The first look at the new F8 Tributo was refreshing. The name initially gave me a feeling that this was one of the special edition Ferraris, the unique kind that is created once in a while to pay tribute to a landmark model or to mark an anniversary. Well, I was right about the ‘specialness’ of the car but this was not a special edition – in fact it was the regular replacement for the 488 GTB in its cycle of evolution. The F8 Tributo is the new mid-rear-engined sports car from Ferrari that takes the classic two-seater berlinetta and pays homage to the most powerful heart of a Ferrari.
The F8 Tributo whirls out 50 cv more than the 488 GTB, is 40 kg lighter and also improves on aerodynamic efficiency by a substantial 10% improvement, along with the latest version of the Side Slip Angle Control, now in 6.1 guise.
Watch my Intro Video about the new F8 Tributo, starting with a glimpse of four other Ferrari V8 models.
The tribute to 20 years of excellence
However, the F8 Tributo is anything but regular. To begin with, it pays homage to the award winning V8 engines of Ferrari for the past two decades. The turbocharged V8 engine of the 488 has been the winner of the Engine of the year for three consecutive years starting 2016 at the International Engine of the Year awards. In 2018, it was also adorned with the ‘best engine of 20 years’ award. F8 Tributo has gone ahead and made the tribute memorable by packing 50 cv more (49.32 hp) which brings the total power to 720 cv or 710 hp and the specific power output a record 185 cv/l. Ferrari says the F8 Tributo delivers its 710 hp without the slightest hint of turbo lag. The V8 makes 770 Nm of torque, which adds up to reduced acceleration times – 0 to 100 kmph in 2.9 second and 0 – 200 in 7.8 seconds, which is a whole half a second less than what the 4888 GTB takes. The top speed also adds up 10 km for the record and is capable of crossing 340 kmph. Just for comparison sake, the 0 – 100 time is the same for the mighty McLaren 720S while the 0 – 200 is 0.1 second better than the rival.
Built better for the track
As a car heavily influenced by the 488 GTE track car, and pretty much with the same performance figures as the Pista (which incidentally means ‘track’ in Italiano) it is interesting to know how the F8 Tributo is cut out for the races. For this, the aerodynamic efficiency has been improved by 10% and the Tributo is 6% quicker in corners. Advanced vehicle dynamics solutions include a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can now be activated in the manettino’s RACE position aimed at allowing more drivers to reach and control peak performance. The steering wheel is also smaller in diameter enabling greater manoeuvrability. Thanks to new, shorter exhausts, tracks will reverberate with a new evocative soundtrack.
Click this video to see how the performance makes sense of this tribute vehicle that is poised to set the trend for Ferrari’s twin-turbo charged V8 sports cars.
The Pista in the F8
As to be expected, Ferrari has retained most of the improvements manifested in the 488 Pista like the F8 Tributo’s aero package and cooling features like the rearward-angled front radiators and the dynamic engine air intakes positioned either side of the spoiler instead of on the rear flanks. Some features that debuted on the 488 Pista have been extensively modified to suit their modified areas in the F8 Tributo. The modifications to the S-Duct, for example, contrinutes to 15% of the overall improvement in downforce. Likewise, the exhaust manifolds are made of Inconel for high corrosion-resistance at high temperatures.
Visually impressive aerodynamics
The F8 Tributo has dug out a scoop in the hood, and a wide spoiler in the rear, which are some of the visible elements of aerodynamic improvement. The twin lights are part of a rear that doesn’t leave the world split on the degree of rear end charm as the 812 Superfast does. The aerodynamics is a major chapter in the shaping of the F8 Tributo.
The transparent Lexan rear screen that showcases the engine has marked even the legendary V8, F40. In its current version, the louvres help extract hot air from the engine compartment without affecting the added efficiency of the blown rear spoiler. The spoiler wraps around the tail lights, giving the car a lower profile. The twin light cluster and body-coloured tail is a throwvack to the early 8-cylinder berlinettas like the legendary 1975 308 GTB.
Every stroke and slant of design is ultimately aimed at enhanced performance. The new, more compact, horizontal LED headlights helped incorporate new brake cooling intakes besides those on the outside of the bumper. This improves airflow around the wheel arch, which avoids the requirement of a bigger braking system to cope with the increased speed.
Watch this video to know more about the aerodynamics with visual examples.
New cabin Interface
Within the cabin, all elements of the dashboard, door panels and tunnel have been redesigned. There is a new generation HMI (Human Machine Interface), complete with round air vents, new steering wheel and controls as well as a new 7” touchscreen display on the right hand side, where passengers can see the driving stats.
The F8 Tributo is open for bookings from AED 1 million upwards through the Al Tayer Motors showroom in Dubai and the Premier Motors showroom in Abu Dhabi with the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered for all Ferrari cars.
ENGINE
Type V8 – 90° twin turbo
Overall displacement 3902 cc
Max. power output* 720 cv (530 kW) @ 7000 rpm
Max. torque* 770 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Specific power output 185 cv/l
Max. engine speed 8000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4611 mm
Width 1979 mm
Height 1206 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Front track 1677 mm
Rear track 1646 mm
Kerb weight ** 1435 kg
Dry weight ** 1330 kg
Weight distribution 41.5% fr – 58.5% r
Boot capacity 200 l
Fuel tank capacity 78 l
TYRES
Front 245/35 ZR 20 J9,0
Rear 305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
BRAKES
Front 398 x 223 x 38 mm
Rear 360 x 233 x 32 mm
TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX F1 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High Performance ABS/EBD with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC 6.1 with FDE*
PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h 2.90 s
0-200 km/h 7.8 s
Top speed 340 km/h
Fiorano lap time 1’22.5”
FUEL CONSUMPTION/C02 EMISSIONS
Under homologation
*with 98 octane petrol
**with optional content
THE PRICE
Price starts at approx. 1 million dirhams
