Ferrari F8 Tributo is literally named after a 20-year old engine

For over 20 years, Ferrari’s V8 has been a staple engine in most of their most celebrated models, differing only in displacement, technology, and forced induction since 1987, and was awarded the the title of the best engine of the past two decades. The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo pays homage to that history, with the name literally meaning Ferrari V8 (F8) Tribute, and building on the already massive levels of power of the car it replaces, the Ferrari 488 GTB.

The Ferrari F8 Tributo shares a lot of parts and components with the more hardcore 488 GTB Pista, but was made to be a much more refined and more road-going than the Pista. The engine, a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 has won International Engine of the Year awards for three years in a row (2016-2018), has an output of 720 hp and 770 Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic dual clutch gearbox. This properals the F8 Tributo from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and with a top speed of 340 km/h. The F8 Tributo is lighter and benefits from a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, as well as updates to electronics for the driving modes courtesy of the recognizable F1-inspired Manettino dial. The updates allow for more dynamic driving, getting very close to the edge of performance, but still providing a drive that’s ready for daily use. All those impressive numbers are courtesy of a mid-rear engined supercar that’s 40 kilograms lighter, and has quite a number of aerodynamic enhancements.

The Ferrari F8 Tributo takes cues from the more track-focused Ferraris in the stable by incorporating a number of wings, ducts, rearward angled radiators, and dynamic engine air intakes. The addition of the s-duct (which comes from the 488 Pista) sends air from the bumper intake out through a hood vent to create downforce over the front axle, adding 15% to the overall downforce of the car. There are even new brake cooling intakes that were incorporated in the headlight cluster, supplementing those on the outside of the bumper. All of this is now combined with a sleeker and more compact design language, with minimalist lighting signatures and more rounded off shapes, with the aerodynamics providing the edgier touches.

On the inside, you still have the very familiar cockpit found in many Ferraris, with updates to the dashboard, door panels, and transmission tunnel. More alcantara and leather than carbon fiber here, as there’s an emphasis on usability. Slight tweaks to steering wheel controls and a new 7-inch passenger touchscreen display are the main highlights here. Having driven the Portofino and GTC4 Lusso T recently, we can attest that the cabins of all Ferraris are works of art, and the combination of top quality materials combined with pure driving feedback and performance is really something else. The interior and exterior can then be further customized according to customer requests and specifications via Ferrari’s Tailor Made program. After all, if you’re going to have a rare supercar, why not make it completely yours?