Pros
- Missile acceleration
- Quick cornering
- Bumpy-road mode
Cons
- Wooden brakes
- Too-light steering feel
- Looming snap oversteer
In reviewing the 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo with proper clarity, it is important to reflect on the past and acknowledge that our 2017 Best Driver’s Car-winning Ferrari 488 GTB might have set a very high benchmark. This situation extends beyond Ferrari sending several factory technicians to ensure everything ran flawlessly, offering a stark contrast to other brands.
Moreover, the performance metrics we shared about the 488 were more representative of a modified version rather than its standard capabilities. Well-informed sources suggest that this might hold some truth. However, the old adage ‘if you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin” rings true in the competitive automotive world.
2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo: One Scary Stallion
Fast forward to this year’s contest, and we witness the evolution into the F8 Tributo, a spiritual successor to the 488. This latest model boasts reduced weight and increased power, raising the question: does it outperform the previous model? According to our test results, the old 488 GTB was, surprisingly, quicker to reach 60 mph, matching the F8 in the quarter-mile and outperforming in the figure eight with higher average g-loads. It also achieved a remarkable 0.6-second quicker lap time around Laguna Seca Raceway.
However, the F8 Tributo is not without its issues, the most significant being its subpar braking performance, which necessitated a costly trackside fix. Even with adjustments, the handling dynamics caused a professional racer to struggle at crucial turns, highlighting potential concerns for drivers.
Chris Walton, our road test editor, captured it succinctly: “Intermittent thrills and chills followed by clenched teeth and relief. This was the only car that spooked me at Laguna Seca.”
Additionally, the F8’s quick steering ratios, coupled with a rather light steering feel, often led to tense moments when aiming for precision apexes. Another editor noted that exiting tighter corners felt precarious, indicating that the power delivery could easily lead to loss of control.
2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo: Quiet Riot
Some judges expressed disappointment with the F8’s unremarkable engine and exhaust notes during performance sessions. The absence of dramatic sound can impact the overall driving experience, especially as the car did not register high enough sound levels compared to competitors, notably the Lamborghini. This lack of auditory feedback could hinder driver awareness of engine performance.
Considering the steep price tag for the F8, which ranges from $277,480 base to over $386,288 with options, even seasoned reviewers questioned certain costs, such as those for carbon-fiber wheels and technology features that seem excessive.
