The Ferrari F8 Tributo was, in many respects, the last of a specific breed: a mid-engine Ferrari twin-turbo sports car that prioritised driving experience and driver engagement above all else. Launched in 2019 as the successor to the 488 GTB, the F8 takes the same basic recipe and refines it extensively. Ferrari has since replaced it with the 296 GTB, which uses a hybrid V6 in place of the F8’s pure V8. The swap is significant, and the F8 Tributo now stands as the last genuinely analogue mid-engine Ferrari twin-turbo.
What Changed from the 488
The F8 Tributo’s name pays tribute – hence Tributo – to the Ferrari V8 engine lineage. Ferrari made the following changes over the 488 GTB:
- Power increased from 493 kW to 530 kW
- Torque increased from 660 Nm to 770 Nm
- Weight reduced by 40 kg through various measures
- Front aerodynamics redesigned with elements from the 488 Pista
- New S-Duct on the front bumper generating additional downforce
- Revised suspension calibration
- Updated interior with more driver-focused layout
The result is a car that is meaningfully better to drive than the already-excellent 488, while maintaining the same essential character.
The Engine
The 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is one of the great modern sports car engines. It has won the International Engine of the Year award multiple times, and that recognition is deserved.
At low rpm, it is smooth and tractable. As the revs climb past 5,000 rpm, the character transforms. The exhaust note – especially with the optional titanium exhaust system – is spectacular. It is not the naturally aspirated shriek of the older Ferrari V8s, but it is rich, complex, and deeply satisfying.
The 0-100 km/h time is 2.9 seconds. 0-200 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Maximum speed 340 km/h. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission fires shifts in tenths of a second.
Driving Dynamics
The F8 Tributo is a rewarding car to drive. The steering is direct and offers good feedback. The mid-engine balance gives the car natural agility – it rotates eagerly on turn-in, and with proper technique, can be driven with real precision.
The electronic stability system is well calibrated. In CT Off mode, the F8 allows controlled rear slides that are approachable for experienced drivers. In normal Sport mode, the electronics provide enough support for confident, fast driving without constant intervention.
The brakes are exceptional. Carbon ceramic units are an option (approximately $20,000) but well worth specifying for track use. The standard iron units are perfectly adequate for road driving.
On rough Australian roads, the F8 manages to be firm without being punishing. It is not a comfortable car in the way a GT is comfortable, but the ride quality is better than a track-focused car like a 911 GT3.
F8 Spider
The F8 Spider uses the same engine and powertrain in a retractable hard-top convertible body. The roof opens in 14 seconds. The Spider adds approximately 80 kg and costs around $50,000 to $70,000 more than the equivalent Tributo coupe.
With the roof down, the V8 at full song is spectacular. For Australian buyers, the Spider is the more popular choice given the climate. Both variants are available through Ferrari Australia as new or near-new examples.
Australian Pricing
The F8 Tributo launched in Australia at approximately $399,888. The Spider was priced around $449,888. Production has ended as Ferrari has transitioned to the 296 platform.
Current used market pricing for F8 Tributo coupes in good condition: $320,000 to $380,000 depending on kilometres, specification, and service history. Spider variants typically command $360,000 to $440,000.
Values are expected to stabilise – the F8 Tributo occupies a specific historical position as the last non-hybrid mid-engine Ferrari twin-turbo.
Running Costs
- Service intervals: Annual or 20,000 km
- Service cost: $3,500 to $6,500 depending on what is due
- Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per set
- Insurance: $12,000 to $20,000 per year agreed value
- Fuel: Premium 98 RON, 12-16 litres/100 km real-world
Parts availability is good through Ferrari Australia. The F8 uses the same basic V8 architecture that Ferrari has built thousands of, so technician familiarity is high.
Verdict
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is the last of a type – a mid-engine Ferrari twin-turbo without hybrid assistance, built to be fast, engaging, and rewarding for drivers who want to be involved. It is not the most extreme or the fastest Ferrari ever built, but it is one of the most satisfying to drive.
For Australian buyers in the used market, the F8 Tributo represents exceptional value against its new-car equivalent cost. The 296 GTB is faster and more technically sophisticated, but the F8 has something the 296 does not: simplicity and the pure mechanical character of a non-hybrid powertrain. It will age as a genuine highlight of Ferrari’s modern era.