The Ferrari F430

Table of Contents:

Ferrari F430 – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari F430

MORE THAN A 360 REDUX: THE FERRARI F430

The Ferrari F430 was more of an evolution of the 360 Modena than an all-new model. Even so, Ferrari did such a thorough overhaul that it ended up having 70% new parts. From the exterior, the easiest way to tell the two models apart is by the F430’s flared “nostrils” and smaller, Enzo-style tail lights. But in true Ferrari fashion, the changes go much deeper and touch just about every aspect of the car.

The mighty 4.3-litre V8 sitting behind the driver uses a flat-plane crankshaft to help develop 490 cv at 8500 rpm. This crankshaft design is rather unusual, yet it is a great fit for Ferrari’s mid-engine supercar as it gives the engine a raw, fierce quality desired by aficionados but unfit for common family vehicles. The F430 accelerates to 62 mph in 4 seconds flat, extremely quick for its day and substantially faster than the 360 Modena. Engineers also took great pains to ensure the V8’s wail is as sonorous as an Italian opera. Reining in all of that power are newly developed brakes made using a cast-iron alloy, while carbon ceramic composite brakes were available as an option. Buyers have a choice between a conventional 6-speed manual or an electrohydraulic manual, also in 6 speeds.

The F430 was also notable for using the suite of electronic gadgets that enabled the car to achieve these astounding levels of performance at the time. One such gadget was the first use of the now-ubiquitous steering-wheel-mounted manettino selector, which gives the driver control over the stability and traction control as well as the suspension settings. Settings include ice, low grip, race, sport, and the most aggressive; CST, where all electronic nannies are turned off except for ABS and the E-Diff. Speaking of the F430’s trick differential, the E-diff system manages the torque split between the rear wheels as it helps the driver maintain just the right amount of slip through the corners.

Like so many recent mid-engined Ferraris, the F430 was a revelation when it made its debut. People just weren’t expecting this “warmed over” version of the 360 Modena to be so unbelievably good. Once again, Ferrari worked its magic and hit one out of the park.

Ferrari F430 – Photo Gallery

Ferrari F430 – Technical Specifications

Ferrari F430 – Registry & Videos

If you enjoyed all this but want more, check out these additional resources.