Naza Italia has officially launched the Ferrari F8 Tributo in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebrations of Ferrari Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. We’re the first country in the region (and the second after China) to showcase the 488 GTB replacement, which made its debut last month in Geneva.
Measuring 4,611 mm long, 1,979 mm wide and 1,206 mm tall, the F8 is marginally longer (+43 mm), wider (+27 mm) and lower (-7 mm) than the 488 GTB. It’s also lighter – with lightweight options, the F8 tips the scales at 1,330 kg, which is 55 kg lighter than the 488 Pista (1,385 kg).
The company says that the exterior styling of the car showcases elements of a new design language that the company is heading towards. The changes are not just geared towards the visual, but offer a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over the 488.
Design cues include new compact, horizontal LED headlights, which allows the incorporation of new brake cooling intakes. These help improve air flow throughout the entire wheelarch, precluding the need to increase the size of the braking system to cope with the car’s improved speed.
The car also features an S-Duct, which made its debut on the Pista. Redesigned for its application here, the S-Duct adds 15% to the overall increase in downforce compared to the 488 GTB.
The aero package also adopts several features from the Pista that are designed to help manage engine heat. These include rearward-angled front radiators and dynamic engine air intakes, which are positioned on the sides of the spoiler instead of on the rear flanks.
The F8 features a new Lexan rear screen, which pays homage to the louvred screen on the F40, albeit with a modern, more subtle twist – the louvres help extract hot air from the engine compartment without impacting the efficiency of the blown spoiler, which has been redesigned to increase rear downforce. Also finding its way on is a classic twin light cluster as well as a body-coloured tail.
The F8 retains the use of the F154 engine in its CD form as seen on the 488 Pista. Output from the 3.9 litre V8’s output is similar, being 710 hp (720 PS) at 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm at 3,250 rpm. Performance figures for the F8 include a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a 0-200 km/h time of 7.8 seconds, as well as a 340 km/h top speed.
The car is also equipped with the latest version of the company’s Side Slip Angle Control, now in 6.1 guise, as well as a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+). The latter can be activated in the manettino’s Race position for the first time.
Inside, the F8 gets a new, smaller steering wheel and a new 7.0-inch passenger touchscreen display. The dashboard, door panels and centre console have also been reworked.
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is being introduced at the base price of RM1,068,000 (excluding duties and customisation options). The first customer deliveries for the car here are expected sometime in early 2020.
GALLERY: Ferrari F8 Tributo debut at the Geneva Motor Show
