Ferrari Introduces 710-hp F8 Tributo

The Ferrari F8 Tributo will be among the most powerful road cars yet offered by the iconic Italian automaker when North American sales of the sleek new mid-engine coupe kick off later this year following its public debut at this week’s Geneva auto show.

The replacement model for the 488 GTB, Ferrari’s current top seller, receives the latest evolution of the automaker’s twin-turbocharged 3.9L gasoline V-8 delivering 710 hp at 8,000 rpm. This is 49 hp more than the standard version of its predecessor and the same output as the limited-edition 488 Pista and the new F8 Tributo’s keenest rival, the McLaren 720S.

Driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the 90-degree V-8 also provides the F8 Tributo with 9 lb.-ft. (12 Nm) more torque than the 488 GTB, with 568 lb.-ft. (770 Nm) delivered at 3,250 rpm.

The increase in output helps propel the F8 Tributo from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in a claimed 2.9 seconds, a scant 0.1 second faster than the 488 GTB. Ferrari also quotes a 0-124 mph (200 km/h) time of 7.8 seconds and 211 mph (340 Nm) top speed.

By comparison, the McLaren 720S boasts the same claimed 0-62 mph time and a top speed that is just 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster than the F8 Tributo.

Unlike many supercar rivals using carbon-fiber monocoque structures, the F8 Tributo holds true to the aluminum space-frame concept of its predecessor.

Ferrari claims its latest mid-engine model has been improved in every area. Aerodynamic efficiency of the new coupe has been improved 10% alone over the 488 GTB, the automaker  says.

Stylistically, the F8 Tributo continues the lineage established by the 488 GTB but with detailed flourishes linked with previous Ferrari models, including the shape of the louvers integrated with the clear Lexan engine cover which resemble those used by the F40 and the twin round taillamps seemingly inspired by the 308 GTB.

The front of the new Ferrari incorporates a further-developed version of the so-called S-Duct first seen on the 488 Pista. Its redesign contributes to a 15% increase in overall downforce compared to the 488 GTB, the automaker says.

Other stylistic developments include new cooling ducts above the F8 Tributo’s new horizontal LED headlamp assemblies. In combination with additional ducts within the front bumper, they are claimed to improve airflow within the front wheel arches and cooling of the front brakes.

Ferrari describes the styling of its latest model as a “bridge to a new design language.”

At 181.5 ins. (4,610 mm) in length, 77.9 ins. (1,979 mm) in width and 47.5 ins. (1,207 mm) in height, the new Ferrari is 1.7 ins. (43 mm) longer, 1.1 ins. (28 mm) wider and 0.3 in. (8 mm) lower than the 488 GTB.

Despite the increase in dimensions, the dry weight of the F8 Tributo has been reduced 88 lbs. (40 kg) over its predecessor at 2,932 lbs. (1,331 kg), although this figure is achieved only when “lightweight options” are specified, according to Ferrari. As a point of reference, McLaren puts the dry weight of the carbon-fiber-monocque-based 720S at 2,829 lbs. (1,284 kg).

Among the driving aids included on the coupe is the latest version of Ferrari’s so-called Side Slip Angle Control system as well as a newly developed version of Ferrari Dynamic Enhanced design to make handling more predictable than that of the 488 GTB.

Inside (above, left), the F8 Tributo cabin features a newly designed dashboard, a reworked steering wheel with a thinner rim for what Ferrari describes as “improved feel for the driver” as well as new controls, and a 7-in. (18-cm) touchscreen display for infotainment functions.

Ferrari has yet to confirm North American pricing for its latest supercar, but it is expected to be above the $312,947 of the 488 GTB.