The F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of
Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari’s extraordinary
achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a
whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations
directly derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters.
Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the
electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel-mounted switch (better
known to the Formula 1 Scuderia’s drivers as “manettino”), which manages the
integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.
The other main characteristics of the new F430 are its light, compact 4,300
cc 90° V8 engine, which punches out 490 hp to achieve a specific output of
114 hp/litre, also providing the new Ferrari berlinetta with a
weight-to-power ratio of 2.8 kg/hp (dry weight); a braking system with
carbon-ceramic discs for optimal efficiency under extreme use (optional); a
Formula 1-derived gearbox that cuts gear shifting times down to 150
milliseconds allowing the driver to make the very most of this truly high
performance car (0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds flat, a top speed in
excess of 196 mph); and an aerodynamic design that embodies the very latest
competition technologies, specifically the flat underbody and large rear
diffuser to increase downforce.
The car will be officially presented during the Paris Motor show in
September 2004.
