Ferrari F430 Spider Road Test

Ferrari F430 Spider

Of course, sensible fuel consumption is not an option as shown in the official figures of 10.5mpg and 21.2mpg for the urban and extra-urban cycles and the combined is 15.4mpg. The CO2 emissions are a very eco-unfriendly 420g/km and the insurance is group 20.

With that much potential speed, stopping becomes very important. The standard system on the Spider comprises a new form of cast-iron alloy for the discs, which makes them lighter with a greater ability to dissipate heat and energy. These are cross-drilled and vented with four-pot callipers. The alternative is a system developed for Ferrari’s single-seater, F1 cars called CCM. The CCM discs are based on carbon-ceramic technology and have 6-pot callipers at the front and four at the back. The adoption of the £10,450, CCM system means a constant pedal travel, the elimination of brake-fade, and they last longer. I’m told that they can last 350 laps of the Fiorano track at race speeds, so, probably a good bit longer on British roads.

The fact the F430 Spider is a drop-top, dictates that the body needs to be stronger and much more rigid than the coupe without too much weight increase. Which is why the use of strengthened aluminium is extensive, the sills and A-pillars, including the roll-bar have been reinforced to eliminate torsional flexing. Side impact resistance has been improved with a twin-bar safety system and this, together with strengthened inner wheel-arches, chassis and the shape of the seats did so well in side impact tests that it was decided that side airbags were unnecessary.

Once you’ve got over the nervousness that comes with the responsibility of driving, what added up to be a £161,345 car, that is not your own, the F430 Spider F1 really is a very driveable vehicle, with a different attitude to suit your mood. It is perfectly at ease burbling around town as it is in competition on the race track and really good fun at all times.