The Ferrari F430
Published: 27th October 2004
Ferrari F430
The F430 signals the arrival
of a brand new generation of V8-engined Ferrari berlinettas. Every
inch of the car was inspired by the engineering research carried out
at Ferrari’s Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division. The result
is a highly innovative design, characterised by cutting-edge technologies
perfected for use on a road-going car. Two of these innovations are
world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff)
initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seater's and designed
to make the most of the engine’s torque to optimise traction,
and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted rotary switch (better
known to the Formula 1 drivers as the manettino) which directly controls
the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics. The F430’s
light, compact 4308 cc engine is completely new and gives the car
its name. It punches out 490 hp and delivers a specific power output
of 114 hp/l and 465 Nm of torque. Needless to say, performance is
outstanding: acceleration from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds
flat and a maximum speed in excess of 196 mph (315 km/h).
Every area of this latest Prancing Horse car has been influenced by Formula 1. For instance, owners can order a braking system using carbon-ceramic discs which offer superior stopping power and give the driver the satisfying feeling of being in complete control of the vehicle even in the most demanding situations. The F430’s aerodynamics are also highly innovative for a road car: its shape has been honed to generate special flows to increase downforce and improve cooling. Every last component of this new Ferrari has been perfected to deliver outstanding performance and maximum driving pleasure.
