1992 Ferrari 512 TR

The Ferrari 512 TR was introduced in 1992 as a re-engineered mid-engine 12-cylinder improved version of the Ferrari Testarossa. The latter had entered production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The 512 TR incorporated subtle body styling changes along with a slew of major engineering changes, resulting in a distinctively different driving car than the Testarossa. Produced through 1994, a total of 2,261 examples were built.

A one-piece rear subframe allowed the 4.9-liter (4,943cc) flat-12 Tipo F113 D engine to be lowered an additional 1 inch into the chassis, improving the car's center of gravity. Weight distribution was improved, while revised suspension geometry contributed to markedly sharper handling. It was given a new air intake system, Bosch Motronic M2.7 fuel management system, larger intake valves, cylinders with Nikasil liners, redesigned inlet plenums, a higher compression ratio, and a new exhaust system. Output increased to 428 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, a substantial improvement over the Testarossa. Zero to sixty mph took 4.8 seconds versus the 5.2 seconds of the Testarossa. Top speed increased from 180mph to 195mph, just shy of the Ferrari F40's top speed of 201 mph.

The engine was paired with an updated version of the Testarossa's five-speed manual gearbox with a new single-plate clutch and sliding ball bearings for improved shifts. Larger 14-inch brake rotors were installed at the front with cross-drilled discs all around. Quicker steering, lower-profile tires, and new shock settings brought improvements to the car's handling.

The 512 TR had a 100.4-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 176.6 inches, a width of 77.8 inches, and a height of 44.5 inches. These were the same dimensions as the Testarossa.

The angular edges of the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa were softened considerably, providing the 512 TR with a distinguishable appearance to its Testarossa forebearer. It rode on new five-spoke alloy wheels and the rear deck was styled in step with the newly launched 348.

The list of styling and mechanical changes bestowed upon the 512 TR include:
- newly designed exhaust manifolds
- redesigned cylinder heads, valve diameters for inlet and exhaust
- re-profiled camshaft for more broader power curve
- integrated electronic fuel injection system and ignition (Bosch Motronic 2.7) with self-diagnostic capabilities, and with ECU located in the cockpit
- compression ratios increased from 9.3:1 to 10.1:1
- improved intake manifolds making them longer and straighter
- horsepower increased from 380 to 428 bhp; torque from 354 lb-ft to 361 lb-ft; lower emissions and improved fuel economy

- double independent submergible fuel pumps
- redesigned cooling system, including radiators and engine cooling passageways

- reduced weight by 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Limited slip differential (40%) with reduced axial thrust to increase reliability
- larger cross drilled disc brakes (front 315mm x 32mm; rear 310 mm x 28mm)
- aluminum calipers with larger pistons: front 44/40mm; rear: 40/36mm
- improvements to the transmission and clutch
- improved chassis rigidity
- redesigned suspension
- engine mounted 1-inch lower in the chassis
- improved steering system with a new steering rack with longer arms, a more direct ratio, and a better steering moment offset

- front wheels increased from 16' to 8' x 18' with 235/40 ZR 18 tires
- rear wheels increased from 16' to 10.5' x 18' with 295/35 ZR 18 tires

- interior redesigned allowing more foot and knee space, and better seating comfort
- new steering column design allowing more room in the driver's foot well

The final version of the Testarossa was the F512M. A total of 501 examples were produced from 1994 to 1996, 75 of which were sent to the North American market.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2023