Fabulous Ferrari
In terms of automotive technology and style, it is the Ferrari that is on the cutting edge and the new F430 is certainly one with a lot of promise. It is the successor of the 350 Modena and it was at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September that the model made its debut.
It still retains the unmistakable Ferrari look that originated with the Enzo and a number of design elements were adapted and incorporated. It has the all-new 4.3-liter engine with 490 horsepower. The unit was based on the engines of the Maserati models.
The basic look originated from the F355. This look was succeeded by the 360 Modena and then adapted by the F430.
While the 360 has these horizontal headlights, the Ferrari F430 features vertical headlights almost identical to the Enzo’s. The F430 also has bigger front air intakes and a small splitter in the middle much like the Enzo. The F430 has eliminated the small nose in the center of the bumper and features a larger front spoiler air duct on the trailing edge.
Both the rear and lower air intakes of the Ferrari F430 are influenced by the Enzo. The taillights have a high mounting on the back fascia. All sides of the engine cover have five cutouts while the 360 has none. The rear air diffuser on the F430 is more prominent with vertical canes likened to that of the Enzo. In contrast to the 360, the rear bumper has a smoother integration into the rear body.
The Ferrari F430 and the 360 basically have the same aluminum space frame. However, what defines the F430 is the Maserati 4.3 liter V8 engine with an output of 490 horsepower and a torque of 343 lb-ft. It is definitely much more powerful than the 360 Modena. The power-to-weight ratio is higher as well. The F430 can reach 62 mph in just 4 seconds with 196 mph top speed.
The F430 is the pioneering V8 Ferrari to have driver aid control fixed to the steering wheel, as seen previously on the 612 Scaglietti and Enzo. There is a knob on the right known as the manettino by the drivers on the Ferrari F1 team. It controls the dynamic modes of the car. Shifting with the de riguer paddle shifters can be done in just 150 milliseconds and this sends power through the differential, which is electronically controlled. Such a new technology was adapted from the F1 team. The 19-inch, dual-spoke wheels of the F430 are reminiscent to the Enzo’s. $20,000 carbon-ceramic brakes can also be fitted as an add-on.
As all Ferrari cars, the F430 is pretty pricey. It was in the $200,000 range when it first came to the U.S but it was sold way higher than the window sticker price because it was in such a demand. The lucky few who have first purchased the car spent almost a quarter of a million dollars.
Robotics and Reputation of new Ferraris. Read more at Philip Granere‘s page.