The Ferrari F8 Tributo packs a monstrous 710bhp V8, which is saying something, considering this a roadcar from Ferrari and the car pays homage to this motor. This is also, by far, Maranello’s best engine since it has won International Engine of the Year awards for ‘best engine’ in 2016, 2017 and 2018. This is clearly the last of the out-and-out internal combustion breed because the new SF90 starts a new chapter with its plug-in hybrid tech. The F8 succeeds the 488 GTB, so the F8 is lighter, more powerful and more aero efficient. Tweaks have also been made to the Slide Slip Control system. The only details carried over from the 488 GTB are the roof, doors and a part of the cockpit.
The Italians, I tell you
When pictures first surfaced on the web, we weren’t particularly happy at the way the new Ferrari F8 Tributo looked; some say things have drastically changed after Ferrari’s models started to be designed in-house, but we think Ferrari Cars have gotten faster and more aerodynamic ever since as can be seen in the detailing. From up ahead, the nose looks pointy while the S-Duct on the bonnet is not only purposeful but pleasant to look at. The side intakes continue to be there but look different of course. The rear of the Ferrari F8 Tributo is the best part of the car with round tail lights, the slotted Lexan polycarbonate rear window, harking back to the legendary Ferrari F40. The Ferrari F8 Tributo is undoubtedly a gorgeous looking supercar. The headlamps appear smaller and they get cooling air-intakes on top of them. The rear diffuser features active flaps that allow for the best possible downforce, which can stall the diffuser, bringing down the drag when you’re gunning the car in a straight line.
Roadcar comfort
We get into the cockpit and the first thing you notice is just how low you’re seated. The tachometer in the middle is flanked by dual screens, while the steering wheel gets controls mounted on it. Ferrari Cars have restyled almost everything on the dashboard and the AC vents look like aircraft turbines. There’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen that displays navigation etc. But this is available only as a rather expensive option. There is some storage room behind the seats, and boot space is decent at 200 litres.
Prancing horses
There are lots of electronics this car features, like Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer and Slide Slip Control. The new SSC system is said to instil added confidence in the driver while getting tail happy, whilst giving way for the same amount of oversteer. The steering is quick to respond and light and you can literally feel the wheels up ahead glued to the road. Even through corners, it’s rather easy to take it through with precision. The Ferrari F8 Tributo goes exactly where you want it to, and it feels so agile that car very quickly becomes addictive to drive. We encountered quite a few bad patches and were surprised how well setup the suspension felt over these surfaces; Ferrari has really taken the game further on this front. The dampers get softer in a bumpy road setting and we still can’t imagine how well this thing enters and exits corners. Thanks to the suspension, you can actually have lots of fun in this supercar. We also drove the car on a track and found that, in Wet mode, on a wet track, it does get a little frightening. Even in Sport mode. The engine’s response is brilliant, but there is some turbo lag. Response is prompt the very moment you floor the loud pedal. In Wet mode, throttle response gets sharper, and this baby can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds. The V8 engine develops 710bhp and 770Nm, figures that are similar to the Pista’s. The engine consists of lightweight components including titanium connecting rods, crankshaft and flywheel and an inconel exhaust system. The F8 Tributo is the first Ferrari to get a Gasoline Particulate Filter.
Unfortunately, the F8 Tributo doesn’t sound as sensational as its naturally-aspirated predecessors, but we’re glad it’s no artificial sound being piped through the speakers, but there is a huge, hollow pipe fitted to the exhaust to amplify the sound. Thank fully, it amplifies the whistle that can get uncomfortably loud when you’re gunning this car. Plus, you can hear a roar along with it too. Take it to 7000rpm, and that’s when you’re pushed back into your seat with the revs building whilst everything outside passes you in a blur. It’s even faster than the Ferrari 488 Pista and offers its driver everyday usability.
The ultimate V8?
The F8 Tributo will be an icon one day for many reasons; firstly because it looks absolutely stunning in the flesh and that’s the first factor a Ferrari buyer would consider when buying one of the these. This is no cheap car; you’ll have to fork out over 4.5 crore rupees to own one, but then it’s mid-engined, and all mid-engined cars cost a bomb. Ferrari has added yet another feather to its cap with the launch of the F8 Tributo, and for those of you in doubt, it’s a Ferrari in every sense of the word.
