The Ferrari F8 Tributo made its first appearance in Southeast Asia (All photos: Ferrari Malaysia)
Ferrari has outdone themselves with the release of the new F8 Tributo at St Regis Hotel in KL last week. The launch of the new supercar marks its first appearance in Southeast Asia following its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5.
The F8 Tributo is the highly anticipated replacement of 2015’s 488 GTB, which showcased notable design and performance changes from the previous Ferrari 458. Following the new design language, the F8 Tributo’s scope of abilities — including an increase in aerodynamic efficiency and performance — makes it one of the fastest and most thrilling supercars ever created.
Priced at approximately RM1.07 million, the powerful mid-rear engined sports car represents the highest expression of the Prancing Horse’s classic two-seater berlinetta.
Unbeatable Power
The F8 Tributo’s name is an homage to the 90-degree V8 turbo engine that powers it, the same engine used in the 488 Pista. With a massive 720cv, a record specific power output of 185cv/l and a maximum torque of 700Nm, the 3902cc V8 is the most powerful engine in Ferrari history for a non-special series car.
As with the 488 Pista, the F8 Tributo’s aerodynamic solutions are incorporated into the car’s body to ensure the engine can be fully exploited. The F8 Tributo also adopts several features from the 488 Pista design to help manage engine heat, such as the rearward-angled front radiators and the dynamic engine air intakes positioned at either side of the spoiler.
Exceptional Performance
With improvements across the board, the F8 Tributo punches out 50cv more than the 488GTB and benefits from a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency. The supercar delivers its 720cv without the slightest hint of turbo lag and can perform the century sprint in just 2.9 seconds. Additionally, Ferrari’s weight reduction measures managed to shave off an impressive 40kg compared to the 488 GTB, which enhances responsiveness and driving pleasure.
For the first time, the new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) can be activated in the manettino’s RACE position, a move designed to make performance on a limit easier to reach and control. Along with the latest version of the Side Slip Angle Control, now in 6.1 guise, the F8 Tributo is very usable even if it offers the highest levels of performance of any car in the current range.
Good Looks
Every aspect of the F8 Tributo’s stunning design is purposeful and functional. The redesigned S-Duct contributes 15% to the overall increase in downforce compared to the F8 Tributo’s predecessor. The new compact horizontal LED headlights improves the supercar’s aerodynamics to incorporate new brake cooling intakes in combination with those on the outside of the bumper, which allows the braking system to cope with greater speed.
The F8 Tributo retains the classic, driver-oriented cockpit look even though the cabin’s dash, door panels and tunnel has been completely redesigned. Coupled with the new generation Human Machine Interface (HMI), a smaller but more agile steering wheel and a 7-inch passenger touchscreen display, the on-board environment is significantly enhanced for the driver and passenger.
Though the F8 Tributo sports many design changes, some classic features are retained, such as the twin light cluster and body-coloured tail reminiscent of the early 8-cylinder berlinettas of the legendary 1975 308 GTB.
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is priced at RM1.07 million. Visit here for more info.
