Ferrari recently
held an exclusive preview of the upcoming F430 coupé to dealer representatives
at their factory in Maranello. Three cars were displayed, representing the most
popular Ferrari colours, Rosso Corsa, Grigio Titanio and Giallo Fly
respectively.
Photographs taken by an anonymous individual with a concealed camera phone
purport to show close-up details of the 360 Modena successor.
As was confirmed by recent images taken on the road, the newcomer’s styling
characteristics have been borrowed from the Enzo supercar and recent 612
Scaglietti luxury coupé. The slim front headlights and rear-end styling
blatantly combines the style of these two thoroughbreds onto reworked 360 Modena
underpinnings.
The bigger wheel arches have enabled larger 19 inch starfish-style alloy wheels
to be fitted as standard. BBS Challenge Stradale wheels, which are fitted to the
Grigio Titanio example in the pictures, are an optional extra.
Carbon-ceramic
brakes will also feature, as will an increased track width at both the front and
rear. Like the Enzo supercar, the F430 will make a greater use of F1-developed
technology, whilst Ferrari claims that almost 70% of the parts are new.
The front bumper incorporates re-profiled lateral air inlets of a strikingly
aerodynamic shape to supply more air to the new, larger capacity engine.
These
frontal air intakes have been bordered with a carbon fibre frame to enhance
their purposeful look. Air scoops at the rear have also become much more
prominent.
New headlights are mounted in Enzo-style angular units, however the lens layout
is similar to that of the Scaglietti. The highly detailed rear of the car will
feature modified openings around the tailpipes and a new diffuser design. The
optical units and rear grille treatment are also Enzo-inspired.
The new engine is a development of the Ferrari-designed Maserati 4.2-litre V8
unit, which has been bored out to 4.3 litres. An output of around 490 bhp has
been achieved through further optimising the intake and exhaust gas flow.
The
quad rear exhaust pipes each have a reduced exit diameter and a tapered
design. The sprint time from 0-100 km/h takes under 4 seconds.
The coupé is likely to debut early next year at the Detroit Motor Show in early
2006, with Spider and Challenge Stradale versions following during the summer.
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