28.06.2004 further spy shots of the upcoming ferrari f430 reveal mORE clues AS to it's rear end styling
Spy shots taken recently around the streets of Modena and at the Fiorano test track offer the closest look yet at the Ferrari 360 Modena replacement, the F430.
With dealer presentations scheduled at the end of July, the F430 is expected to debut early next year, either at the Detroit or Geneva Motor Show. Rumours are even suggesting that the car will make an earlier debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and may also receive a pre-presentation viewing at the Ferrari Racing Days in September.
Launched in 1999, the much-loved Ferrari 360 Modena will form the general basis for the F430. Traditionally, this evolutionary cycle has also been seen in the past with the 308 / 328 and 348 / F355 models.
Ferrari officials have already mentioned that the car is faster than the offerings from the brand's direct competition, and are adamant about it successfully fighting back at the recently launched 500bhp V10 Lamborghini Gallardo.
DESIGN
The evolutionary shape, much
more bulbous and aggressive than the 360 Modena can be clearly seen in the
recent flood of spy photography.
The increased wheel arches will enable larger 19-inch wheels and a wider track
width at both the front and rear axles to be offered, while new alloy wheels
will be made with Ferrari's trademark starfish pattern.
The front bumper will have a full-width lateral air inlet to supply more air to
a new, larger capacity engine, while the rear air scoops will become much more
prominent. New headlights will give the car a closer family resemblance to the
brand’s recent 612 Scaglietti 2+2 sports coupe.
The rear of the car will feature modified openings around the tailpipes and a
new diffuser design. As the most recent spy shots show, the rear-end will
have a lot in common with the Ferrari Enzo supercar. The F430 will share similar-style
optical units and rear grille treatment. A further grille, to be
positioned beneath the slender top grille is
also on the cards.
An intriguing possibility apparent on the prototype vehicles, is an adjustable rear spoiler which may become activated at speed.
As is usual, the styling has been undertaken by Pininfarina, under the guidance of Ferrari’s own in-house head of design, Frank Stephenson.
THE ENGINE
The engine will be a development of the Ferrari-Maserati V8 4.2 litre unit, which has been out-bored to 4.3 litres. An output of between 480-500 bhp will be achieved through further optimising the intake and exhaust gas flow. The quad rear exhaust pipes will each have a reduced exit diameter and a tapered design.
F430 Spider
There have been no known public sightings of the F430 Spider, which further underlines the suspicion that it will be launched a full year after the Coupe is unveiled. The Spider may receive a folding hardtop design inspired the system introduced on the Fioravanti Alfa Romeo Vola concept. Leonardo Fioravanti himself was responsible for the design of eight Ferrari's during his 24 years at Pininfarina, including the legendary Daytona and Dino 246 GT models.
It is expected that the Spider launch will also coincide with a stripped-out racing version, very much in the style of the current Challenge Stradale.
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