The F430 Spider will follow just six months after the F430 in coupe form arrived
with much fanfare at last autumn's Paris Mondiale de l'Automobile. Itself based on the
outgoing 360 Modena, the F430 boasted 70%
new components and an exciting 4.3-litre engine. This, together with brutal styling
adopted from the Enzo supercar, sees the new breed set to win back lost ground from the
Lamborghini Gallardo.
The F430 is a technical masterpiece,
particularly with
its new six-speed F1 gearbox. It also comes with
a electronic differential, which can be controlled internally by the driver
through a knob on the steering wheel.
In accordance with the exterior, the interior has also
undergone changes with a new steering wheel and centre consol being the most
obvious. Compared to the 360 Modena, the F430's interior has much sportier
overtones. The steering wheel is more adjustable, while the speedometer
background is available in yellow or red. The centre console is also
available in either aluminium or carbon finish.
With the European version of the car
developing 490bhp, the 1,350 kg (dry weight) F430 has a power-to-weight ratio
equal to that of the 360 Challenge Stradale.
Performance is stunning,
with the sprint from 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) taking only 4 seconds. 0-160 km/h (0-100 mph) takes 9.20
seconds, whilst 0-242 km/h (0-150 mph) takes 21.4 seconds. The car does
the standing quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 190 km/h (118 mph), whilst the top
speed lies at 315 km/h (197 mph). Optional CCM Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes help ensure that this power remains under
control.
Once
the F430 Spider has joined its the F430 Coupe in production,
Ferrari's attention will turn towards developing a Challenge
Stradale version, which will undoubtedly be a sportscar with
simply breathtaking ability.