability.

Rear location of the radiators made the car's aerodynamics even more important as passive direction of air to and from the engine bay had to be very effective. The result of Pininfarina's labors was easily the most recognizable and influential car of its time. The Testarossa is unmistakable at any distance, and impossible to ignore. The shape was perfected without wasting space. The details are perfect and natural; the lines fit.

This artistry is best seen by looking from a front corner to the opposite rear corner; the Testarossa's roofline exactly matches that of the straked flank below it. Amidst traditional Ferrari traits such as the egg crate grille were new stylistic touches such as rectangular rear lights and the broad, squared rear flanks. Early Testarossas had a single mirror located halfway up the driver's side A-pillar, on stalks. The Testarossa's most indelible image is of the five body color strakes that cover the side intakes and stretch between the ridges just below the door mirrors.

512 TR:
In 1991 the Testarossa evolved into the 512 TR with subtle exterior changes to improve aerodynamics. The alterations included a one-piece nose with rounded front grille, flush mounted lights and ducts, and a new undertray. At the rear a small kamm tail smoothed airflow. High speed stability and cooling improved, while lift was reduced.

F512M:
In 1995 the 512 TR became the F512M. Aerodynamics again drove styling changes including a new integrated nose cap with trapezoidal indicator and parking lights above separate round fog lights. Fixed homofocal headlights were mounted behind lexan. The car's undertray was again redesigned for improved airflow, and round Ferrari tail lights replaced the original square units.