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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 530kW and a record specific power output of 136kW/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.
Epitome of sportiness
The 3 902cc 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.
WATCH: Top Gear's Chris Harris ponders if the Ferrari 488 Pista is really necessary?
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.
It replaces the 488 GTB, with improvements across the board, providing even better control on the limit along with greater on-board comfort.
The F8 punches out 36kW 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.
An evocative soundtrack
So while it offers the highest levels of performance of any car in the current range, that performance is also very usable.
It delivers 530kW 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.
Image: Ferrari
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’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.
Image: Ferrari
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, it 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.
Completely revised
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 is to improve airflow 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.
Image: Ferrari
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 Berlinetta's 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 Berlinetta's, 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 onboard environment for driver and passenger.
