Automotive

Monday, August 3, 2020

2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo Review

2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo

Overview


Lithe and voluptuous, the 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo is the super-car to choose if you like your automotive performance packaged in an undeniably glamorous wrapper—and who doesn't? 

With its chiseled panels and windblown profile, the F8 Tributo looks more beautiful than brash, which sets it apart from other cars in Ferrari's stable. This coupe is new to the Ferrari lineup for the 2020 model year, stepping in to replace the outgoing 488GTB. 

Memorably quick off the line, the F8 Tributo is motivated by the same burly 710-hp V-8 that lives under the hood of the 488 Pista. 

This alluring coupe costs more than an Ivy League education, but its price is justified by its winning style and breathtaking performance.


2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


What's New for 2020?


The F8 Tributo makes its debut for the 2020 model year.

2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


Pricing and Which One to Buy

  •  Coupe: $279,450

    The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo comes in a single trim that's loaded with enough amenities to make it a desirable choice for shoppers in this segment. Silver-accented 20-inch wheels connect this car to the pavement. 

    A black grille, sill extensions, and a rear wing spoiler help give this Ferrari an appropriately sporty appearance, and automatic projector-beam LED headlights are on hand to brighten the road ahead. 

    All models come with exterior features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear fog lamps, heated power-folding side-view mirrors, and LED taillights. 


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo

    Slide inside the cabin and you'll find a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, keyless entry and ignition, and dual-zone automatic climate control. 

    All F8 Tributo coupes are equipped with tech features such as an integrated navigation system and two LCD monitors. As is often the case with Ferrari vehicles, the F8 Tributo offers optional amenities that allow you to create a customized look. 

    This coupe is available with an extensive selection of upholstery choices. Also, upgrades such as titanium exhaust pipes and exterior carbon-fiber components are offered, and you can choose from brake calipers in a host of different colors.


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Engine, Transmission, and Performance


    The F8 Tributo is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 that produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. All models are rear-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automatic transmission changes the gears. 

    This Ferrari is quick enough to make an indelible impression. I estimate that it's capable of sprinting from a standstill to 60 mph in about 2.8 seconds. 

    Handling is precise and rewarding. The F8 Tributo's engine hits a pleasantly sonorous note as it does its work, and the brakes do a masterful job of bringing this coupe to a swift halt.

    Ferrari F8 Tributo - A Celebration of Excellence
    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG


    Fuel economy for the 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo stands at 15/19 mpg city/highway, according to EPA estimates. 

    That's better mileage than you'll get with rivals such as the Lamborghini Huracán (up to 13/18 mpg).


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo


    The F8 Tributo provides seating for two passengers within a cabin that's roomy enough to provide pleasant, comfortable accommodations. 


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Contrasting stitching and sporty design cues help give the interior a performance-themed aesthetic that matches that of the car's sheet-metal. The cabin's most notable shortcoming concerns rearward visibility. 


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    The view out the back is impeded by the rear window's louvers. Many exotics are very low on cargo space, and the F8 Tributo is no exception. Cargo capacity stands at seven cubic feet.


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo First Drive: Ferrari As It Used To Be
    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Infotainment and Connectivity


    All F8 Tributo coupes come with a six-speaker audio system as well as Bluetooth phone and streaming audio. 

    The list of standard tech features also includes a pair of LCD monitors and an integrated navigation system with a voice-activation feature. 

    The list of options includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay integration is offered, but Android Auto isn't available.


    2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo


    Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


    The 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

    Super-cars often come up short in the area of driver-assistance technology, and this is the case with the F8 Tributo. Amenities such as a blind-spot warning system aren't offered. Key safety features include:

      Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


      When it comes to its limited and power-train warranties, Ferrari's coverage matches the protection provided by Lamborghini. 

      However, Ferrari surpasses this rival by providing seven years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Lamborghini vehicles do not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

      •  Limited warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles
      •  Power-train warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles
      •  Complimentary scheduled maintenance covers 7 years or unlimited miles
      • 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo





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      Sunday, August 2, 2020

      2021 Audi S8 Review


      Overview


      For speed freaks with a penchant for comfort and luxury, there's few flagship sedans that do it as well as the 2021 Audi S8. 

      With a twin-turbocharged V-8 quietly toiling away under the hood, the S8 can effortlessly blast you and three others to high speeds. And when the going gets twisty, Audi's big four-door can gobble pavement at an eye-opening pace. 

      Based on the more mellow A8 luxury sedan, the S8 receives a performance suspension, upgraded brakes, and a punchier power-train, but its exterior styling barely whispers "high-performance"—which makes it a stealth bomber for the road. 

      Inside, the S8 offers just as much space and as many creature comforts as rivals such as the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class, including massaging front and rear seats, the latest in infotainment features, high-quality materials, and excellent fit and finish.


      2021 Audi S8 Review, Pricing, and Specs
      2021 Audi S8

      What's New for 2021?


      The S8 is coming off a complete redesign for the 2020 model year so it sees few changes for 2021. 

      New standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels, summer tires, and heated armrests for the front-seat passengers. The Black Optic package receives a new 21-inch wheel design.

      2021 Audi S8

      Pricing and Which One to Buy

      •  S8: $131,895

        That six-figure starting price is steep, but the S8 comes fairly well-equipped even by luxury car standards. 

        We'd suggest the Cold Weather package to buyers in northern climes as it adds heated rear seats and adaptive windshield wipers; 

        The Executive package is also appealing and comes with Audi's cool laser headlamps, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

        It also includes Audi's OLED tail-lamps, which stage a quick light show when you unlock the car with the fob.


        Behold! 2020 Audi S8 Arrives With Sleek Styling And Lots Of Power ...
        2021 Audi S8

        Engine, Transmission, and Performance


        The S8's sole engine choice is a potent one: a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine making 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the transmission is an eight-speed automatic. 

        Audi claims a top speed of 155 mph, and there are fuel-saving systems, too, including cylinder deactivation and a mild-hybrid setup with a small electric motor and battery. The S8 goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. 

        An active suspension system can control each wheel individually to improve ride quality, and it is tuned differently than that of the standard A8, promising improved cornering prowess thanks to reduced body roll. 

        Audi also includes equipment such as a torque-vectoring rear differential and rear-wheel steering to increase agility; powerful carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.


        2021 Audi S8

        Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG


        Even though the S8 is technically a hybrid, buyers shouldn't expect Toyota Prius-level fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates that the best we can expect is 22 mpg on the highway, with the city rating dropping down to just 13 mpg.


        2021 Audi S8

        Interior, Comfort, and Cargo


        Fine materials line nearly every square inch of the S8's cabin, including diamond-stitched leather upholstery, a faux-suede headliner, and a stitched leather dash cover. 


        2021 Audi S8

        The front seats offer standard heating, cooling, and massage, while the rear cabin offers tons of space for passengers to stretch out. 

        To pamper those in the back seat even more, consider the Rear Seat Comfort package, which adds power-adjustable outboard seats with heat, ventilation, and massage, plusher headrests, heated armrests, and a remote control for the car's infotainment system. 


        2021 Audi S8


        Four-zone automatic climate control is standard, as is a multi-color ambient interior lighting system. 

        The trunk is generously sized and identical to that of the A8, which proved its mettle in our testing by holding six carry-on suitcases. For comparison the S-class held 5 and the 7-series held just three.


        2021 Audi A8 Release Date, Performance Rumors, Change | 2019 ...
        2021 Audi S8

        Infotainment and Connectivity


        As with the standard A8, the S8's interior is a rolling tech showpiece. Multiple touchscreens control climate, audio, navigation, and myriad connectivity functions. 

        Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster is standard, as is a 10.1-inch upper infotainment system and an 8.6-inch lower display. 

        Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, and in-dash navigation are all standard, and occupants can charge their compatible smartphones wirelessly using the S8's charging pad. Audiophiles will be happy to find that a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system is standard; for $5900, Audi will substitute a 23-speaker setup.


        2021 Audi S8

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features


        Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have performed crash tests on the S8. 

        Audi offers several safety features as standard, but more desirable driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are optional. Key safety features include:

        •  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
        •  Standard lane-departure warning
        •  Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

        • 2021 Audi S8

          Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


          Like its stablemates, the S8 is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty policy, and Audi provides the first scheduled maintenance visit at 10,000 miles free of charge. 

          Buyers may find more value in the BMW 7-series' or Volvo S90's three-year complimentary maintenance plans.

          •  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
          •  Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
          •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.




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          Saturday, August 1, 2020

          Biggest Property/Casualty Insurance Groups

          1. State Farm

          Direct Premiums Written: $64.8 billion

          Market Share: 10.1%



          2. Berkshire Hathaway

          Direct Premiums Written: $38.4 billion

          Market Share: 6.0%


          3. Liberty Mutual

          Direct Premiums Written: $33.8 billion

          Market Share: 5.3%


          4. Allstate

          Direct Premiums Written: $31.5 billion

          Market Share: 4.9%



          5. Progressive

          Direct Premiums Written: $27.8 billion

          Market Share: 4.3%


          6. Travelers

          Direct Premiums Written: $24.8 billion

          Market Share: 3.9%


          7. Chubb

          Direct Premiums Written: $21.2 billion

          Market Share: 3.3%



          8. USAA

          Direct Premiums Written: $20.1 billion

          Market Share: 3.1%


          9. Farmers

          Direct Premiums Written: $19.8 billion

          Market Share: 3.1%


          10. Nationwide

          Direct Premiums Written: $19.2 billion

          Market Share: 3.0%



          11. AIG

          Direct Premiums Written: $14.0 billion

          Market Share: 2.2%


          12. Zurich

          Direct Premiums Written: $13.0 billion

          Market Share: 2.0%


          13. Hartford

          Direct Premiums Written: $11.1 billion

          Market Share: 1.7%


          14. CNA

          Direct Premiums Written: $10.4 billion

          Market Share: 1.6%


          15. AmTrust Group

          Direct Premiums Written: $10.2 billion

          Market Share: 1.6%


          16. American Family

          Direct Premiums Written: $8.3 billion

          Market Share: 1.3%


          17. Auto Owners Group

          Direct Premiums Written: $7.1 billion

          Market Share: 1.1%


          18. Erie Insurance

          Direct Premiums Written: $6.6 billion

          Market Share: 1.0%


          19. Tokio Marine

          Direct Premiums Written: $6.6 billion

          Market Share: 1.0%


          20. American Financial

          Direct Premiums Written: $5.9 billion

          Market Share: 0.9%








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