Fabulous Ferrari
In terms of style and automotive technology, it is the Ferrari that leads the pack and the new F430 is definitely full of promise. It is the update of the 350 Modena and the model first graced the world at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September.
It still continues the “fresh” Ferrari look that started with the Enzo and it adapts and incorporates a number of design elements. The engine of the Ferrari F430 was based from the 4.2 liter V8 engine of the Maserati and it was developed into a whole new 4.3 liter engine with a 490 horsepower output.
The basic look came from the F355, which then evolved to the 360 Modena. This was then adapted by the F430.
The near vertical headlights of the Ferrari F430 are almost the same as that of the Enzo compared to the horizontal headlights of the 360. The front air intakes of the F430 are larger and have a small splitter in the center, which is also similar to the Enzo. The F430′s nose in the middle of the bumper is much cleaner and the front spoiler air duct on the trailing edge is bigger compared to the 360′s.
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 identical aluminum space frames. However, what truly sets the F430 apart is the Maserati 4.3 liter V8 engine boasting a 490 horsepower output and 343 lb-ft of torque. The 360 Modena cannot even compare in terms of power and the power-to-weight ratio increased even more with the F430. It only takes 4 seconds to reach 62 mph as it has a top speed of 196 mph.
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.
When the Ferrari F430 first arrived in the U.S., it was in the $200,000 range. Because of such a demand for the vehicle on the market, it sold way more than the window sticker price. The first few F430′s were sold at about a quarter of a million dollars. Still, it felt great rolling down the street in a Ferrari.
Technology and Preeminence of Ferraris new and old, more at Philip Granere‘s site.
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