The F8 Tributo is the new mid-rear- engine sports car that represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater Berlinetta. It’s a car with unique characteristics and, as its name implies, pays homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history.
The F8 Tributo sets the market benchmark for performance, driving pleasure and ease of handling. It makes the exhilarating performance of the best 8-cylinder in the world accessible to all drivers, with unprecedented handling and superior ride comfort.
With a massive 720 cv and a record specific power output of 185 cv/l, it is the most powerful V8 ever to be mounted in a non-special series Ferrari, achieving new heights not just for turbos, but for engines across the board.
The turbo-charged V8 has already been used in other models in the range with various power output levels, winning “Best Engine” in the International Engine of the Year awards three years running in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2018, it was also awarded the title of the best engine of the last two decades.
The F8 Tributo delivers its 720 cv without the slightest hint of turbo lag and produces an evocative soundtrack. Instantaneous power is matched by exceptional handling, thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art aerodynamics solutions derived from Ferrari’s track experience.
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasize Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the F8 Tributo is the most aerodynamically efficient series-production mid- rear-engine berlinetta ever designed.
The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 GTB and, in the range, is the model with the highest performance matched by the greatest driver involvement. There are significant improvements across the board aimed at providing even better control on the limit along with greater on-board comfort.
The F8 Tributo punches out 50 cv more than the 488 GTB, is 40 kg lighter and also benefits from a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency along with the latest version of the Side Slip Angle Control, now in 6.1 guise.
ENGINE
In the automotive world, Ferrari’s V8 engine is seen as the very epitome of sportiness and driving pleasure. This is particularly the case when it is mid- rear-mounted in a two-seater. Ferrari has been honing the scope of abilities of this architecture, which creates an optimal weight balance, and thus delivers unparalleled thrilling sporty driving, to perfection for over four decades. In fact, Maranello made its debut in the 8-cylinder 2-seater berlinetta segment in 1975 with the 308 GTB, a revolutionary car that became a source of inspiration for subsequent models. The same mid-rear V8 two-seater architecture was also adopted for Ferrari’s first supercars, not least the 1984 GTO and 1987 F40, which have achieved iconic status amongst enthusiasts.
The V8’s technical specifications are truly exceptional, placing it at the very top of its segment. The F8 Tributo unleashes 720 cv at 8,000 rpm and also has an impressive specific power output of 185 cv/l. Its maximum torque is now higher too at all engine speeds, peaking at 770 Nm (+10 Nm compared to the 488 GTB) at 3,250 rpm.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
Overall performance levels are significantly higher than those of the 488 GTB, thanks to the increase in power, weight reduction and improved aerodynamic coefficient. That performance is also now accessible to a larger number of drivers thanks to vehicle dynamics systems that make driving on the limit an easier and more confidence-inspiring experience. These include a steering wheel with a rim that is smaller in diameter with a thinner rim and the introduction of the new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus into the integrated SSC concept, now in 6.1 guise.
To achieve their goal of making the car’s impressive performance easy to access and use, Ferrari’s engineers worked on integrating engine and aerodynamics performance with the latest iteration of the vehicle dynamics control systems. The Side Slip Control system, which improves drivers’ control on the limit for even more engaging involvement, has been further evolved. The transition from version 6.0 to 6.1 reflects the fact that the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer system now also activates in the manettino RACE (FDE+) position.
In the RACE setting the car is 6% faster coming out of bends than the 488 GTB with the same amount of steering wheel activity. It is also available in the CT- Off position where, for the same degree of oversteer, steering wheel activity is reduced by 30% compared to the 488 GTB. The result is that, with the same level of driving skill, drivers will see an improvement in their ability to hold the car on the limit, making them more confident in lengthy oversteer maneuvers. The F8 Tributo cuts the lap time at Fiorano from 1’23.0” to 1’22.5”.
DESIGN: EXTERIOR
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially delivers a new exterior design language. From the very earliest stages of the design process, the work focused on two goals simultaneously: designing a stylistic tribute to the Ferrari V8 engine, inspired by the most iconic mid-rear-engine V8 sports cars in Ferrari history, and giving the car a strong personality of its own through an even sportier design clearly inspired by the car’s advanced aerodynamics.
The front of the car is characterized by the S-Duct around which the entire front end has been redesigned to highlight the extensive aerodynamic modifications made to this area of the car. This is best illustrated by the new, more compact, horizontal LED headlights.
The new rear screen celebrates Ferrari’s legendary V8 engine. Made from ultralight Lexan, it has been restyled to incorporate three louvres at it center and showcase the engine compartment, bringing a modern twist to the most distinctive design element from Ferrari’s most famous V8-engined car, the F40. The louvres also help extract hot air from the engine compartment, in line with Ferrari’s focus on functional design.
DESIGN: INTERIOR
The cockpit retains the classic, driver-oriented look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engine berlinettas. Every element of the dash, door panels and tunnel has been completely redesigned specifically for the car. The F8 Tributo also boasts a new generation steering wheel and steering wheel-mounted controls as well as new styling on the standard seats.
New round air vents are set in beautifully sculpted aluminum surrounds (also available in optional carbon-fiber) which cleverly underscore the dash structure. To emphasize the lightness of the whole assembly, the dash now incorporates an aluminum sail panel supporting the central satellite and continuing into the dash itself. Also to create a sense of visual lightness, a sliver of carbon fiber divides the upper and lower parts, streamlining the whole look. This section also incorporates the optional 7” touchscreen passenger-side display which provides an extra sporting touch. The dash is completed by the classic instrument cluster with its central rev- counter and the new-generation steering wheel and commands.
For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road. Visit www.safat.ferraridealers.com and follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait for the latest updates. Featured image courtesy of Ferrari Kuwait.
