The Ferrari 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, is an homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasise Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the Ferrari F8 Tributo is the most aerodynamically efficient series-production mid-rear-engined berlinetta ever designed. The F8 Tributo sets the market benchmark for performance, driving pleasure and ease of handling. 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. It makes the exhilarating performance of the best 8-cylinder in the world accessible to all drivers, with unprecedented handling and superior ride comfort.
The Ferrari 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. Ferrari V8s sport solutions that are masterpieces of engineering and this engine in particular further enhances the typical traits of all Maranello engines with smoothly progressive, limitless acceleration and zero turbo lag combined with a unique soundtrack courtesy, in part, of a new exhaust system. 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.
Adaptive Performance Launch analyses grip as the car accelerates and then uses electronic controls to optimise the torque delivered by the clutches to suit the grip level of the road, reducing wheel slip to a minimum which, in turn, maximises acceleration. Apart from the extra power, the Ferrari F8 Tributo’s engine makes both the car’s handling more intuitive and its performance more accessible. A slew of high performance features have been introduced to allow drivers exploit to the very fullest the potential afforded by the best engine of the last 20 years. These include a new boost reserve control strategy which optimises response time and performance in sporty driving on the limit, making all the power the driver asks from the throttle available virtually instantaneously.
The rev limiter’s “Wall Effect” strategy is another leap forward in terms of extreme engine performance. Rather than gradually limiting the revs towards the limit, it cuts off right at the red-line of 8,000 rpm, maximising the amount of power available in power-on dynamic driving situations and consequently improving lap times.
The Ferrari 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 F8 Tributo is 10% more aerodynamically efficient than the 488 GTB thanks exclusively to an increase in downforce which does not impact on its drag coefficient. This means that drivers can exploit to the fullest the 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.
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, inspired 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. The front is completed by side aerodynamic intakes which are integrated into the shape of the bumper and feature two aerodynamic side splitters in black which create a visual link rearwards behind the wheel and onto the exterior sill covers.
New round air vents are set in beautifully sculpted aluminium surrounds (also available in optional carbon-fibre) which cleverly underscore the dash structure. To emphasis the lightness of the whole assembly, the dash now incorporates an aluminium sail panel supporting the central satellite and continuing into the dash itself. Also to create a sense of visual lightness, a sliver of carbon fibre divides the upper and lower parts, streamlining the whole look. 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. The tunnel is clearly separated from the dash and set beneath it, once again to enhance the sensation of lightness that the car exudes.
