The Testarossa line first came out in 1984 and was quick to gain favor with many Ferrari fans. However, as the 90s drew near, the design of the Testarossa started to look a bit outdated. Car buyer tastes were shifting and now they were in favor of smooth, clean curves over straight lines and retro designs. Thus, in January of 1992, at the Los Angeles Motor Show, Ferrari showcased its brand new Testarossa. The car featured improved mechanics and an updated exterior - something that would not come easy to Pininfarina. Nevertheless, they were able to update the car’s design and give it a completely new look. Not only that but the car had improved performance with a 512 TR horsepower of 428. But there is a twist to the story of the Ferrari 512 TR. The car was showcased during a time of recession which meant that there was a slump in demand for Ferraris and other high-end cars. Many of Ferrari’s competitors who’d increased production to meet the demand during the boom years were now dealing with a situation where the market had a glut of high-end motorcars with less cash in the hands of buyers. During the early 1990s, a Ferrari Testarossa would sell for 500,000 Pounds amounting to a markup of 500% on the 512 TR price. But during the 1992 year, the same unregistered cars could be acquired for 80,000 Pounds. Unsurprisingly there were plenty of car manufacturers on the brink of bankruptcy; but not Ferrari. The brand managed to absorb the impact of the recession quite well and in the following two years, Ferrari would build slightly above 2000 units. Thanks to the updated design which was taken well by car buyers, the company would sell 3 times the units of the brand-new Lamborghini Diablo. Let’s dive into our 512 TR review to learn more about this icon of the automotive world.
By the time Ferrari was showcasing the 512 TR at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 1992, the car had already been shown to a few dealers. This is why the first cars were already being delivered by December 1991. By now you might be wondering, where was the 512 TR made? The car was assembled at the company factory in Maranello, Italy. Throughout the Testarossa production years, there were just a few changes made to the vehicle. For instance, the first cars came with the Testarossa badge located on the cover of the engine. This would later be taken out. There was an installation of a new switchable anti-lock brake system in 1993 including the replacement of the alternator and starter motor. There was also the installation of a much stronger differential. Ferrari would also release a new batch of 15 512 TR Speciales that were built for the Japanese market in celebration of the Cornes & Co. 15 years. They featured three-piece split-rim wheels while also featuring a Scuderia Ferrari Shield on the front fenders. These 15 cars also featured a dark red metallic paint. Production of the model would continue until 1994 when the 512 TR was replaced by the F512M. So how many 512 TRs were produced? A total of 2261 units were built. Let’s now get straight into our Ferrari 512 TR review and find out what makes this particular model so special. Are you looking to buy a car? Check out Exotic Car Trader. Browse through our huge listing and find your perfect car.
Overall, the Ferrari 512 TR weight was 1473 kilograms, making it 33 kilos lighter than the previous Testarossa. Owing to the more powerful engine and lighter weight, the 512 TR horsepower and torque were significantly improved. The result was a 512 TR top speed of 195mph up from 181 mph. There was also an improvement of the 512 TR 0-62 from a previous 5.2 seconds to a now 4.8 seconds. The US specification model which would easily be identified using the rectangular side markers as well as an extra VIN on the door jam had an engine that produced 412 bhp at 6750 rpms. Are you tired of the hassle that comes with buying a car? Do you wish that the car buying process was smooth and quick? The right partner can help! At Exotic Car Trader, we handle the tedious process and paperwork and ensure that your car is delivered to you fast and easily. Check us out to find out how we can help.
The 512 TR interior also received a major makeover. For one, it came with a contemporary dash and instrument panel design. For the instrument panel, it featured large engine readouts and a speedometer. It also housed smaller water temperature and oil gauge readings not to mention a brand-new center console that housed the fuel gauge, clock, and oil temperature gauge. A lot of the switch gear was also housed in the center console situated under three air inlets. The 512 TR design also featured new door panels, seats, a new steering wheel design, and a brand-new climate control system. As for the audio system, this was situated behind the pop-up centrally located flap. The inside was adorned with leather upholstery, electric windows, air -air-conditioning, a stereo, and electronic mirrors. But buyers also had options and could order the Ferrari 512 TR with a range of both interior as well as exterior colors. These also included three-piece, split-rim wheels. Searching for the perfect car online? Check out Exotic Car Trader’s online car-buying guide!
Over the years, the design of the Testarossa had remained pretty much the same with a few minor tweaks here and there including small changes on the rear-view wing mirrors and wheels. However, this was all set to change with the 1991 512 TR design where straight lines paved the way for smoother and cleaner curves. It would have been hard for one to imagine how such as seemingly perfect design could have been upgraded. But Pininfarina managed to stun the automotive world with their new 512 TR exterior design. Sure, the tail fascia and the signature side intakes remained the same. However, the front bumper, grille, and light clusters featured a new design. There was also a brand-new spoiler and a newly designed rear bumper. Not to mention a new satin black painted tail light cluster. Since the engine and the transmission now lay low, the Ferrari 512 TR was also able to install a low-profile engine cover. The car was now 5mm lower and 5mm shorter than the previous model. Looking to sell your car? Head off to Exotic Car Trader, create your listing, and start receiving calls today!
The Testarossa first came out with a welded tubular chassis which would later be replaced with an all-new F 110 HB. This new chassis was 13% more rigid than the former Tipo F110 AB. The 512 TR technology also featured a lower-lying engine and gearbox and reduced ride height. Both the engine and gearbox could easily be removed by unbolting the housing subframe allowing for easier maintenance. There was brand-new gas-filled telescopic shocks on all four wheels, coil springs, and unequal-length wishbones. At the back were twin springs per side just like in the previous Testarossa all of which comprised the car's suspension system. The Ferrari 512 TR also featured anti-roll bars at both ends. As for the brakes, these were the same ventilated disc brakes as before with a 315mm diameter in the front and 30mm in the rear wheels. You could get the vehicle with anywhere from 16-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels. The wheels were 8 inches wide at the front while at the back they could come with either a 10-inch or a 10.5-inch width all with Pirelli P Zero tires. As for the track, this had changed as well compared to the previous model. The new 512 TR featured a 14mm wider track at the front and a 16mm narrower track at the back. There was also a change in the capacity of the fuel tank from an initial 120 liters to now 110 liters. This fuel tank was situated just under the engine against the bulkhead. Just as was the case with the 512 TR frame and chassis, there was also an overhaul of the engine. It featured a brand-new block casting and a newly designed cylinder head. Ferrari also upped the compression ratio from a previous 9.2:1 to a now 10.0:1 combined with the latest (at the time) Bosch Medtronic M2.7 management system. Granted there were plenty of changes in the new 512 TR. But there were also a lot of things that stayed the same. The displacement for instance remained at 4942 cc. This was due to the 82mm bore and the 78mm stroke. The new flat 12 engine could produce 428bhp at 6750 rpms and 36 lb.-ft of torque. It was mated for a 5-speed manual that featured new ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a twin plate clutch.
You may be in search of a Ferrari 512 TR for sale and wondering; how much is a 512 TR worth? One 1993 Ferrari 512 TR formerly owned by Bop Pond sold for $187,000. This car had less than 2800 miles on it and was in its original pristine condition at the time of the auction. Yet another 512 built in 1994 and having under 13000 miles would sell for $143,000. At the time the car had only had 3 owners. One 1993 Ferrari 512 TR sold for $88,000. This particular unit had over 30,000 miles on it. Of course, the prices will also depend on the 512 TR trim levels.
The Ferrari 512 TR ushered in a new era with its stunning new exterior, dashing interior, and overall splendid design while managing to keep that signature Testarossa look. It was a sports car that worked perfectly as a daily driver. With Just slightly over 2000 units built, it is not a car that you’ll see every day on the highway which is also the reason why collectors would want to add it to their collection. Looking for a car? head out to Exotic Car Trader and choose from our huge listing.
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