More power, less weight and improved aerodynamic coefficiency attempts to put McLaren 720S into Checkmate
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
The anticipation of a new Ferrari is always an exciting moment. It’s time to say addio to the 488 GTB and ciao to its replacement, the new F8 Tributo. This is Maranello’s answer to the McLaren 720S: the most powerful V8 ever mounted in a non-special series Ferrari. Whoop whoop.
Let’s start with the engine: it’s a 3.9 litre twin turbo V8. As the name suggests, the F8 Tributo references the engine accolade that the latest prancing pony possesses; it won the Engine of the Year title for a third successive year running. It was also crowned best engine of the last two decades – it’s not crap then.
This beating heart is an evolution on from the same engine bolted to its predecessor, but has been injected with more power: 50bhp more than the 488 it replaces. That equates to a total of 710bhp, aligning it somewhat conveniently to that 720S.
This has largely been attainable due to a new intake line derived from the Ferrari Challenge that has been fitted to the rear and located either side of the blown diffuser; it is directly connected to the intake plenums. That has ensured a greater airflow to the engine and increased power. The engine is 18kg lighter than the one fitted to the 488; alternative lightweight components include: exhaust manifolds also fitted from the Ferrari Challenge, titanium con rods and a lighter, optimised crankshaft and flywheel.
But enough technical details, how does that translate into pure performance? Very well indeed. The F8 will demolish 62mph in 2.9 seconds, surpass 124mph in 7.8 seconds and will slingshot all the way to a 211mph top speed. That is reassuring to know when lined up alongside a McLaren 720S for a drag race, no?
Ferrari have delved into the dark art of their F1 team to gleam expertise in the F8’s handling potential. The aerodynamics aspect has taken on a new prerequisite, merging to equal precedence with the visual aesthetics, this philosophy has increased downforce and decreased drag.
The front end has been redesigned to incorporate an S duct, that accounts for 15% increase in overall downforce from the 488. The horizontal headlights have been defined by a new brake cooling intake – it funnels a larger amount of air into the wheel arch to cool the braking system. And at the back there is redesigned blown rear spoiler system; the calibrated sections create an upwash in airflow accounting for 25% more downforce over the 488.
The front radiating masses are angled towards the rear of the car to “use the underbody to channel hot air and thus minimise thermal interaction with the flows inside the wheel arches.” It results in 10% improvement in thermal performance over the 488. The return of twin-cluster rear lights adds a dollop of retro-coolness.
The rear diffuser has a ‘double kink line’ that creates double the suction over the 488 – 20% extra downforce. It also deploys a three active flap system: these adjust to aid cornering but also rotate by 14 degrees for minimum drag in straight line blasts. All of that makes the F8 10% more aerodynamically efficient than the 488. Sounds equipped enough to deal with the London Ring Road.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
Price: n/a
Engine: 3902cc V8, 710bhp, 568lb ft
Transmission: F1 7-speed dual-clutch, RWD
Performance: 0-62mph in 2.9 secs, 211mph
Economy: n/a mpg, n/a g/km CO2
Weight (dry): 1330kg
That performance is only accessed if you flick the right switches into the right settings on the growing number of driver aids regulating the F8’s potential. So, there’s the ‘Side Slip Control’ system in its 6.1 guise that incrementally adjusts driver involvement through traction control interaction. There’s the new ‘Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus’ added to the SSC: this regulates brake pressure and is operational through and exiting corners as well as low grip conditions. The familiar Ferrari manettino is now positioned on a smaller steering wheel. These dynamic systems are meant to make driving through corners faster, and on the limit, easier.
A series of extra weight saving measures contribute to the F8 weighing 40kg less than the 488. These focus on engine and bodywork components, like: bumpers made from lighter plastic material; a carbon fibre rear spoiler and a rear window made from Lexan, a material lighter than glass. This features louvres just likes those moulded across the engine cover of an F40 - more retro-coolness points for the F8. To shed even more kilos, optional carbon fibre rims and a lithium iron battery can be ticked to drop the total dry weight to 1330kg.
The interior has been completely redesigned, complemented with a new generation ‘Human Machine Interface’ – with a 7-inch touchscreen display immersed into the passenger dashboard. Trying to interact with that will certainly be a challenge when hurtling at speed.
Ferrari hasn’t released a price yet – maybe the F8 Tributo will be the first free Ferrari? Just a thought. One thing’s for sure: the 720S certainly can’t rest on its laurels.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Photos: Ferrari
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