Ferrari F8 Tributo

The new Ferrari F8 Tributo is the maximum expression of sportiness, with a 721 hp biturbo V8 and refined aerodynamic and dynamics control solutions. But he can also let himself be tamed on the road. the name of the new granturismo tells a lot about her. First of all, it speaks of a V8 engine in a central rear position, as has happened with the Cavallino berlinette since the times of the 308 GTB of 1975. But this fireball also wants to be a tribute to the highly decorated eight-cylinder made in Maranello: winner for four consecutive times (from 2016 to 2019) of the international title of best engine of the year, and just elected “motor excellence” of the last twenty years. The new Ferrari F8 Tributo develops around this jewel of technology, the most powerful of the eight-cylinder “reds” produced in series. The twin-turbo V8 of the Ferrari F8 Tributo has 721 horsepower. There are 52 more than in the previous 488 GTB (read the first contact here) on the basis of which, refined from every point of view, the new model is born. The increase in power was achieved with solutions tested in racing GTs: from titanium pistons, to rotation speed sensors on turbochargers. The camshafts and the crankshafts were then lightened, and overall the V8 diet led to a gain of 18 kg: almost 50% compared to the 40 kg saved on the entire car. Different solutions are taken from the 488 Pista (here our driving impressions), which has the same power. But the differences are not lacking. First of all, in the exhaust system: in the Ferrari F8 Tributo it was necessary to install two particulate filters (one for each bank of the V8) to meet the Euro 6d regulations and the new Chinese 6b standards, even stricter, especially in the field of particulate matter. A constraint that required to develop new solutions, while obtaining a more engaging sound than in the 488 GTB . Several other solutions have been taken from the brutal 488 Pista, to the point that the new Ferrari F8 Tributo would be almost defined as a refined “Track”, given that the comfort it offers is much better (starting from the soundproofing). Among the common points you immediately notice the S-Duct duct, a Ferrari patent developed inspired by Formula 1: it uses the air coming from the front to crush the F8 Tributo on the ground at speed, improving the precision of the front axle in the curves fast. It is one of the many aesthetic and functional elements at the same time. In Maranello, in fact, they want to underline how the shapes developed by the Ferrari Style Center, under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, also perform an aerodynamic and useful task for the functioning of the mechanics. Any other examples? Moving from the L-shaped headlights of the 488 GTB to those with horizontal development, space was freed for two additional air intakes which bring fresh air to the powerful carbon-ceramic brakes. And, again, the large “mouths” in the sides not only recall those of the 1975 308 GTB, but bring fresh air in quantity to the intercoolers of the two turbochargers. Unlike those of the 488 GTB, however, they do not “breathe” the V8: the intake vents have been moved to the base of the rear window, to reduce the length of the ducts and consequently the pressure losses at the inlet of the eight cylinder (this solution is also taken from the race cars of the GT championships).
Image credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alexander-93