Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 supercars have an iconic status, they can double up as comfortable everyday cars and hammer out good lap times if you find yourself on a track. The F8 Tributo is no different, with more power than the 488 GTB, technology and parts from the track-focused 488 Pista and updated electronics. The F8 Tributo also gets fresh(er) looks around the front, and an almost completely redesigned rear reminiscent of iconic models from Ferrari’s past.
The ‘Tributo’ in the F8’s name comes from it being built to pay tribute to this award winning engine. We first saw the F154 twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 in the 488 GTB, amid much controversy over the shift to turbocharging. However, with the boffins at Ferrari almost eliminating any lag, and our Ed’s ears still ringing from his time with the F8 in Italy, the switch was a warranted one. And with 710bhp and 770Nm of torque on tap in the F8, those figures not only surpass that of the 488 GTB, but they go ahead and match that of the 488 Pista. It also gets a GPF, which the Pista doesn’t, allowing it to meet Euro 6b emission norms and therefore BS6 norms too. The engine is mated to Ferrari’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. The result is a 0 to 100kmph time of 2.9 seconds, an even more impressive 0 to 200kmph time of just 7.8 seconds and if you keep the throttle pinned it’ll hit 340kmph. It also gets Side Slip Control 6.1 and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer +, to make sure you’re facing the right side up while coming out of corners.
On the outside, the profile of the F8 Tributo is largely similar to that of the 488 GTB (and the 458 Italia), but it has been tweaked in certain areas to improve aerodynamics, and been given an S-duct, resulting in a 10-per cent increase in downforce over the 488. The F8 Tributo looks new, yet familiar from the front, and its the same at the rear — while it ditches the styling from the 458 and 488 at the back, it does hark back to Ferraris like the F355 with its twin round tail lights, and even to the F40 with its louvered engine cover, made from Lexan. It certainly looks good, as do most modern Ferraris.
On the inside, the F8 Tributo is a lot like the 488 and even the 458. Yes, it gets a new steering wheel, and new round air vents, but not much else. The layout is largely the same, as are the buttons and much of the technology. Does it look dated? Slightly. But in a car with a singing V8 at the back and 700 (prancing) horses, you probably won’t miss not having Android Auto.
At Rs 4.02 crore, the F8 Tributo isn’t what you’d call affordable. And its main rival, the Huracan Evo, is priced at Rs 3.73 crore. However, both these prices are for standard specs, without options, and with options these prices can go up almost as quickly as the cars can accelerate. So, at this bracket small differences in price don’t really matter. The question is — do you want the prancing horse, or the raging bull?