Overview
When Ferrari showed the 512 TR at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 1991, it wasn’t trying to replace the Testarossa. It was trying to fix what owners and critics felt was missing. The Testarossa looked unbelievable, but it could feel heavy and a little vague when pushed. The 512 TR kept the wide, wedge-shaped Pininfarina body with its famous side strakes and changed almost everything underneath. The “TR” is simply short for Testarossa.
Engine and Performance
Behind the seats sits a 4.9-litre flat-twelve, and it’s the heart of the car. Revised intake and exhaust systems and a new engine management setup lifted output to about 428 PS (315 kW), with 490 Nm of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The 512 TR gets to 100 km/h in under five seconds and tops out at around 314 km/h (195 mph), which was seriously quick for a road car in the early 1990s.
Chassis and Handling
Ferrari mounted the engine and gearbox lower in the chassis and moved the weight balance further to the rear. It also reworked the suspension and brakes and fitted new 18-inch wheels. Together these changes made the car feel more planted and far more confident at speed than the Testarossa, so it’s easier to enjoy near its limits.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the dashboard was redesigned, the ergonomics were improved and the seats were new. The car is easier to live with on a long drive, but it still feels like a proper Ferrari rather than a grand tourer.
Production and Legacy
Ferrari built the 512 TR from 1991 to 1994, producing about 2,261 cars before the F512 M took over. Many enthusiasts see it as the best version of the Testarossa story. It’s a naturally aspirated flat-twelve Ferrari with dramatic looks and a sound that’s hard to forget. Collectors still go after it, both for how it looks and for how it drives.
