The F430 marks the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari V8-engined berlinettas. Every inch of the car was 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 on high-performance sports cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff), originally developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters, and the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (the manettino) which directly controls suspension settings, the CST stability and traction control, the E-Diff and the change speed of the F1 transmission.
The F430's all-new 4.3L engine develops 483 bhp (490 bhp DIN) and 343 lbs/ft of torque. Needless to say, performance is outstanding: acceleration from zero to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 196 mph. As well as an increase in performance, new aerodynamics provide even greater downforce, with 617lbs being generated at 186mph.
Other Ferrari Formula 1 influences can be seen in the optional carbon-ceramic discs, which offer superior stopping power, and the F1 paddle shift itself, which effectively halves change times compared to the 360 Modena.
The F430 comes standard with new 19" alloy wheels and adaptive suspension in a package that has been perfected to deliver maximum performance and outstanding driving pleasure.