logo
Ferrari Trademark Filing Hints at Testarossa Rebirth After 40 Years

Ferrari Trademark Filing Hints at Testarossa Rebirth After 40 Years

The Drive25-07-2025
The latest car news, reviews, and features.
Trademarks can tell us a lot about a secretive company that likes to play its moves very close to the chest, like Ferrari. The brand recently trademarked the name '849 Testarossa' in Iceland, as CarBuzz recently reported, and it's got us thinking that a revival of the '80s icon could be around the corner.
Honestly, if this were just about 'Testarossa,' sans number, it probably wouldn't mean that much. Companies have to protect and maintain control of their intellectual property, and renewing long-held trademarks is how that's done. Ferrari still licenses scale models of the sports car and vintage racing machine that inspired it, not to mention other memorabilia. But this new one, '849 Testarossa' is very fresh, having only existed since July 21, and very specific. Such a nomenclature has existed in the Ferrari universe before, with cars like the 812 Superfast.
The real question is what shape a theoretical revival would take. If it's not going to be an addition to the standard range, it could simply be an 'Icona' limited-production model like the Daytona SP3—and there's little doubting that the Testarossa is one of Ferrari's icons. I still remember the universal recognition it had as a kid in the '90s, more than a decade after its unveiling.
In a world where Lamborghini could revive the Countach, a reborn Testarossa doesn't seem very far-fetched. Consider that 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Testarossa's introductory model year, and I'd bet my chips on a comeback. The picture of '80s excellence. Ferrari
Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com
.article-sidebar]:pt-0>
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump tariffs don't spare his fans in EU
Trump tariffs don't spare his fans in EU

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Trump tariffs don't spare his fans in EU

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised that the return of his "dear friend" Donald Trump as US president would usher in a new "golden age". But trade unionist Zoltan Laszlo says Hungary's auto industry has seen the opposite as the United States announced new tariffs, with order cancellations and workflow disruptions marking employees' day-to-day experience. With tariff rates rising from 2.5 percent before Trump's return to around 25 percent and finally to 15 percent, the "American tariff slalom" has caused nothing but chaos in the car industry, said Laszlo, who represents workers at Mexican automotive parts manufacturer Nemak's Hungarian plant. In recent years, Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia have become European manufacturing hubs for global car brands seeking lower labour costs, including British Jaguar Land Rover, German Mercedes and Japanese Suzuki. But due to the export-oriented nature of their automotive sectors, catering in part to the US market, they are among those EU nations hardest-hit by the latest tariffs slated to kick in on August 7. Despite hailing Trump's comeback and visiting him twice at his Mar-a-Lago luxury estate last year, Orban -- his closest EU ally -- was not spared the pain. - Distress calls - Neither were more favourable conditions extended to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country is the world's largest automobile manufacturer per capita. According to analyst Matej Hornak, the incoming tariffs won't bode well. He warns of a drop in exports amounting to "several hundred million euros" and the loss of "10,000-12,000" jobs in the sector. After the announcement of the EU-US trade deal, Orban was quick to apportion blame to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, saying Trump "ate" her "for breakfast". But in April, the mayor of the Hungarian city of Gyor, whose strong economic growth is closely linked to its car manufacturing plants, had already warned of possible cutbacks and layoffs. For the city, which is home to various global brands and more than a dozen different parts and component suppliers including Nemak, the fresh tariffs are a disaster. As one of the biggest employers in Hungary, German carmaker Volkswagen alone provides jobs for more than 12,000 people. Its main engine factory in Gyor produces some Audi-branded vehicles directly for the US market. The Hungarian government has said that it is still assessing the impact of the tariff rates, vowing that upcoming business deals with Washington could mitigate the negative effects of Trump's "America first" policy. - Difficult compromise - But more headwinds are ahead for Hungary and Slovakia, said Brussels-based geopolitical analyst Botond Feledy. "When it comes to European dealmaking, Trump now prioritises more geopolitically influential figures -- the main option for smaller nations such as Slovakia and Hungary is to join forces with others," he told AFP. But the "aggressive posturing" in the same vein of Trump's protectionist policies both countries adopted in recent months have isolated them among fellow EU countries, making compromises difficult, the expert added. Moreover, the stakes are high for Orban, whose 15-year rule has recently been challenged by former government insider-turned-rival Peter Magyar ahead of elections scheduled for next spring. "Dissatisfaction with the standard of living has made voters more critical, which is also reflected in the popularity ratings of the governing parties," said economist Zoltan Pogatsa, adding that "Hungary has been in a state of near stagnation for many years now". This year's economic "flying start" touted by Orban did not materialise, with the government further lowering the country's growth goal from the initial 3.4 to one percent. "So far, Trump's second presidency has only impacted the Hungarian economy through his tariff policy, which has been negative," Pogatsa added. At the Nemak plant, a recent warning strike has led to management promising to sort out the unpredictable work schedules caused by the tariff changes, which were "unhealthy and physically unbearable" and made "family and private life become incompatible with work", said Laszlo. pv-ros/kym/rl/tc

Wheeled Launcher With Double The Weapons Of HIMARS Completes First Successful Test Firing
Wheeled Launcher With Double The Weapons Of HIMARS Completes First Successful Test Firing

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Wheeled Launcher With Double The Weapons Of HIMARS Completes First Successful Test Firing

Two major defense contractors announced the first successful live fire test of a new wheeled launcher vehicle capable of lobbing twice as many munitions as the U.S.-made Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS). The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), made by Lockheed Martin and Germany's Rheinmetall, will be produced in Europe. It fires the same weapons as U.S.-made wheeled HIMARS and the heavier tracked M270 MLRS. Ukraine has used both of these systems to devastating effect on Russian troop and equipment concentrations, hardened defensive locations, bridges, radars and other targets. This milestone comes amid a skyrocketing demand for mobile systems that can launch guided artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, plus the ability to add new types of weapons in the future. The first GMARS live fire took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the companies announced on Monday. Like the tracked M270, the GMARS launcher can haul two pods that carry different types of weapons. As a result, GMARS can be armed with two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or four Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) or 12 standard or Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) rockets. By comparison, the HIMARS launcher has one pod. In addition, GMARS will have the potential to fire ground-launched cruise missiles and 122mm rockets in the future, according to Rheinmetall. The White Sands test involved GMLRS. Lockheed Martin told us they fired two GMLRS rockets with unitary warheads in the test at a 'mid-range' distance without offering further specifics. As we noted earlier, HIMARS like GMARS is a wheeled vehicle, though in an 8×8 configuration instead of the 6×6 configuration found on HIMARS. It is based on Rheinmetall's HX vehicle series with a top speed of up to about 62mph. One thing GMARS can't do that HIMARS can is be rapidly deployed to forward locales via C-130. Wheeled vehicles are easier to maintain than tracked ones, and are better for operating over roads and can go faster. Those operating GMARS could have immediate access to existing stocks of munitions fired by HIMARS and M270, providing a logistically important interoperability of those weapons. GMARS is one of several designs being floated for future mobile fire systems that can fire ATACMS, PrSMS and GMLRS. As we wrote last year, Lockheed Martin unveiled a launcher designed to quadruple the number of munitions fired by HIMARS. Lockheed Martin displayed the launcher on a U.S. Marine Corps 10×10 MKR18 Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) truck at the Human-Machine Integration Summit IV in November 2024. France has also entered this market, as has South Korea, among others. South Korea provided Poland with the CTM-290, an ATACMS-like missile launched from the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). You can see that system in the following video. Breaking News!Awesome news my Polish brothers!CTM-290 ballistic missile footage for the Poland is just revealed for the first time. The missile was launched from Homar-K in front of Polish government officials. CTM-290 missile's range and warhead performance is same as… — Mason ヨンハク (@mason_8718) April 24, 2024 The success of HIMARS and M270 in Ukraine has not been lost on other militaries. Many other nations field them, and Russia recently complained about the first HIMARS live firing in Estonia last month. The ability to move about the battlefield and put targets at risk anywhere with pinpoint accuracy within a 50-mile ring (for GMLRS, much longer for ballistic missiles), fire, and then scoot away before the enemy can fire back, is a massive force multiplier. These systems will be capable of firing the Extended Range GMLRS too, which will increase the range to 93-miles. Other weapons, from drones to cruise missiles, could also be integrated into the launcher pods. HIMARS remains very popular and is deep in production. However, the fact that GMARS is co-produced by a European company and aimed at the NATO market could give it extra appeal for alliance member nations. It could also speed deliveries over HIMARS, with its thick order book. It is unclear if or when GMARS will be fielded or by which nations. However, given the growing threat from Russia in Europe, as well as other threats abroad, there will likely be significant demand for a still relatively agile wheeled vehicle that doubles the firepower of HIMARS. Contact the author: howard@ Solve the daily Crossword

What we know about electric car grants worth £1,500 as first eligible EV models confirmed
What we know about electric car grants worth £1,500 as first eligible EV models confirmed

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

What we know about electric car grants worth £1,500 as first eligible EV models confirmed

The government has unveiled a series of Citroen models eligible under the government's new £650 million electric car grants scheme. The first electric car models eligible for the government's new £650 million electric car grants have been announced. Drivers will be able to save £1,500 with the purchase of new Citroen e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo cars, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. The discount will be automatically applied at the point of sale, and will enable motorists purchasing a new electric car to save either £1,500 or £3,750, depending on sustainability criteria. The government's vow to make it cheaper to buy an electric car comes as part of its goal of banning the sale of new fully petrol or diesel cars and vans from 2030. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'With the first four models approved today, and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we're making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK." Under the government's zero emission vehicle (Zev) mandate, at least 28% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. Across all manufacturers, the figure during the first half of the year was 21.6%. Alexander has already announced £63m worth of funding to boost charging infrastructure, including £25m of support for local authorities to provide at-home charging for motorists who don't have driveways. Another £8m will be spent on powering electric ambulances and medical fleets across 200 sites within the NHS, while road signs for EV charging hubs will be introduced on major A-roads in England. What do we know about the new subsidies for EV drivers? The grants will be funded through a new £650m scheme announced on 14 July, which will be restricted to vehicles priced up to £37,000. The Department for Transport (DfT) said at the time that 23 new models were available for less than £30,000. Amounts given will be based on a car's 'sustainability criteria', the DfT said, with the greenest vehicles placed in band one, meaning a grant of up to £3,750. Band two vehicles will receive up to £1,500. Edmund King, AA president, said: 'This discount of £1,500 for some more affordable EVs will help a number of those with tighter budgets. We look forward to seeing the full list of discounts up to £3,750 on more models to really push the market forward.' Ian Plummer, commercial director of online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, previously said 'any incentives' to help people buy an electric car are welcome as many drivers are 'put off by the high upfront cost'. Prior to the government's announcement, The Telegraph reported that the grants would provide a huge boost for Nissan, which has a plant in Sunderland, but would be unlikely to help Tesla, whose cars are generally beyond the scheme's price range. How many people are buying EVs? In the first half of this year, electric car sales in the UK increased by a third, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMTT) lobby group. Sales of battery electric cars rose by 34.6% to 224,838 vehicles between the start of January and the end of June. Of the 191,200 cars sold in the UK in June, a quarter (almost 47,400) were electric vehicles. The government wants to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 onwards, although hybrids can be sold until 2035. It says all new cars and vans will have to be 100% zero emission by 2035. How much more expensive are electric cars to buy? The average cost to buy an electric car in the UK is currently about £46,000, according to financial researchers NimbleFins, although it says that prices range from £14,995 (for a Dacia Spring Electric) to as much as £330,000 for a Rolls-Royce Spectre. Among luxury electric brands such as Tesla, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, the average cost is about £69,000, while a non-luxury EV is about £33,000 on average. NimbleFins said the cost of an average small car is about £22,000, rising to £27,000 for a medium-sized car and £35,000 for an SUV, inclusive of petrol and electric models. The Electric Car Scheme says the average petrol car costs £21,964, compared to about £49,000 for an EV. How much do electric vehicles cost to run? The average cost of running a car in the UK is £3,357, according to NimbleFins. This includes fuel, car insurance, repairs, road tax and the purchase or depreciation per year. It said that despite electricity prices currently being high, fuel costs much less with an EV than a petrol or diesel engine. The average cost for a mile of driving is about 7p on a standard electricity tariff or as low as 2p per mile on a time of use EV tariff, charging the vehicle at off-peak times, such as during the night. For a petrol or diesel car, NimbleFins says the cost of fuel per mile can be anything between 13p and 17p. The Electric Car Scheme says drivers of EVs can save up to £1,500 per year over 10,000 miles in fuel costs than with a petrol or diesel. Read more Major problem with plan to let EV drivers charge outside their homes (BristolLive) China's electric car revolution hammers demand for oil (The Telegraph) Volkswagen reports electric vehicles sales surge in 2025 (DW)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store