Thrilling Performance: Is the Ferrari F8 discontinued?
I remember the first time I slid into a Ferrari F8 Tributo and thumbed that red starter button. The twin-turbo V8 cleared its throat, settled into a purposeful idle, and I thought—ah, yes, that old-school Ferrari theater is still alive. The Ferrari F8 isn’t just another fast car; it’s a greatest-hits album of Maranello’s mid-engine V8s, remastered for one last big tour.
Is the Ferrari F8 discontinued?
Short answer: yes, production has effectively wrapped. The Ferrari F8 Tributo coupe finished first, and the Ferrari F8 Spider ran a little longer in limited numbers, but order books have closed in most markets. Ferrari’s hybridized 296 GTB/GTS now carries the mid-engine torch. You’ll still find a handful of new, unregistered cars at dealers and plenty of low-mile examples on the pre-owned market, but as a new model line, the F8 has taken its bow.
Ferrari F8 Tributo: the drive that hooked me
The numbers are the headline, of course: 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, 710 hp, 568 lb-ft, rear-wheel drive, and a 7-speed dual-clutch that swaps cogs faster than your right foot can plan. Ferrari quotes 0–60 mph in the high two-second range when the conditions are right. From the driver’s seat, it feels…instant. On a favorite stretch of two-lane, I toggled Bumpy Road mode (a gift from the gods on less-than-perfect pavement) and the F8 stayed calm, keyed-in, and unbothered by mid-corner ripples that make other supercars skittish.
Ferrari’s Dynamic Enhancer gently reins in the car when you’re edging past tidy, nudging the rear back in line without killing your flow. It’s the difference between a big “phew” and a small smile. And the brakes—carbon-ceramics with ironclad consistency—turn big speed into neat, measured entries. McLaren’s 720S feels a touch more ethereal and floaty at the limit; the F8 talks to you more through the chassis and your hips.
Ferrari F8 Spider: roof-down therapy
Drop the Spider’s top and the soundtrack improves from great to goosebumps. The turbos are quieter than the old naturally aspirated 458, sure, but the intake whoosh and wastegate chatter are addictive in their own way. With the roof stowed, the cabin remains surprisingly civil at highway speeds—quiet enough to hear your kids fighting in the back, if you had back seats. You don’t. Blessing and curse.
Design and aero: an ode to the V8 era
Ferrari describes the F8 as a “tribute,” and you can see it in the details. The louvered polycarbonate engine cover nods to the F40. The front S-Duct, a trick borrowed from the 488 Pista, feeds and cleans airflow over the body. Underneath, careful channeling and an aggressive rear diffuser help the car stay planted without the drama of a giant wing. It’s the kind of aero you feel rather than see—a gentle hand on your shoulder at 140 mph.
Everyday life with a Ferrari F8
- Cabin vibe: Beautifully trimmed with carbon fiber and leather, with firm, perfectly sculpted seats. The driving position is spot-on; long stints are easy.
- Tech: Apple CarPlay is there (wired), and the passenger-side display is a fun party trick. The infotainment itself can lag after a cold start—hardly a deal-breaker, just a quirk.
- Practicality: The frunk takes two soft weekend bags. Small storage around the cabin is precious; bring a slim wallet and a minimal keychain.
- Refinement: In the softest damper setting, it’s civilized—like driving in very expensive slippers. Urban ride is firm but never brittle.
- Economy: Mid-teens mpg around town, low-20s on a gentle highway run. You didn’t come for hypermiling.
Accessories you’ll actually use: AutoWin floor mats
If there’s one luxury upgrade that pays for itself, it’s a set of floor mats that can take muddy shoes after a Sunday cars & coffee or—my reality—grit from a coastal drive. I’ve tried a few aftermarket sets; the AutoWin pieces fit properly, don’t creep under the pedals, and wipe clean without drama.
For Spider owners, these are a smart match:
Coupe drivers, this set nails the look without shouting:
Ferrari F8 vs the world
On paper, a few rivals match or exceed the F8. On the road, the Ferrari’s blend of throttle response, steering feel, and chassis feedback makes the numbers feel almost beside the point. Almost. Here’s the snapshot most people ask me for:
Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Layout | Character |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ferrari F8 Tributo/Spider | 710 hp, 568 lb-ft | ~2.9 sec | Mid-engine, RWD | Explosive yet friendly; sublime damping; everyday-usable |
McLaren 720S | 710 hp, 568 lb-ft | ~2.8 sec | Mid-engine, RWD | Otherworldly lightness, huge top-end, more ethereal feel |
Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS | 819 hp (hybrid V6) | ~2.8 sec | Mid-engine, RWD | Sharpened responses, electrified punch, the F8’s successor |
Small quirks I noticed
- The passenger display is fun, but tapping around can distract the co-pilot more than it helps. Novelty factor: high. Necessity: debatable.
- In tight urban streets, rear three-quarter visibility is just okay. Sensors and cameras earn their keep.
- Cold-start throttle modulation can feel jumpy for the first minute. It smooths out quickly.
Conclusion: the Ferrari F8’s lasting appeal
So, is the Ferrari F8 discontinued? Yes—its production run is done, and the hybrid era has taken center stage. But as a driver’s car, the F8 hits a sweet spot that’ll keep it desirable for a long time: thunderous pace, real-world comfort, and that tactile Ferrari magic that makes you invent errands just to go for a drive. Pair it with sensible accessories—like those AutoWin floor mats that actually fit—and you’ve got a Ferrari F8 that looks pristine and feels special every time you climb in.
Ferrari F8 FAQ
- Is the Ferrari F8 discontinued?
- Yes. Ferrari has ended production of the F8 Tributo and Spider, with the 296 GTB/GTS now occupying the mid-engine slot. Some new-old-stock and certified pre-owned cars remain available.
- What replaced the Ferrari F8?
- The Ferrari 296 GTB (coupe) and 296 GTS (convertible) replaced the F8 with a hybrid-assisted V6 making 819 hp.
- How fast is the Ferrari F8?
- The F8’s 3.9L twin-turbo V8 makes 710 hp and 568 lb-ft, good for roughly 0–60 mph in about 2.9 seconds and a top speed over 210 mph.
- How much does a Ferrari F8 cost on the used market?
- Condition, mileage, and spec drive prices. As a ballpark, expect well-kept cars to range from the mid-$300,000s upward, with rare specs commanding more.
- Is the F8 a good daily driver?
- For a supercar, yes. Ride quality is compliant in Bumpy Road mode, visibility is manageable with the cameras, and the cabin is comfortable—if you pack light.