Ferrari F8 Tributo
Introduction
The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is the latest and greatest V8-powered Berlinetta to be produced by the prancing horse marque. Considered ‘entry-level’ in the Ferrari model lineup, the F8 Tributo is nevertheless the greater of the sum of its parts; it is a highly capable all-rounder, standing out amongst an expanding club of ‘everyday supercars’.
Elegant but not without a functional brawn to it, the mid-engine 710 hp F8 Tributo has an outstanding, yet purposeful appearance to match its disposition; especially as it relates to matters of tarmac-carving and apex-clipping.
Succession Plan
Billed as the replacement for the 488 GTB, the F8 Tributo inherits much of the outgoing model’s DNA. Mind you, this is largely – if not entirely – a positive thing, as the F8 Tributo notably improves in areas where there was room to, while keeping in the essence of what was working so well before.
One could therefore get away with calling it a very ‘intensively refreshed’ 488 GTB, which borrows the some of the 488 Pista’s brawn and athleticism, and mixes it with the urbanity and pragmatism of of the 488 GTB, concocting one of the most formidable all-round sports cars on the market today.
The Tribute
It’s all in the name, really. The Tributo – which translates to ‘Tribute’ from Italian – is meant to signify a celebration of Ferrari’s V8-powered berlinetta. This Tributo is a nod to over 40 years of the latter’s existence, while also a soft confession that the F8 will likely be the last of its kind – Ferrari’s historic internal combustion V8 is next-in-line for the hybridisation treatment. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is a fitting celebration of this extensively storied history.
Engine & Performance
The Figures
We live in an era where a brand new “entry-level” exotic supercar coming from the factory with no less than 700 hp is par for the course, and the Ferrari F8 Tributo typifies this to a T. Producing 710 hp at a screaming 8,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft of torque at an accessible 3,250 rpm, the F8 Tributo’s 3.9L twin-turbocharged V8 is nothing to balk at, despite being standard for the times.
Afterall, these stats allow the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, on its way to 124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph.
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is available only in rear-wheel drive configuration; tasked with banging through the gears with the assistance of paddle shifters, is a 7-speed-semi-automatic transmission mated to the mid-mounted V8.
The Components
Titanium connecting rods, the crankshaft and the flywheel were borrowed from the 488 Pista, which help to reduce inertia by 17% and subsequently allow for an enhanced level of engine responsiveness, linearity and efficiency to further augment the performance figures.
At the heart of the V8, new valves, springs and a revised camshaft profile are complemented by fortified cylinder heads and pistons, most useful for withstanding abuse on the track. The Ferrari F8 Tributo also features a specially redesigned exhaust system which improves gas flow, while also satisfying more stringent noise regulations of the day.
Chassis & Handling
If it could even be argued that the engine is a nominal improvement over the outgoing model, then perhaps it’s the enhancements to the F8 Tributo’s chassis and handling that truly differentiates it from the latter. An evolution in aerodynamics, weight reduction and computer systems bring the car to the next level of Ferrari sports car performance.
Aerodynamics & Weight Reduction
Ultimately the F8 Tributo’s platform remains based on the 488 GTB, and even maintains a recognizable silhouette as the car it replaces. Despite this, the car is noticeably different for those who care to go into the details, with the reimagined headlights, tail lights and body panels adding up to a distinctly improved car.
The Ferrari F8 Tributo emulates the S-duct layout from the 488 Pista, which allows air to be channeled through the front bumper and over the bonnet, increasing cooling and downforce by 15% over its predecessor.
The specially designed rear spoiler works in tandem with a revised rear diffuser and performs adaptively based on how the F8’s central computer interprets speed, load and yaw at any given moment. Additional aerodynamic and handling advancements are realized with the introduction of revised front diffusers and underbody panels.
A Lexan rear window and the excessive use of carbon fibre throughout, contribute to the F8 Tributo weighing in at over 40 kg less than the 488 GTB, with all available weight reduction options exhausted.
Stability and Traction Control Systems
For the F8 Tributo, Ferrari has provided an updated version of its Side Slip Control (SSC) system and also added the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus (FDE+) software. These systems work together with the goal of helping the car become easier to correct when drivers creep past the limit, making for a reinforced experience for both novice and expert drivers alike.
The Ferrari engineers went to great lengths to ensure that the F8 Tributo remains exhilarating and analogue to drive, with its safety mechanisms coming into play only at the precise and necessary moments.
Brakes & Tires
Ferrari-branded Brembo carbon ceramics are standard on the F8 Tributo, and are decidedly brilliant and work in perfect harmony with OE Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. This superteam of 398 mm discs up front, 360 mm discs in the rear and streetable track tires, allow the car to come to a dead stop from 124 mph in just 120 meters. Calculatedly located air-ducts near the headlights and behind the doors channel air to assist with cooling.
Design, Styling & Interior
The louvered Lexan engine is certain to be one of the most distinguishable characteristics on the Ferrari F8 Tributo. It’s a classic take on past Ferraris, providing a teasing view of the engine, while accentuating the car’s beautiful features and racing heritage. Drivers will probably tolerate the awkward rear visibility in lieu of appreciating this perfectly-suited feature.
I am fond of the direction that designers took with the interior, with in-house studio ‘Centro Stile’ taking charge of this department. The F8 Tributo provides a minimalistically designed but luxuriously appointed interior, keeping in line with the rest of the car’s overall pragmatic nature.
When you look at the F8 Tributo’s interior, you will find that it exudes low-key, yet attractive vibes. The driver-focused cockpit makes use of primarily black-dyed materials, with just the right amount of contrast stitching and other exotic design elements needed to remind you of the car’s extreme-performance-nature.
The list of standard tech and convenience features includes a 6-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay integration, in-car streaming services, and voice recognition software. LCD monitors and a 7” touch screen provide the visual interface connecting you with the car’s command center.
Cargo capacity is a sparse, but industry-standard, 7 cu-ft.
Pricing
The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is available in a single tri-level, and starts at $279,450 USD. Despite being an entry-level Ferrari sports car, the F8 Tributo commands a heavy price tag, though it should be noted that it comes with plenty of standard amenities which make it a relatively attractive buy in this space.
As with most cars in this segment, options will typically end up making up a significant portion of the final invoice and the average buyer of this car is expected to add on at least another $30,000 for what he/she would consider the ‘necessary’ add-ons. Customers who love bathing in the carbon fibre good-stuff should expect to pay even more on top of that.
With the F8 Tributo providing the swan-song of an epic bloodline of Ferrari automobiles, collector/garage-queen examples of the car will likely hold their value very well over the long-term, and we’re almost certain to see massive mark-ups over MSRP in the secondary sales market.
Specifications Summary
Engine |
|
| Configuration | 90º V8 |
| Location | Mid, longitudinally mounted |
| Construction | Aluminium alloy block and head |
| Displacement | 3,902 cc / 238.1 cu in |
| Compression | 9.6:1 |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC |
| Fuel feed | Direct Fuel Injection |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Aspiration | Twin Turbo |
| Power | 710 bhp / 530 kW @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 770 Nm / 568 ft lbs @ 3,250 rpm |
| Red Line | 8,000 rpm |
| BHP/Liter | 182 bhp / liter |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 gallons / 85.93 L |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/19 mpg |
Drivetrain |
|
| Gearbox | Paddle Operated 7 speed Semi-Automatic |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive |
Brakes |
|
| Front | 398 mm carbon ceramic ventilated drilled discs, 6 pot calipers |
| Rear | 360 mm carbon ceramic ventilated drilled discs, 4 pot calipers |
Dimensions |
|
| Weight | 1,330 kg / 2,932 lbs |
| Length / Width / Height | 4,611 mm (181.5 in) / 1,979 mm (77.9 in) / 1,206 mm (47.5 in) |
Performance Figures |
|
| Power to weight | 0.53 bhp / kg |
| Top Speed | 211 mph (340 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | 2.8 s |
Galleries & Videos
Image Gallery
Official Ad
Ferrari: 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.
Video Review Gallery
Autocar: The Ferrari F8 Tributo is the replacement for the 488 GTB. Featuring an almost all-new aerodynamically enhanced body and an even more powerful 710bhp twin turbocharged V8, it aims to meld the everyday civility of the GTB with the poise and ferocious pace of the Pista. Could this be the best of all worlds? And does the Tributo name hint at the F8’s possible status as the last of the line for this type of Ferrari and its pure internal combustion engine? James Disdale finds out on Ferrari’s very own Fiorano test track, then heads out in the hills around Modena to find out.
Doug DeMuro: The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is amazing — fast, fun, beautiful. It’s also expensive, with a price tag over $300,000. Today I’m reviewing the F8 Tributo and I’m going to show you all the quirks and features of the new Ferrari F8. Then I’m going to drive the F8 Tributo and review the driving experience of the new Ferrari F8.
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher test drives the F8 Tributo. At the Fiorano track the FDA driver tries out the berlinetta powered by the most successful.
Auto Express: Any new supercar has to be faster, lighter and more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor. So it’s no surprise that Ferrari’s latest berlinetta conforms to this theory of evolution. And evolution is exactly what the F8 Tributo is, with much of the engineering that’s gone into the brand’s recent hardcore 488 Pista trickling down to this road-focused replacement for the 488 GTB.
Official Press Release
The Ferrari F8 Tributo: a celebration of excellence
PUBLICATION DATE: 28 FEB 2019
An homage to the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history
The first photographs revealed ahead of official March 5th unveiling at Geneva Motor Show
Maranello, 28 February 2019 – Ferrari has revealed the first official photographs of the F8 Tributo, the new mid-rear-engined sports car that represents the highest expression of the company’s classic two-seater berlinetta. The name is an homage to both the model’s uncompromising layout and to the engine that powers it – with a massive 720 cv and a record specific power output of 185 cv/l, 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. The 3902 cc V8 won “Best Engine” in the International Engine of the Year awards three years running in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and, in addition, in 2018, was awarded the title of the best engine of the last two decades.
As these prestigious awards demonstrate, 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, to perfection for over four decades. The result is the F8 Tributo, which is one of the fastest, most thrilling and communicative supercars ever.
The new car replaces the 488 GTB, with improvements across the board, providing even better control on the limit along with greater on-board comfort. The F8 Tributo punches out 50 cv more than the car it replaces, is 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. So while the F8 Tributo offers the highest levels of performance of any car in the current range, that performance is also very usable.
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 advanced vehicle dynamics solutions. These include a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can be activated in the manettino’s 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.
State-of-the-art aerodynamic solutions incorporated into the car’s body help ensure that the extraordinarily 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, for instance, 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 essentially 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. The result is that the S-Duct alone contributes an impressive 15% to the overall increase in downforce compared to the 488 GTB. 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 being to improve air flow throughout the entire wheel arch and thereby 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 downforce generated at the rear. 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.
Images of the Ferrari F8 Tributo can be downloaded from the Ferrari media site: www.media.ferrari.com
Verdict
Preamble: As my fellow Supercars.net colleague, Nick Dellis once remarked, “The world is full of armchair commentators when it comes to cars. At Supercars.net we have a number of journalists and automotive publications we rely on when we want to get unbiased opinions from people we admire.”
Below are snippets from some of our favorite car reviewers and automotive personalities regarding the McLaren 600LT. As always, we ask that you support the amazing publications they release, so that the automotive community continues to benefit from the hard work and enthusiasm they put into providing us with content that we love.
Top Gear – 9/10
As it stands, the F8 Tributo is a suitably stunning send-off for the V8 bloodline, and one of the year’s undoubted stars.
Full review: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ferrari/f8-tributo
John Barker, EVO – 5/5
Is it better than a McLaren 720S? For my money, yes, partly because it’s better looking but mainly because I like the sense of connection with the Ferrari.
Full review: https://www.evo.co.uk/ferrari/f8/tributo
James Disdale, Autocar – 5/5
The McLaren 720S might be a fraction faster and Lamborghini Huracán has that engine, but neither can match the extraordinary exploitability of the Ferrari’s performance and handling
Full review: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ferrari/f8-tributo
My Verdict – 4.5/5
It seems that these days when one of the big players releases a new ‘entry-level’ supercar, that car usually manages to be more ‘everyday’, yet more performance-oriented than anything before it. The Ferrari F8 Tributo certainly fits that bill.
Remarkably balanced, the 710 hp F8 Tributo integrates the most flattering performance elements of the Pista into a thrilling, yet refined and well-mannered package. So many exotic car makers have become masters of this particular art over the past decade or so, and yet this Ferrari still manages to stand out.
Class-leading chassis and aerodynamic design elements ensure the car is always ready for its weekend-warrior duties, while the latest computer systems keep the car manageable in any situation, without detracting from the coveted driver-connection or fun factor that a Ferrari sports car is known for. Its minimalist but well-appointed stature ensures that the car is suitable for business, fun, or anything in between.
More than just a significant car when it comes to its technical details, the F8 Tributo is also a stunning curtain-call to the V8 Berlinetta and will represent a significant milestone in Ferrari’s – and the broader automotive world’s – storied past. The last of Ferrari’s purely combustion V8.
