Ferrari’s new V8 model signifies the end of an era, here’s what you should know about it 


Maranello, Italy 
This is Ferrari’s latest V8 powered two-seater, the F8 Tributo. Previewed in Singapore recently, the car will cost S$998,000 without COE and deliveries will begin in Q1 2020.

Here are eight key things you should know about the F8, including why its engine is special, and what relation it has to the legendary Ferrari F40.  

 

1. It’s a f-reaking powerhouse  

The F8 Tributo has 720hp from its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, a rather sizeable 50hp more than the model it replaces, the 488 GTB. Ferrari proudly proclaims it as the most powerful mid-engined V8 full series production model it’s ever made (that doesn’t count special models and one-offs). The car’s specific output is 184.6hp per litre, which is more than a Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and isn’t far off from a Bugatti Chiron’s 187.5hp/litre, so the next point isn’t surprising…

2.It’s f-reaking fast 

0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds fast, and 0-200km/h in 7.8 seconds, which sort of makes the F8 a hypercar on paper, really.  Consider, ironically, that the F8 Tributo is probably the last gas-only V8 of its kind Ferrari will make, and it’s only 0.3 of a second off the new hybrid SF90 Stradale in the 0-100km, that’s very impressive performance. In overall performance, the car’s 1:22.50 Fiorano lap time makes it a second slower than the 488 Pista (which is significantly lighter), but 0.5 second quicker than the 488 GTB, and a whole second quicker than the 458 Speciale.

3. Its engine is derived from the 488 Pista’s
The Tributo’s engine is based on the same 3.9-litre biturbo V8 seen in the 488 GTB, Spider, and Pista, but most closely related to the latter. Like the Pista, it has strengthened internals to withstand the extra power, and has extensive weight reduction measures that shave off a huge 18kg from the mass, including titanium conrods, exhaust manifolds made of the exotic alloy Inconel, and a lightened crankshaft and flywheel for instant rev response.

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4. It’s a flyweight, and lighter than the 488 GTB

With a kerbweight of 1,435kg, the F8 Tributo is 3/5th of a regular person, or 1/10th of David Khoo, lighter than the 488. There’s the abovementioned 18kg from the Pista derived engine, but there are also lighter plastic bumpers, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and Lexan engine window. Optional carbon fibre wheels and lithium ion battery bring the total weight loss to 40kg.

 5. It’s a fabulous flying machine (in aero terms)
Ferrari also dubs the F8 the ‘most aerodynamically-efficient series production mid-rear engined berlinetta ever designed’, arriving at that based on the fact that the car improves on the already aero-crazy 488 GTB, increasing downforce by 20 percent and reducing drag by 10 percent. Improvements to the car’s frontal ‘wing’, or S-Duct, and the rear vent-like ‘blown’ spoiler, and more tweaks everywhere else, but they don’t just cut drag, they even add power by optimising airflow into the engine and improving cooling. For a better idea, here’s a video showing the car’s aerodynamics.

6. It’s louder 
This is likely to be the last hurrah for a non-electrified V8 Ferrari berlinetta, and while the 488 couldn’t match up to the blistering non-turbo soundtrack of the 458, Ferrari seems to have kept all of this in mind: It says the F8 has a uniquely-tuned soundtrack that’s louder and richer than the 488’s, and louder by up to six decibels at mid- to high-revs. Given the decibel scale is logarithmic, that’s quite a lot.

7. It’s ferocious – but does more to take the fear out of the drive

More power, more downforce, less weight, all of that sounds terrifying to normal drivers, but Ferrari has also upped the capability of the driving systems to match. Updated version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (which maximise traction and controllability on corner exit and help you tame oversteer) now work in Race mode with stability support as a safety net – in the 488 Pista they only worked in CT Off mode, where traction control is lessened but overall stability control still in effect.

8. It’s a farewell bid to pure V8 history 

Times have changed, with Ferrari’s first full-production hybrid all-wheel drive headliner, the SF90 Stradale, already in production, it’s very likely the F8 Tributo will be the last, purely gasoline-powered V8 berlinetta Ferrari ever makes, although a Special Series F8 will surely be made as well (F8 ‘Pista’ so to speak).

Both the name and design, are references to V8-powered whoppers from Ferrari’s history including the 308 GTB (classic dual taillight clusters), 288 GTO, and F40 (three-louvres in the rear Lexan window). The ‘starburst’ wheels are also a nod to the star-themed wheels seen on the 288 GTO, F40, 308 GTB and more.