This is more like it. Recently Novitec has chosen to meddle with cars like the Rolls-Royce Phantomand Maserati Levante, when really all we want to know about is the silly power they've been able to extract from mid-engined supercars. Pleasingly, then it is back to doing what it does best, with the most iconic of mid-engined supercars: Ferrari.
Customers are only now receiving their F8 Tributos, but already Novitec is there with a range of upgrades - presumably taking some lessons from its 488 Pista work. The most notable upgrade is the Novitec N-Tronic control module which is at the heart of so many of its cars; by tweaking the mapping, ignition and boost pressure, the F8 Tributo's 3.9-litre, twin-turbo V8 is now capable of 787hp (still at 8,000rpm) and 654lb ft at 3,000rpm, which are extraordinary numbers. While only a fraction is taken off the 0-62mph sprint time (now 2.7 seconds), expect the Novitec Tributo to feel even more ferocious in gear than the (already wildly fast) standard F8. Top speed is said to be beyond 211mph, throttle response somehow said to be better again as well.
Furthermore, there's a new exhaust available, "to optimise the performance further and give the engine a more thrilling exhaust note at the same time." The Novitec pipes can be paired with the standard tips, or its own carbon/stainless steel alternatives. Interestingly the Novitec exhaust is said to be lighter than Ferrari's own system, which is some achievement - it isn't simply louder to make a din outside Selfridges, though it's probably quite good at that as well. See proof in the video below...
With the aero parts in development, Novitec currently only has wheels and suspension to offer prospective F8 customers. This car is on the sports springs, lowering the car by 35mm and - dare it be said - looking quite good in the process. The Vossen-Novitec wheels aim to "put more emphasis on the wedge shape of the mid-engine racer"- here they are 21s at the front and 22s at the back. And if all that has you worried about getting over speed bumps and the like, Novitec even has its own nose lift available in case that box wasn't ticked at the dealership.
With a raft of interior upgrades also on offer from Novitec, the potential is there to create a quite drastically different F8 Tributo. It would seem odd not to have just specced the car you wanted from Ferrari, but given the ongoing popularity of Novitec's work it's clear that the aftermarket still offers something to individuals that the OEMs don't. And whether you like the thought of a lowered Ferrari on big wheels or not, the prospect of one with 300hp more than an F40 is surely one we can all get excited about. Handily, there's an F8 already for sale on PH - Novitec is just waiting for the call...
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