Ferrari F430

The Ferrari F430, unveiled for the very first time to the public at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, hails the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder berlinettas and takes the aluminium technologies first used in the Ferrari 360 Modena to a new level. It also offers a series of spectacular innovations directly derived from Ferrari's Formula 1 single-seaters. Two of these innovations are world firsts for productions cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine's torque to optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (better known to the Scuderia drivers as "manettino") which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.

The other main characteristics of the Ferrari 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 Ferrari F430 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 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 4 seconds flat, a top speed in excess of 315 km/h (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 Ferrari F430 is the second new Ferrari launched in 2004 after the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a hugely successful all-aluminium 2+2 12-cylinder.

Ferrari F430 Technical Specifications

• Dimensions
  • Overall length: 4512 mm (177.6 in)
  • Overall width: 1923 mm (75.7 in)
  • Height: 1214 mm (47.8 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in)
  • Front track: 1669 mm (65.7 in)
  • Rear track: 1616 mm (63.6 in)
  • Kerb weight: 1450 kg (3197 lb)
• Engine
  • Type: 90° V8
  • Bore/stroke: 92 mm x 81 mm (3.50 x 3.03 in)
  • • Unit displacement: 538.5 cm3 (32.86 cu in)
    • Total displacement: 4,308 cm3 (262.89 cu in)
    • Compression ratio: 11.3:1
    • Maximum power: 360.4 kW (490 CV) @ 8500 rpm
    • Maximum torque: 465 Nm (343 lb ft) @ 5250 rpm
    • Specific horse power: 114 CV/l
  • Performance
    • Maximum speed: >315 km/h (>196 mph)
    • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.0 s