Thursday 10th February 2005

Ferrari launches 430 Spider

New drop-top benefits from F1 technology

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Ferrari will launch the 430 Spider at the Geneva Motor Show from 3-13 March 2005. Ferrari’s new drop-top includes a number of technical features which, says Ferrari, give hints of the car’s F1 pedigree. These include an electronic differential, first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia’s F1 cars. This improves traction and roadholding under all conditions, reckons Ferrari. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted rotary switch, known to the Scuderia’s drivers as the ‘manettino’, which allows the car’s set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.

The Spider's aero features were also tweaked using computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.

Ferrari says the shape of the car is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced rear lip spoiler which is integrated into the end of the engine cover, new bigger rear air intakes that emphasise the car’s muscular stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser of competition derivation. The engine is visible under a glass cover.

Just like the Berlinetta, the new Spider incorporates two elliptical air intakes that feed the front radiators. The shape of the intakes is inspired by Ferrari’s racing cars from the 1961 season, especially the 156 F1 which Phil Hill drove to that year’s F1 Championship title. The spoiler that joins the two intakes at their bottom edge is highly effective in directing the central air flow towards the flat underbody.

The F430 Spider boasts a compact, fully automatic electric hood that allows the engine to be seen in all its glory at all times and which, once lowered, takes up relatively little space, despite the uncompromising central-rear engine layout.

The F430 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s new 490bhp, 4.3-litre 90-degree V8 which is capable of pushing the car to a top speed of over 193 mph and covering the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds. This lightweight and highly compact power unit produces a specific output of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.9Kg (6.4 lbs) per horsepower (dry weight).

Technical specifications

Dimensions and weight

• Length: 4512 mm (177.6 in)
• Width: 1923 mm (75.7 in)
• Height: 1234 mm (48.6 in)
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in)
• Front track: 1669 mm (65.7 in)
• Rear track: 1616 mm (63.6 in)
• Kerb weight: 1520* kg (3,351 lbs)

Engine

• Type: 90° V8
• Bore x stroke: 92 mm x 81 mm (3.62 x 3.19 in)
• Unitary displacement: 538.5 cc (32.87 cu in)
• Total displacement:  4.308 cc (263 cu in)
• Compression ratio: 11.3:1
• Maximum power: 360.3 kW (490 hp/483 bhp at 8,500 rpm)
• Maximum torque: 465 Nm (47.4 kgm/343 lbs ft) at 5,250 rpm
• Specific power output: 114 hp/l

Performance

• Top speed: over 193 mph
• 0-62 mph: 4.1 seconds

* European market version

[aww999]

Well, it's not stunning, but even if they took that engine and put it in a 10ft long fibreglass dog-poo I'd still want to drive it! (Think of the power to weight ratio )

[John Nowak]

I'll give it a 6 out of 10.

[bebbesen]

Lovely

[Jonny5]

So when will the 360 Spider prices crash?

[v8thunder]

Hmm. Well, funnily enough, I think this (and the 360 Spider) are better-looking than their coupe counterparts.

Why? Because stylistically, Ferrari seem to have lost the plot with V8 Berlinettas. From the Dino series through the 308s, 348s and 355s, they looked both sporting and elegant. You could park one outside a Monaco restaurant, you could also take it round a track, and it wouldn't look out of place at all.

Thing is, though, since they went ridiculously muscular for the 360, the coupe just looked big, chunky and flabby, whereas the slimmer side profile of the Spider, coupled with the general rawness of the design, made it a more realistic-looking car that looked like a baby F50. The only detail I don't particularly like is the see-through engine cover. I mean, if that isn't vain self-indulgence what is? Same goes for the F50.

This, however, looks a lot like the classic Ferrari Dino 268SP, the flab's become muscle, yet for some reason the roofline of the coupe is still too humped-looking. This redresses the balance.



>> Edited by v8thunder on Thursday 10th February 12:06

[bebbesen]

v8thunder said:

Thing is, though, since they went ridiculously muscular for the 360, the coupe just looked big, chunky and flabby, whereas the slimmer side profile of the Spider, coupled with the general rawness of the design, made it a more realistic-looking car that looked like a baby F50. The only detail I don't particularly like is the see-through engine cover. I mean, if that isn't vain self-indulgence what is? Same goes for the F50.

I for one do not agree with this. The 360 is pretty elegant lined up next to say a 911 or anything else for that matter. See through-engine cover - self indulgence perhaps but that engine derserves to be displayed. Its a work of art
Chunky and flabby?? I think not

Anyone else

[burriana]

Have to say, as a firm supporter of rag tops, I like neither the 360 or this new 430... or the F50, or the Lambos for that matter. I think it is because the rears seem to be nearly as high as the top of the windscreen, whereas the 348s and 355s follow the waistline of the car and look a much more sleek convertible.

I think the Berlinetta 360 & 430 looks superb though.

And quite bizarrly, as soon as I saw that rear end of the yellow 430 Spider, it didn't half remind me of a Megane, sorry, but it did... I must be really losing the plot!

>> Edited by burriana on Thursday 10th February 12:36

[crazydave]

Ferrari no longer make pretty cars.
The last stunning car they made was the F355.
Ever since then the cars have been effective and brilliantly designed but they don't look as nice as they used to.

[GregE240]

Well, you bunch of heathens, I think it looks bloody superb.

Be glad cars like this still exist.

[granville]

GregE240 said:

Well, you bunch of heathens, I think it looks bloody superb. Be glad cars like this still exist.

Absosoddinglutely: quite stunning.

Like the SL55 AMG, it's brilliance is tragically marred in the subconscious of many due to the frankly unbearable oinkology that will undoubtedly constitute the ownership roster.

[rico]

The 360 is one of the sexiest cars on the road today. Fair enough, its not as good looking at the Ferraris of the 1960s, but priorities change and the 360 is both comfortable, sexy, fast and handles well.

It's all down to personal opinions at the end of the day.

I'm sure Bebbesen won't loose any sleep that someone doesn't think the 360 is perfect... he'll just go down to his garage and admire his. Then pick the up so he can appreciate it also!

I personally think the 430 is a slight disappointment. The hip line is no longer smooth, its dis-jointed at the air intake. The front spoiler is just a bit weird, with the black side panels to the air intakes. The rear is a bit too boxy, if they had widened the car by 6-10inches it would look a lot better. I also believe they shouldn't have gone with the Enzo look, as I think the Enzo's styling should have been totally unique and not been copied for 'lesser' Ferraris. All IMHO

edit - thats my view for arguments sake. I NEED to see this car in the metal to give a true view

>> Edited by rico on Thursday 10th February 13:05

[crazydave]

Don't get me wrong. The 360 is a far better car than the 355 and i'm sure the 430 will improve on the 360. I can't see Ferrari ever going backwards. The 355 just looks way sexier IMHO.

Also have to agree with Rico. You can't judge a car by a picture alone!

>> Edited by crazydave on Thursday 10th February 13:11

[bebbesen]

rico said:

I'm sure Bebbesen won't loose any sleep that someone doesn't think the 360 is perfect... he'll just go down to his garage and admire his

[Davey S1]

It looks like the new Noble convertible that will be on sale for £45K

[JamieBeeston]

http://430b.com

More pix of the Spider There.

Looking forward to it

[rich1231]

oh yes oh yes oh yes

if i wasnt in the office, id be knocking one out

[JamieBeeston]

rich1231 said:

oh yes oh yes oh yes if i wasnt in the office, id be knocking one out

You been quoted a time yet? Q1 07 I was Told, but you've been on far longer than me.

[Angelis]

Hopefully this will mean that 360 Spyder prices will drop significantly and then maybe I could get one.

[bad company]

I can't see the 360 spider prices dropping while the waiting list for the 430 spider is 2 - 3 years.

[elms]

JamieBeeston said:

http://430b.com More pix of the Spider There. Looking forward to it

Bloody hell Jamie. Dont you do any work! You had the monopoly on 997 scoop pics!