710-hp Ferrari F8 is the latest mid-engine monster from Maranello

In advance of the Geneva auto show, Ferrari revealed photos and specs for its latest mid-engine coupe, the F8 Tributo. Ferrari says that the F8 is faster, better handling, lighter, and more comfortable than the 488 GTB, which it replaces. The numeric part of the name is a reference to the cylinder count. Adding an F, meanwhile puts the Tributo in the company of the firm’s historic ultra-performance F40 and F50 models.

The F8 Tributo will be the fastest Ferrari road car currently available. Zero to 60 mph times should be under 2.9 seconds. Top speed is listed as 211 mph (340 km/h).

The F8 is powered by the latest example of Ferrari’s 3.9 liter V-8. It puts out 710 horsepower, which makes it the most powerful eight cylinder engine it has ever offered for a “non-special series” car. It also has the most specific power, over 180 horsepower per liter of displacement. The F8 has the same output as the special-edition 488 Pista, or 49 more hp than the standard 488 GTB. The latest development of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, activated with the manettino knob on the steering wheel, is said to provide more precise control at the limits of tire adhesion.

The track-derived aero package keeps the F8 stuck to the ground and the engine cool. Exterior design was done in-house at the Ferrari Styling Center. It’s said to be the first indication of the company’s new design language while still featuring distinctive brand-identifying elements.

The S-Duct on the front of the F8, which first appeared on the track-focused 488 Pista, has been modified for this application, resulting in 15 percent more downforce than the 488 GTB. Shrunken, horizontal LED headlights allow room for more brake cooling ducts. Better brake cooling means they can keep the calipers and rotors compact and lightweight. The F40’s distinctive clear polycarbonate engine cover is evoked by the F8’s Lexan rear screen. The airflow from the cover’s louvres works together with Ferrari’s patented “blown spoiler” to increase rear downforce. The spoiler wraps around twin taillight clusters, a signature of Ferrari 8 cylinder berlinettas going back to the 1975 308 GTB.

The interior is mostly brought over from the preceding model but the dashboard, door panels and console have been redesigned. The latest “Human Machine Interface”, what Ferrari is calling the dashboard, has a new steering wheel, round air vents, and a 8.5-inch touchscreen for the passenger.

Pricing and when the F8 goes on sale have not been officially announced but it’s expect that the MSRP will start at around $250,000.