Chapter 1
The birth of an icon
Chapter 2
Engineering the flat twelve
Chapter 3
Pop culture superstar
Chapter 4
The final evolutions
Ch 2 · Engineering the flat twelve
diletta Ferrari Testarossa Flat-Twelve
It's a flat twelve but it’s not a boxer! (A one-eighty V, yeah!)
diletta Explore this visual infographic to understand and fix the notorious cabin heat issues in the classic Ferrari Testarossa.
Fun Fact
Engine layout quirk: Despite being called a flat-12, the Testarossa engine is technically a 180-degree V12 because opposing pistons share crankpins.
diletta Discover the real, functional purpose behind the iconic side strakes on the Ferrari Testarossa in this detailed image.
Glossary
flat twelve (noun)
An internal combustion engine with twelve cylinders arranged horizontally in two opposing banks. The 1984 Ferrari Testarossa utilized a 4.9-liter version of this powerplant to lower its center of gravity.
An internal combustion engine with twelve cylinders arranged horizontally in two opposing banks. The 1984 Ferrari Testarossa utilized a 4.9-liter version of this powerplant to lower its center of gravity.
BETA
diletta Explore the mechanics of the Ferrari Testarossa engine. Play the Flat-Twelve Tinkerbox game and learn about flat-twelve engineering.
Quiz
What horsepower rating did the original European-spec Ferrari Testarossa engine produce?
Quiz
What was the main functional purpose of the Ferrari Testarossa's prominent side strakes?
Quiz
Where did Ferrari engineers place the radiators on the Testarossa to prevent cabin heat?