FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE ACT

The many halls of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show were filled with countless electric, hybrid and autonomous cars, showcasing the next generation of battery-powered human conveyances. That is, apart from the Ferrari stand. Here, the Italian manufacturer displayed its F8 Tributo, a mid-rear engined, two-seat berlinetta packing a 720 horsepower twin turbo V8.

The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 GTB, with improvements made in aerodynamics, comfort and user-friendliness, allowing the driver to safely and confidently push the F8 to its limits (at Yas or the Autodrome). Talking of racing, the Tributo’s aero package is directly evolved from the track, adopting several features from the 488 Pista. Here, the dynamic engine air intakes are positioned either side of the spoiler instead of on the rear flanks and the rearward-angled radiators help manage engine heat.

Powered by Ferrari’s trusted 3.9 litre motor, the F8 gains 50bhp over the engine that won ‘Best Engine’ for three consecutive years at the International Engine of the Year awards as well as being voted the best engine of the last two decades. This serious piece of force-inducted kit enables the Tributo to hit 100km/h from a standstill in 2.9 seconds, powering it on to a 340km/h top speed.

The homage doesn’t stop with the engine, as the F8’s Lexan rear screen adds a modern twist to a design element taken from Ferrari’s legendary turbocharged V8, the F40. The louvres help extract hot air from the engine compartment without impacting the efficiency of the spoiler, which has been further evolved to increase downforce at the rear.

For true Tifosi (the name given to Ferrari enthusiasts) the design department’s decision to go back to the classic 308 GTS/GTB twin rear light clusters, (instead of the singles of the past few years), is a major design implementation, especially so for older owners who remember the opening credits of Magnum PI.

In a world that is swiftly heading towards fast-but-characterless electric propulsion, the F8 Tributo is a homage to the heady days of V8 nirvana. Make the most of it, while you still can.