www.QV500.com - Ferrari 512 TR Part 1: 512 TR
 
By 1992, Ferrari had some catching up to do as the seven year old Testarossa was incapable of matching Lamborghini's 492bhp Diablo. A revised model was called for and dutifully arrived at the Geneva Salon, the 512 TR bringing improvements to handling, performance and aesthetics. The chassis featured a big increase in torsional rigidity (up 13%) while thanks also to an engine and gearbox mounted lower in the chassis, handling was much improved. Ride quality was better now twin gas-filled shocks were fitted at the rear, Ferrari also marginally dropping the ride height.
   
Despite an unchanged 4943cc displacement, the Italian firm extensively reworked the 512 TR engine to produce 38 horses more than the original (428bhp at 6750rpm). There were revised block castings, redesigned cylinder heads, an increase in compression (from 9.2 to 10.1:1) and Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine management. As you would expect, there were noticeable performance gains, 512 TR's sprinting from 0-60 just 4.9 seconds whilst top speed rose from 180 to 190mph. Visually, Pininfarina provided some much-needed surgery, the Turinese carrozzeria doing a fantastic job of subtly updating perhaps eighties definitive supercar for the curve conscious nineties. At the front, a re-profiled bumper housed a more shapely grille and new supplementary light clusters. There was also a body-colour coded chin spoiler and twin brake cooling ducts, providing the TR with a strong family resemblance to the 348. Other detail improvements came in the form of colour-coded sills, a new engine cover and smoked tail light clusters. There was also a chromed Cavallino Rampante at the back, the tidier rear valance getting a colour-coded bumper. Gorgeous new five spoke Speedline alloy wheels contributed to the fresh appearance while inside, Pininfarina fitted a more contemporary dash and centre console.
 
There were new door inserts and redesigned seats, these being mounted 13cm lower to increase cabin space whilst the climate control was also given a thorough overhaul. Launched at the Geneva Salon during March 1992, the 512 TR may have arrived during the depths of a recession, but those who were lucky enough to drive the new model hailed it as a vast improvement over the original. Continuing in production until late 1994 with no major developments taking place, 2280 512's were completed by Ferrari prior to the introduction of the final Testarossa incarnation - the F512 M.