Exterior
The F430 Spider is designed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Ferrari’s Head of Design, Frank Stephenson. The agression and performance of the F430’s design has been effortlessly transferred to the Spider. The new model exudes all of the breathtaking elegance typical of a Ferrari drop-top and convey an even stronger personality and more muscular stance, both of which strongly hint at its powerful engineering
and blistering performance.The Spider’s nose is characterized by two distinctive elliptical air intakes that channel air into the generously sized radiators that cool the powerful engine. The Ferrari 156 F1 that Phil Hill drove to his F1 World Championship title in 1961 inspired their shape. The two intakes are linked at their lower edge by a spoiler that directs the air towards the car’s flat underbody.The Spider’s vertically stacked headlights are extremely compact thanks to the use of Bi-xenon technology. When the lights are on the unique shape of the blinker emphasizes the profile, making the car immediately recognizable. Large air vents just ahead of the front wheels channel air out of the radiators and along the car’s flanks. Generous scoops above the rear wheel arch channel air into the engine. The side view is completed by new 19” wheels with 5 twin-spoke layout that combine classic Ferrari design flair with exceptional levels of structural rigidity combined with light weight.The Enzo Ferrari was the inspiration for much of the rear styling of the new F430 Spider. The type and arrangement of the lights are the same with the latter protruding quite prominently from the bodywork. Another similarity is the shape of the air vent for the engine with the chrome Prancing Horse at its centre. The Ferrari’s meticulous aerodynamic and styling detailing is also reflected in the new rear diffuser integrated into the bumper, which boasts race-derived dimensions. The F430’s Spider’s extreme performance is further underlined by such styling details as the new exhausts with ball-polished steel tailpipes. The large rear window offers a view of the strikingly compact engine.Extreme care was also taken designing the small details of the car. The wing mirrors, for example, now have specially profiled twin mounting arms that channel airflow to the engine intakes. The F430 logo has also been embossed on the back of the driver’s side mirror. Even the finish of the engine bay is a work of art. The interior of the F430 Spider is another area that has been totally reworked to give it a more sporting feel. Instrument panels, dash, a slimmer central tunnel, new seats and trim are all areas that were subject to in-depth studies to improve ergonomics and practicality while still underlining the exquisite and unique sensation of being aboard a thoroughbred Ferrari.Interior
The F430 Spider’s interior is both innovative and sporty and reflects the advanced technology and materials employed in the car’s construction. The same uncompromising approach to driver control was the inspiration behind mounting the starter button and manettino on the steering wheel. The wheel itself is new with the upper rim flattened to improve visibility in the straight-ahead position, and the horn buttons are integrated into the inner rim where they can be easily used. A plaque bearing the model name also takes pride of place at the center of the dash. The cockpit is noticeably bigger than in
the 360 and the passenger comfort is increased thanks to a slimmer central tunnel which houses the gear lever turret on the manual version or the F1 console on the paddle-shift version. The interior details are completed by netting on the large rear bench and two electrically operated compartments for storage, one in front of the passenger and the one on the rear firewall. The seats have also been redesigned for greater lateral support. Electric seats are available on request as is a racing seat with a carbon-fiber structure.The F430 Spider’s interior is both innovative and sporty and reflects the advanced technology and materials employed in the car’s construction. The same uncompromising approach to driver control was the inspiration behind mounting the starter button and manettino on the steering wheel. The wheel itself is new with the upper rim flattened to improve visibility in the straight-ahead position, and the horn buttons are integrated into the inner rim where they can be easily used. A plaque bearing the model name also takes pride of place at the center of the dash. The cockpit is noticeably bigger than in the 360 and the passenger comfort is increased thanks to a slimmer central tunnel which houses the gear lever turret on the manual version or the F1 console on the paddle-shift version. The interior details are completed by netting on the large rear bench and two electrically operated compartments for storage, one in front of the passenger and the one on the rear firewall. The seats have also been redesigned for greater lateral support. Electric seats are available on request as is a racing seat with a carbon-fiber structure.
Design
The body has been redesigned to be more curvaceous and aerodynamic. Although the drag coefficient remains the same, downforce has been greatly enhanced. A great deal of Ferrari heritage is found in the car:
at the rear, the Enzo's tail lights and interior vents have been added. The car's name has been etched into the Testarossa-styled driver's side mirror. The large oval openings in the front bumper are reminiscent of Ferrari racing models from the 60s, specifically the 156 "sharknose" Formula One car and 250 TR61 Le Mans cars of Phil Hill.Engine
The F430 features a 4.3L V8 petrol engine derived from a shared Ferrari/Maserati design. This new power plant is a significant departure for Ferrari: all previous Ferrari V8s were descendants of the Dino racing program of the 1950s. This fifty year development cycle came to an end with the entirely new 4.3L, the architecture of which is expected to replace the Dino-derived V12 in most other Ferrari cars. The engine's output specifications are: 490 PS (360 kW; 483 hp) at 8500 rpm and 465 N·m (343 lb·ft) of torque at 5250 rpm, 80% of which is available below 3500rpm. Despite a 20% increase in displacement, engine weight had grown by only 4 kg and engine dimensions have
decreased, for easier packaging. The conrods, pistons and crankshaft are all entirely new, the four-valve cylinder head, valve heads and intake trumpets directly takes measurements from F1 engines, for better volumetric efficiency. The F430 has a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h).[citation needed] Ferrari also claims the car sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the old model.
The brakes on the F430 were designed in close collaboration with Brembo. The result has been a new cast-iron alloy for the discs. The new alloy includes molybdenum which has better heat dissipation performance. Another option Ferrari is providing are Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite discs. Ceramics have much higher resistance to heat and brake fade than metals, the F430's brakes offer not only good performance but also a longer lifespan. Ferrari claims the brakes will not fade even after 300-360 laps at their test track.
Features
The F430 includes the E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip active differential which can vary the distribution of torque based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration.Other notable features include the first application of Ferrari's manettino steering wheel-mounted control knob. Drivers can select from five different settings which modify the vehicle's ESC system, "Skyhook" electronic suspension, transmission behavior, throttle response, and E-Diff. The feature is similar to Land Rover's "Terrain Response" system. The Ferrari F430 was also released with exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT tires, which have a striking V-shaped tread design, run-flat capability, and OneTRED technology. In the US, the company requested an exemption from the airbag design requirements, which was eventually granted, allowing the car to continue to be sold in the US.
