There are two ways to test-drive a car. Normally, you would want to drive in your city so you can get a real feel for how the car handles your everyday commute. Alternatively, for a true experience, you want to test the car on a racetrack. Especially, if you are behind the wheel of a Ferrari. When Ferrari Al Zayani invited bazaar to try the latter, we were ecstatic. Professional drivers and instructors were flown in from Italy to provide attendees with the needed support and knowledge to best handle a Prancing Horse.
Guests were treated to a couple of exhilarating laps as drivers and passengers, after which they showered the car with glowing and positive reviews. Not only did they enjoy the experience, they also commented on the car’s impeccable design, speed, handling, grip and engine acoustics. After that we were invited to the hospitality area where we could also see the displayed Ferrari Portofino and the 812 Superfast.
The F8 Tributo is the new mid-rear-engined sports car that represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater berlinetta. It is a car with unique characteristics and, as its name implies, pays homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history.
The model 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 Ferrari that’s not special series, 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” at 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-engined 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 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 thrillingly sporty driving to perfection, a standard which Ferrari aficionados have enjoyed 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 F8 Tributo sports the multi-award-winning Ferrari V8 turbo which is best in class in its segment as well as being voted the best engine of the last 20 years by industry experts. In 2018, it was nominated for the Engine of the Year title for the third consecutive year, a title it went on to win with more than double the points of its closest contender.
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 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 dynamic 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, and thinner, and the introduction of the new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus into the integrated SSC concept, now in 6.1 guise.
In terms of longitudinal dynamics, response times have a higher peak value than the 488 GTB, which translates into faster acceleration. In line with the Variable Boost Management concept, acceleration is smooth and progressive, delivering 6% higher longitudinal acceleration (Ax) than the 488 GTB.
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.
AERODYNAMICS
The F8 Tributo features state-of-the-art aerodynamics, integrating innovations and expertise developed thanks to the company’s involvement in the GT and Challenge championships. The solutions have been honed to create a series-production mid-rear-engined berlinetta with the highest level of performance available.
The F8 Tributo is 10% more aerodynamically efficient than the 488 GTB thanks to an increase in downforce which does not impact on its drag coefficient. This means that drivers can exploit the fullest exceptional performance the car unleashes, including high-speed cornering, as its more efficient road-holding keeps it glued to the Tarmac, delivering an engaging and exhilarating driving experience.
It was only through close synergy with the Ferrari Styling Centre that the strict aerodynamic constraints could be so flawlessly interpreted and integrated into the car’s design. A good example is the S-Duct at the front and the redesigned blown spoiler system at the rear which are underscored by the car’s clean yet decisive lines.
The F8 Tributo is powered by the multi-award-winning Ferrari V8 turbo which punches out 50 cv more than the 488 GTB. To cope with the increased cooling requirements and to guarantee maximum performance under any driving conditions, the car’s thermal management was assessed from earliest stages of development in order to optimize cooling without impacting on aerodynamic performance.
EXTERIOR
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially a bridge to 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, influenced by the most iconic mid-rear-engined 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.
A lot of attention was paid to ensuring that the Maranello marque’s signature styling elements were respected even while seamlessly incorporating the aerodynamic elements into the design and then underscoring them with clean yet decisive lines.
INTERIOR
The cockpit retains the classic, driver-oriented look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined 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.
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 safat.ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait. Featured image courtesy of Ferrari Al Zayani.
