Overview
The 2022 Ferrari F8 Tributo and Spider epitomize the supercar formula. They both have looks that kill, the most power-dense V-8 that Ferrari has ever built, and handling that's more akin to donning a superhero's suit than driving a car.
This is Ferrari’s heartland car. Trace it back through the years and the mid-engined V8 two seater has a history that stretches back unbroken to the 308 of 1975. Or seeing as this is the Spider roadster, maybe we should cite the 308 GTS of 1977. Either way that’s pretty much 45 years of history to call on when it comes to creating a new one.
Interior
The driver’s view ahead is still dominated, as tradition dictates, by a central rev counter with digital gear display. It’s a simple view, and there’s something refreshing about that when so many sports cars choose to bombard you with information. That’s there if you want it, in the subordinate screens either side. How these operate takes some learning, and seems slightly primitive alongside rivals with touchscreens and central control knobs. The forthcoming SF90 does away with this dash layout in exchange for a 16-inch screen. Less romantic, but ought to be much more user-friendly. Doubtless it’ll migrate down to lesser models in time.
You view this through a slightly smaller steering wheel. It still carries all the controls, but mostly they’re logical. Cruise control is on a panel to the left, operated by a twist knob. Unusual and awkward. You can operate your phone reasonably well via CarPlay or Android Auto, but the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired.
The F8 Tributo and Spider provide seating for two passengers within a cabin that's roomy enough to provide pleasant, comfortable accommodations. Contrasting stitching and sporty design cues help give the interior a performance-themed aesthetic that matches that of the car's sheetmetal.
Exterior
Others have good response high up the rev ranges, where the turbos are already spinning furiously, but the F8, like the 488 before it, responds as promptly and dramatically to the throttle at 2,000rpm as a naturally aspirated car. This means it’s fearsomely fast and is never caught unawares. Even in fifth at 30mph it kicks hard. This unparalleled drivability is the most important thing about this engine – over and above its power figures or the sound it makes.
The aluminium chassis isn’t rigid enough. Hit a lateral ridge in the F8 Spider and you get a shiver up the car’s spine that makes it as far as the steering wheel. And yet this structural shudder doesn’t disrupt the lines of communication. Normally shake like this dilutes feedback as the chassis flexes when you load it up through a corner. But here that doesn’t really happen. The F8 is a responsive, sparkling thing to drive. You always know exactly what’s going on with the steering and are fed constant information through the suspension. Yes, sometimes those signals are polluted by this small wobble, but they don’t stop the F8 being a complete hoot to drive.
The F8 won't have any issues convincing people about its design; it's a universally accepted thing of beauty, and if wall posters were still a thing, it would be up there with the best. The F8 is an official bridge into a new design language for Ferrari, characterized by an S-Duct in the front that's been extensively reworked from the 488, and now provides 15% more downforce. New horizontal LED headlights adorn the front-end, and the new brake and cooling intakes are designed to increase airflow, allowing for a more compact and lighter brake system. The rear Lexan screen that showcases the monstrous V8 is a tribute to the Ferrari F40, with the louvers assisting in heat extraction. The rear spoiler wraps around the taillights and sees the return of the classic twin light cluster.
Specs
We were pleasantly surprised by the F8's ride quality around town: it feels every bit as comfortable as a German executive sedan, even over low-speed bumps. Out on the highway, it offers GT levels of comfort, thanks to its adjustable suspension setup with comfort mode. But it's out on the track where it shines the most. The slightest driver input is communicated to the road in the blink of an eye, and your facelift will be ruined before the F8 starts to show any sign of giving up grip. That being said, a jab at the throttle quickly throws out the rear-end, and the F8 will happily drift the entire length of any given track.
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Summary
the F8 comes across as a car that wasn’t given quite as much time and attention as it deserves. Hardly surprising, you might think, given Ferrari has had its hands full developing the SF90, the Roma and the rumoured Purosangue SUV. Busy times. But you’re not thinking about that when you drive the F8 Spider, you’re just having a bloody good time.
Based on 235 customers feedbacks and reviews
Astonishing engine response and power, playful, exciting handling, visual appeal
Doesn’t move the game on much from 488, aluminium chassis should be more rigid