For an automotive innovator and manufacturer of some the most iconic cars in history, the idea of Ferrari paying homage is somewhat left field – except, of course, when it does so to one of its own products.
Homage comes in the form of the Ferrari F8 Tributo, now available in South Africa, that honours the most powerful V8 engine ever built by the company.
The latest mid-rear-engined sports car represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater berlinetta.
With a massive 530 kW and a record specific power output of 770 Nm, it is the most powerful V8 ever to be mounted in a non-special series Ferrari, achieving new heights not just for turbos, but for engines across the board.
The turbo-charged V8 has already been used in other models in the range with various power output levels, winning ‘Best Engine’ in the International Engine of the Year awards three years running in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In 2018, it was also awarded the title of the best engine of the last two decades.
The F8 Tributo delivers its 530 kW without the slightest hint of turbo lag and produces an evocative soundtrack. Instantaneous power is matched by exceptional handling thanks to the integration of state-of-the-art aerodynamics solutions derived from Ferrari’s track experience.
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the F8 Tributo is essentially a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasize Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, the F8 Tributo is the most aerodynamically efficient series-production mid-rear-engined berlinetta ever designed.
The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 GTB and, in the range, is the model with the highest performance matched by the greatest driver involvement. There are significant improvements across the board, aimed at providing even better control on the limit along with greater onboard comfort.
The F8 Tributo punches out 68 kW more than the 488 GTB, is 40 kg 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 guises.
Scuderia South Africa CEO, Mervyn Eagles, says: “We are delighted to introduce the latest multi-award-winning Ferrari V8 Turbo engined model to the Prancing Horse family. The F8 Tributo with all its unique characteristics unquestionably sets the market benchmark for exhilarating performance, ease of handling and of course, driving pleasure.”
In honour of showcasing the F8 Tributo on South Africa soil, the official Ferrari dealer has partnered with the Anne Van Dyk Cheetah Centre to commemorate another African icon too; an icon that shares many attributes with that of the Ferrari F8 Tributo.
“An African cheetah, officially named Tributo has been adopted by Scuderia South Africa to celebrate a likeness of beauty, performance, agility and of course, speed. Both the F8 Tributo and our cheetah, boast strong aesthetics, handle corners with precision and both can reach speeds of 0-100km/h in just under 3 seconds. As the official Ferrari dealer in South Africa we are proud to support and endorse the conservation of these rare and glorious creatures.” adds Eagles.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
Technical Specifications
ENGINE
Type V8 – 90° twin turbo
Overall displacement 3902 cc
Max. power output* 720 cv (530 kW) @ 7000 rpm
Max. torque* 770Nm @ 3250 rpm
Specific power output 185 cv/l
Max. engine speed 8000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4611 mm
Width 1979 mm
Height 1206 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Front track 1677 mm
Rear track 1646 mm
Kerb weight** 1435 kg
Dry Weight ** 1330 kg
Weight distribution 41.5% fr – 58.5% r
Boot capacity 200 l
Fuel tank capacity 78 l
TYRES
Front 245/35 ZR 20 J9,0
Rear 305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
BRAKES
Front 398 x 223 x 38mm
Rear 360 x 233 x 32 mm
TRANSMISSION & GEARBOX
F1 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High Performance ABS/EBD with
Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC 6.1 with FDE*
PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h 2.90 s
0-200 km/h 7.8 s
Top Speed 340 km/h
Fiorano lap time 1’22.5″
