The 360 Modena Successor: Ferrari F430

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 bhp to achieve a specific output of 114 bhp/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.

Ferrari Comes Clean On New F430

A new prancing horse has bolted from Maranello's famous gates, and it looks set to be a true thoroughbred.

We have the first official pictures of the Ferrari F430, which debuts at September's Paris Motor Show. It replaces the 360 Modena and is a technical tour de force, with a number of innovations lifted from Michael Schumacher's all-conquering Formula One racer.

Auto Express readers will, of course, already be familiar with the car after our world exclusive story gave a highly accurate sneak preview in Issue 815. The F430 has been penned by Pininfarina, under the watchful eye of Ferrari's design chief Frank Stephenson. Many cues are taken from the race-tuned 360 Challenge Stradale, with a deep front spoiler, low side panels and a louvred rear end. Four individual lamps are integrated into the tail and the F430 badge is engraved into the door mirrors.

In true Ferrari style, as much prominence is given to the engine as to the model's looks. At the back, a huge see-through cover gives a clear view of the all-new 4.3-litre V8 - complete with its bright red cylinder heads. The unit offers 490bhp, enough to propel the car from 0-60mph in less than four seconds, and on to an estimated 196mph top speed.

The F430 bristles with new technology. Two world firsts on a production model are the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel switch, which allows drivers to manage the vehicle dynamics system. Both are taken from the F1 racer. Also borrowed from Schu's car are the carbon ceramic brake discs and auto gearbox, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The cabin has a minimalist look, with the centre tunnel trimmed in hand-stitched tan leather and the dash coated in soft black hide.

Only one version of the F430 will be available at launch, but Ferrari is said to be working on a drop-top Spyder and a stripped-out Stradale. The newcomer is due on sale here next summer and is likely to cost slightly more than the 360 Modena, which starts from £103,275. Craig Cheetham

Article from: Auto Express