The Ferrari 488 GTB Is Dead, Meet The 720 PS F8 Tributo!


As promised, Ferrari has just released the first details about its world debut for the Geneva Motor Show. And its name is the F8 Tributo.

It’s a really important one, too, as it replaces the 488 GTB. The latest in a long line of two-seater berlinettas pays homage both to the engine that powers it as well as the recipe that has been so successful over the years. While the F8 Tributo is the 488 GTB‘s successor, it carries on with the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.


However, the powertrain sees significant improvements. It now produces 720 PS (710 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque from 3,250 rpm, an increase of 50 PS and 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) compared to its predecessor. And while Ferrari doesn’t explicitly say it, the fact that it has the exact same specs as the 488 Pista hints that it could very well be the same engine. The only difference is the peak torque of 770 Nm comes slightly earlier in the 488 Pista, at 3,000 rpm.

What this means is the F8 Tributo delivers breathtaking performance. It catapults from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.8 seconds, while top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph). These numbers make it only marginally slower than the 488 Pista, which does 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.6 seconds, and tops 340 km/h.


That’s because the F8 Tributo is slightly heavier: it has a dry weight of 1,330 kg (2,932 lbs) whereas the 488 Pista is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter. Ferrari doesn’t say anything about the transmission but it’s safe to assume it’s the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox used by the 488 Pista.

Besides the increase in performance and the lighter weight compared to the 488 GTB (minus 40 kg/88 lbs), the F8 Tributo promises “better control on the limit along with greater onboard comfort” compared to its predecessor.


That’s partly due to a 10 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, along with a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can be activated in the Manettino’s RACE position for the first time. Furthermore, the F8 Tributo packs the latest version of the Side Slip Angle Control, now in 6.1 guise, as well as a smaller diameter steering wheel rim to improve control.

As with the 488 Pista, the F8 Tributo’s aero package is directly evolved from the track. The car adopts several features from the track-focused supercar, including the rearward-angled front radiators and the dynamic engine air intakes positioned on either side of the spoiler instead of on the rear flanks.


Styling-wise, the F8 Tributo’s proportions betray the fact that it’s not quite an all-new model. Ferrari doesn’t say it, but the F8 Tributo is obviously a comprehensive facelift of the 488 GTB rather than an all-new model. Sure, it does feature a new aero kit, new headlights, and taillights but it uses the same platform.

Ferrari says the F8 Tributo “is essentially a bridge to a new design language,” indirectly acknowledging that it’s not an all-new design. Just like the 488 Pista, the new car features an S-Duct at the front. Redesigned to suit the F8 Tributo, the Formula 1-inspired S-Duct alone increases downforce by 15 percent compared to the 488 GTB.


The more compact, horizontal LED headlights allowed new brake cooling intakes to be inserted above them, with the result being improved airflow throughout the wheel arch. At the rear, the F8 Tributo’s Lexan rear screen features louvers that are an homage to the legendary F40.

Besides their symbolism, they help extract hot air from the engine compartment without affecting the efficiency of the evolved blown spoiler which wraps around the taillights. Speaking of the taillights, they mark the return to the classic twin light cluster and body-colored tail.

The cabin is further proof that the F8 Tributo is an evolution of the 488 GTB. It features the same driver-oriented layout, although Ferrari stresses that every element of the dash, door panels, and center tunnel has been completely redesigned. Highlights include a new HMI (Human Machine Interface), new multifunction steering wheel, round air vents, and a 7-inch passenger touchscreen display.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more