FERRARI F8 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2019, Ferrari introduced the open-top version of the F8 Tributo and added the traditional Spider word after the F8 nameplate. The car retained most of the characteristics of its closed-coupe sibling since it was developed in parallel with it.

Ferrari continued the story of the 458 and 488 with the F8 Tributo in 2019, followed by the open-top version of it in the same year. While some considered that it was more of a heavily facelifted version of the 488, it was more like a new car on older but upgraded underpinnings. The Italian automaker already had all the ingredients to create the Spider version when it introduced the Tributo at the Geneva Motor Show but made its customers wait a while since the closed-top model was the one that sparked the imagination of those who could race such a beautiful vehicle on a track, in friendly races.

The Italian automaker chose to pen the vehicle inside its styling center, which Flavio Manzoni led it. At the front, the LED headlights had a boomerang shape underlined by daytime running lights. On the lower side of the front fascia, Ferrari installed a broad splitter flanked by two small air inlets that grabbed the air and cooled the front rotors. An extracting vent placed on the front lid helped the F8 Spider to stick to the ground and created downforce for the prancing-horse supercar. From its profile, the open-top vehicle featured a similar windshield and sculptured door panels as its sibling. Ferrari opted for a retractable hard-top solution, and the roof could’ve been retracted in 14 seconds at a speed of up to 45 kph (28 MPH). Behind the cabin, Ferrari installed two bulges behind the seats that also covered the safety arches. There was no sloped rear windscreen. Last but not least, at the back, the F8 Spider featured a wing on the engine cover and quad exhausts underneath the rear bumper, poking through the massive diffuser.

Inside its cabin, the F8 Spider revealed a cabin for two occupants. The high-bolstered bucket seats were padded with expensive leather and were separated by the center console. Unlike many other cars on the market, this was not connected to the center stack to amplify the sensation of lightness. But light didn’t mean low-equipped, so the F8 Spider featured a 7” touchscreen placed in front of the passenger, who could assist the driver by selecting music. The one behind the wheel had to focus only on driving, fronting an instrument cluster where a large tachometer took center stage. It was flanked by two LCDs for the infotainment unit and the navigation system. In addition, these could also show information gathered from the car’s onboard computer.

The F8 Spider was lighter than the 488 Spider, and the Italian car manufacturer struggled to provide the best available solutions to lose pounds. In addition, it increased the performance of the 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbocharged powerplant by 50 PS (49 HP) compared to its predecessor.

Developed as an homage to the V8 engines, Ferrari F8 Tributo has the most powerful V8 engine ever mounted in a Ferrari, apart from those of special series. The Italian manufacturer squeezed 185 HP/l. The total output power is 720 HP without any turbo lag and the sounds, well, it is a true Ferrari sound. This engine received multiple awards in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and received the prestigious title of “Best Engine” of the last 20 years.

The Ferrari F8 Tributo was designed by Ferrari Style Center and its look integrates the expertise in the GT and Challenge championships. The air ducts and fins were developed starting from the 488 GTB model, but the upgrades to the turbo and intake manifold brought 50 more HP for the F8 Tributo.

Interior is a typical Ferrari mid-engine type, with a dashboard oriented towards the driver. The controls and steering wheel mounted controls are specially designed for the F8 Tributo and all of them are giving a luxurious, yet sporty look.

Since we are talking about Ferrari, the performance is on top of the carmaker's priorities. First of all, Maranello's engineers ensured an optimum weight distribution for a mid-engine car, with 41.5%-58.5% proportions. The 0-62 MPH (0-100 km/h) sprint is achieved in 2.9 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 211 MPH (340 km/h).