2005 Ferrari F430

The F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of V8-engined Ferrari cars. Every inch of the supercar is inspired by the engineering research carried out at Ferrari's Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division. The result is a highly innovative design, characterized by cutting-edge technologies perfected for use on a road-going car. Two of these innovations are world firsts for production 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 optimize traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted rotary switch (better known to the Formula 1 drivers as the manettino) which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics. The F430's light, compact 4308 cc engine is completely new and gives the car its name. It punches out 490 hp and delivers a specific power output of 114 hp/l and 465 Nm of torque. Needless to say, performance is outstanding: acceleration from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds flat and a maximum speed in excess of 196 mph (315 km/h).

The F 430's aerodynamics are highly innovative for a road car: its shape has been honed to generate special flows to increase downforce and improve cooling. Every last component of this new Ferrari has been perfected to deliver outstanding performance and maximum driving pleasure. The F-430's nose is characterised by two distinctive air intakes that channel air into generously dimensioned radiators to cool the powerful engine. The two intakes are linked at their lower edge by a spoiler that directs the air towards the car's flat underbody. The F430's vertically stacked headlights are extremely compact thanks to the use of Bi-xenon technology. Large air vents just ahead of the front wheels channel the air out of the radiators and along the car's flanks. Generous scoops at the top of the rear wheelarches channel air into the engine. The side view is completed by the new 19" wheels with the 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.

The F430 is powered by a new 90° V8 featuring Ferrari's traditionally uncompromising design approach with a flat-plane crank (180° between throws). This is an all-new unit that does not share any components with the 360 Modena F1's engine. One of the technical features that sets the F430 apart is the E-Diff or electronic differential. This solution has been used for years in F1 single-seaters and has been continuously developed and refined, effectively transferring massive torque levels to the track under extremely high cornering g-forces. This system is available both on the F1-paddle shift version as well as on the manual gearbox model and consists of three main subsystems.

The F430's interior has been re-designed for improved driver ergonomics. The same uncompromising approach to driver control was the inspiration behind mounting the starter button and manettino on the steering wheel. The seats have been redesigned for greater lateral containment and the standard electric seats can be substituted by more sporting items with four-point harnesses to order .