Ferrari Reveals F8 Tributo Supercar

Ferrari has revealed official images of the F8 Tributo. This is its new mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta that is replacing the 488 GTB. The name is an homage to both the model’s uncompromising layout and to the engine that powers it. The F8 Tributo is fitted with a 3,902 cc V8 engine that boasts a massive 720 cv (or 710 hp) @ 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm of torque at 3,250 rpm; it is the most powerful V8 in Prancing Horse history for a non-special series car and sets the benchmark not just for turbos, but for engines across the board. Incidentally, the 3,902 cc V8 won “Best Engine” in the International Engine of the Year awards three years running (2016, 2017 and 2018) and, in 2018, was also awarded the title of the best engine of the last two decades.

This engine gives the F8 Tributo a 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds (0.1 seconds faster than the 488 GTB), and 0 – 200 km/h time of 7.8 seconds (0.5 seconds faster); speed maxes out at 340 km/h.

There are improvements across the board to provide even better control on the limit along with greater on-board comfort. And while it shares the same engine displacement as its predecessor, the F8 Tributo produces 50 hp more, is lighter and benefits from a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. It is also fitted with the latest Version 6.1 of the Side Slip Angle Control, enabling it to offer the highest levels of usable performance of any car in the current range.

Additionally, it has a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can be activated in the manettino’s (Drive mode dial) RACE position for the first time, a move designed to make performance on the limit easier to reach and control for an even greater number of drivers. The steering wheel rim is also smaller in diameter to enhance the level of tactility and make the car feel even more agile. In addition, weight reduction measures have cut the car’s dry weight by 40 kg compared to the 488 GTB, further enhancing both responsiveness and driving pleasure without impinging on interior comfort.

The car’s body is incorporated with state-of-the-art aerodynamic solutions to help ensure that the powerful engine can be fully exploited. As with the 488 Pista, the F8 Tributo’s aero package is directly evolved from the track and it adopts several features from the 488 Pista designed to help manage engine heat, including the rearward-angled front radiators and the dynamic engine air intakes positioned either side of the spoiler instead of on the rear flanks.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasise Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. The front of the car is characterised by the S-Duct, a solution that made its debut on the 488 Pista, but which has been redesigned to suit the extensive modifications made to this area of the car. As a result, the S-Duct alone contributes about 15% to the overall increase in downforce compared to the 488 GTB.

Further, the new, more compact, horizontal LED headlights allowed Ferrari’s aerodynamicists to incorporate new brake cooling intakes in combination with those on the outside of the bumper. The aim is to improve air flow throughout the entire wheel arch and avoid having to increase the size of the braking system to cope with the car’s greater speed.

The new Lexan rear screen showcases the engine compartment and also brings a modern twist to the most distinctive design element from Ferrari’s most famous V8, the F40. The louvres help extract hot air from the engine compartment without impacting the efficiency of the blown spoiler which has been further evolved to increase rear downforce. The spoiler wraps around the tail lights, visually lowering the car’s centre of gravity and allowing a return to the classic twin light cluster and body-coloured tail, another signature of the early 8-cylinder berlinettas like the very first in the legendary series, the 1975 308 GTB.

The cabin retains the classic, driver-oriented cockpit look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas, but every element of the dash, door panels and tunnel, has been completely redesigned. The new generation HMI (Human Machine Interface), complete with round air vents, new steering wheel and controls as well as a new 7” passenger touchscreen display, significantly enhance the on-board environment for driver and passenger.

Watch the official promotional video: