The Ferrari F430 is a mid-engined sports car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. It was unveiled in 2004 and was succeeded by the F458 Italia in 2009.
Design
The F430 has a sleek, aggressive design that pays homage to its predecessor, the F40. The front end features large air intakes, while the side profile is characterized by a distinctive wing-shaped sash above the rear wheels. The rear of the car boasts a dramatic spoiler and a pair of exhaust pipes that exit from either side of the diffuser.
Performance
The F430 is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 343 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. The car features an all-wheel independent suspension with a pushrod-activated system in the rear, while the steering is rack-and-pinion type. The F430 has a top speed of over 196 mph (315 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars available at that time.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The F430 features a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox with paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel, allowing for lightning-fast gear changes. The car's drivetrain is equipped with an electro-hydraulic power steering system, while the rear wheels are connected to a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Interior and Features
The interior of the F430 features a minimalist design with high-quality materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and leather. The driver's cockpit is dominated by a central dashboard display screen that controls various systems such as the audio system, climate control, and navigation. The car also features a six-speed manual transmission option for those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience.
Engine Specifications
- Engine Type: V8
- Displacement: 4,349 cc (266 cu in)
- Horsepower: 490 @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 343 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 12.3:1
- Redline: 8,000 rpm
Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 176.4 in (4,473 mm)
- Width: 75.6 in (1,920 mm)
- Height: 44.9 in (1,142 mm)
- Wheelbase: 100.7 in (2,559 mm)
- Curb Weight: 3,042 lb (1,383 kg)
Production and Price
The Ferrari F430 was produced from 2004 to 2009, with a total of 7,300 units manufactured during its production run. The car's base price in the United States was $174,000 for the 2005 model year.
Awards and Recognition
- Named "Car of the Year" by Motor Trend magazine in 2004
- Featured on the cover of Car and Driver magazine multiple times
