By RAHIMI YUNUS / Pic By ISMAIL CHE RUS

LOCAL official Ferrari importer and distributor Naza Italia Sdn Bhd has unveiled the all-new F8 Tributo in conjunction with the brand’s 10th year anniversary in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Naza Italia introduced the model for the first time in South-East Asia slightly over a month after its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

The new mid-rear engined sports car is priced at RM1.07 million (excluding duties and customisation options).

Naza Italia national brand head Damien Woo said the two-seater coupe is expected to be delivered to its first local customer in the second half of next year.

“We have started to collect boo- kings for the car. The response has been very good with a long waiting list,” he said at the launch in Kuala Lumpur last Friday. The F8 Tributo pays homage to the most powerful V8 engine in Ferrari’s history, delivering a maximum torque of 770Nm at 3,250rpm.

The car accelerates from zero to 
100kph) in 2.9 seconds, zero to 200- kph in 7.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 340kph.

The 3,902cc V8 won the “Best Engine” in the International Engine of the Year Awards three years running in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

In addition, it was awarded the title of the best engine in the last two decades.

According to Woo, the luxury sports car market in Malaysia is stable, and that it depends on the model introduced to entice the market.

The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 GTB, and it is designed to have 10% aerodynamic improvement from the predecessor.

Its cabin retains the classic cockpit look of Ferrari Berlinetta, and equipped with new steering wheels, controls and a seven-inch passenger touchscreen display.