General data  
Year/s of production November 2007                                   
Presentation Detroit Motor Show 2008
VIN 158049
Number produced 1
Design Pininfarina
Manufactured by Ferrari S.p.A.
   
Technical specifications  
Chassis F 131 – Aluminium-Spaceframe
Length 4512 mm
Width 1923 mm
Height 1214 mm
Wheelbase 2600 mm
Front suspension Independent wheel suspension, double unequal-lenght wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, adaptive suspension with Sachs Skyhook-shock absorber and antidive and antisquat
Rear suspension Independent wheel suspension, double unequal-lenght wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, adaptive suspension with Sachs Skyhook-shock absorber and antidive and antisquat
Front track 1669 mm
Rear track 1616 mm
Front tyres 7,5 x 19 in., alloy rims, 5-star design
Tyres: 225/35 ZR 19 in.
Rear tyres 10 x 19 in. alloy rims, 5-star design
Tyres: 285/35 ZR 19 in.
Front brakes Brembo cross-drilled cat iron discs – 330 x 32 mm, 4-pod callipers, Bosch ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution)
Rear brakes Brembo cross-drilled cat iron discs – 330 x 32 mm, 4-pod callipers, Bosch ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution)
Weight 1520 kg
Dry weight 1420 kg
Weight distribution 43% front/57% rear
Body material Aluminium
Body type Spider – 2 seats
Fuel tank capacity 95 litres
Boot capacity 250 litres
   
Engine  
Type F 131B – mid-engine – longitudinal installed
Number of cylinders V8 – 90°
Displacement 4308 ccm
Bore and stroke 92 x 81 mm
Camshaft 2 overhead per cylinder bank with contiuos variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams
Valves 4 per cylinder with variable valve timing
Compression ratio 11,3:1
Ignition 2 electronic Bosch Motronic ME7 control units
Lubrication Dry sump lubrication, approx. 10 litres oil
Maximum power 500 hp – 8.500 rpm
Maximum torque Approx. 484 Nm – 5.250 rpm
Fuel management 2 electronic Bosch Motronic ME7 control units
Clutch Twin-plate clutch – 215 mm
Weight distribution f/r   43% front, 57% rear
Gearbox 6 speed + rev. F1 paddle shift gearbox with gear change within 150 milliseconds
Electronic Differential (E-Diff), Control for Stability and Traction (CST)
   
Performance  
Top speed Over 310 km/h
0-100 km/h Approx. 4,1 sec.
F1 gearbox 0-400 m Approx. 12,05 sec.
F1 gearbox 0-400 m Approx. 21,80 sec.
   
Fuel Consumption  
Combined cycle Approx. 18,3 l/100 km
   
CO2 Emmission  
Combined cycle Approx. 399 g/km

 

Ferrari at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show
Source: Ferrari

Detroit (USA), 14th January 2008 – Ferrari has brought two models – the 430 Scuderia and the 599 GTB Fiorano – to the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Also on the stand this year, however, is a biofuel-powered technological demonstration prototype which uses the F430 Spider as a base.

Ferrari, which last year celebrated its 60th anniversary, had a very positive 2007, continuing the upward trend of the last few years. Ferrari delivered over 6,400 cars to their owners in 2007, an increase of around 14% on 2006. There was a particularly significant leap in sales on new markets such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East where growth was impressive at 50% and 32% respectively. A total of 177 cars were delivered in China too. Our operating result also reached 15% of turnover.

Ferrari has chosen Detroit as the venue for the presentation at a biofuel-powered F430 Spider in recognition of growing interest in North America in alternative sources of energy. The development of an engine powered by the biofuel E85 comes as part of a research and development program announced during the Technological Innovation Conference held at Maranello last June as part of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations. On that particular occasion, Ferrari also unveiled projects focused on improving the energy of the whole car which would in turn lower fuel consumption and emissions levels. The ultimate aim being, of course, to cut the latter by 40% by 2012.

The Ferrari F430 Spider Biofuel uses an 85% ethanol mix and was developed with using experience gleaned in competition. In fact, Formula 1’s technical regulations demand that petrol (gasoline) with 5.75% biomass-derived content must be used, while the FIA GT and American Le Mans Series (ALMS), both of which were dominated by the F430 GT2 in 2007, use fuels with 10% ethanol. Furthermore, E10 biofuels will be employed in the next A1GP Championship which Ferrari will be supplying with V8 engines.

Once again, in fact, the track has proved an excellent testing ground for innovative solutions which, if successful, can then be passed on to production cars. Such is the efficiency of the transfer of track technology to road cars at Maranello that all of the Prancing Horse’s cars can already use up to 10% ethanol without any modification whatsoever.

By developing this technological demonstration prototype however, Ferrari has proved category that it can offer the technological solutions demanded by the market demands without impinging on the distinctly sporty, high performance character and supreme driving pleasure of the unique cars it builds at Maranello.

In the case of the F430 Spider Biofuel, certain modifications were made to the fuel feed system and most importantly to the engine CPU to allow the engine use E85. Developing the CPU, two fuels (Flex Fuel) can be used by the engine with the same compression ratio. All of the other technical characteristics have remained unchanged with respect to a standard production engine, however. The use of this type of biofuel and the modifications made have resulted in a significant increase in maximum power output (+ 10 hp at the same rpm) and torque (+ 4%) yet overall weight was unchanged. The advantages to the environment translate too into a 5% drop in CO2 emissions.

Also on the stand at Detroit is the 430 Scuderia, Ferrari’s new exceptionally sporty berlinetta which, in this case, boasts a Avio Met livery with Grey Alcantara interiors. It is flanked by the 599 GTB Fiorano with a Rosso Corsa livery and Charcoal interiors which brilliantly underscore the sporty heart of this the most high performance production V12 berlinetta ever built at Maranello. Both cars also feature Brembo carbon-ceramic material (CCM) brakes which are now offered as standard on the entire Prancing Horse range. Braking systems with carbon-ceramic material disks offer a host of benefits and have become a must-have piece of technology for the kind of very high performance cars built by the Prancing Horse.

FXX Program extended The innovative FXX Program based on the eponymous prototype launched by Ferrari in June 2005 has been extended to 2008/2009. The FXX was the showcase for the most advanced technologies ever developed at Maranello and has been updated with an Evolution package that further improves its handling and performance. The package itself was developed as a result of Ferrari’s collaboration with the FXX owners, the Client Test Drivers, plus some invaluable input from none other than Michael Schumacher. The updated FXXs all boast a new livery and modified rear wing profiles. The FXX Evolution package includes participation in a series of track events which Ferrari is organizing on several international class circuits around the world in 2008/2009. There will be six events each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia) in addition to appearances at the now-traditional Ferrari World Finals which mark the close of each competitive season. The North American track events scheduled for this year take place at Mont Tremblant (Canada) and Laguna Seca (California), on the weekends of July 20th and August 10th respectively.

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Program The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalization Program covers four different areas: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interiors and Materials, Equipment and Travel. Ferrari has been offering its clients the option of using this personalization program since 1997 to allow them to enhance their cars on the basis of their own personal tastes and requirements. The aim being, of course, to ensure that each car is absolutely unique. New content developed specifically with client needs in mind is constantly being added to the Program and out-of-catalogue requests are also catered for so long as they reflect the spirit that inspired Sergio Scaglietti in the earliest years of his collaboration with Ferrari.

Ferrari Classiche Founded in 2005 to provide the owners of veteran and classic Ferraris with a suitably professional restoration and maintenance service, technical assistance and authenticity certification, Ferrari Classiche has received around 800 certification requests and has issued around 550 certificates thus far. Certification is a meticulous process involving examination of the car and comparisons with the original designs held in the Ferrari historic archive.

Ferrari Store The Ferrari Store opening program continues across the globe. In 2007, in fact, we opened Stores in Beijing, Los Angeles, Shenyang, Barcelona, Al Kobar, Abu Dhabi and Macao. 2008 will boost our presence on the North American market in the first half of the year with openings in Honolulu, San Francisco and Miami. A new Ferrari Store also opened in Singapore on January 9th while another opens soon in Moscow.

Ferrari in North and South America 2007 was the 15th consecutive year of growth for Ferrari North America with 1,762 cars delivered in the United States and Canada and a further 90 in Central and South America, amounting to 1,851 Ferraris altogether. This figure represents 30% of Ferrari’s total sales worldwide, making North America the company’s largest market. Sales were also up 8% on the previous year’s figures for the North, Central and South American market. There are 45 dealerships in Ferrari’s American network: 32 are in the United States, 4 in Canada and 9 in South America. The North American dealership network has invested $70 million over the last three years in upgrading its infrastructure while a further $30 million will be spent in 2008. California is the largest of the North American markets, accounting for 27% of sales. It is followed by North East (16%), Florida (11%), Texas (7%) and Chicago (6%). The leading South American markets are Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Chile and Argentina.

Ferrari North America enjoys an exclusive relationship with its clients and enthusiasts, which has been further enhanced by the introduction of a vast range of services and events over the last few years. These include the Ferrari Challenge, which celebrates its 16th edition this year and offers F430 Challenge owners no less than seven different opportunities to race their cars in the course of the year. In 2008 The Ferrari Challenge races will be held in Florida, Georgia, Northern California (both at the Infeneon and Laguna Seca tracks), Quebec and New Jersey.

Since 2006 Ferrari North America has also been organizing the Ferrari North America Driving School, which is based at the Mont Tremblant circuit in Quebec. Course participants are given the opportunity to learn various driving control techniques to ensure they fully enjoy their car at the peak of its performance in an environment in which safety remains the absolute priority at all times.

Ferrari Financial Services was also introduced to the United States in July 2007. The company was created to acquaint Ferrari clients to a new world of services, including but not limited to financing options, which utilize a wide range of personalized flexible programs.

10.02.2005: World Premiére of the Ferrari F430 Spider at Geneva Motor Show
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 10th February ‘ Ferrari’s range of V8-engined sports cars will be joined by the new F430 Spider when it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March 2005).

Ferrari’s new drop-top includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car’s F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential – first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia’s all-conquering F1 cars ‘ which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia’s drivers as the ‘manettino’, which allows the car’s set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.

Formula 1 is thus again the inspiration for the development of the company’s road cars. Designed by Pininfarina, the F430 Spider’s sinuous lines, in fact, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.

The F430 Spider’s shape is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced nolder 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 itself is attractively set below 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 490 hp, 4,308cc 90° V8 which is capable of pushing the car to a top speed of over 310 km/h (over 193 mph) and covering the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 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 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) per horsepower (dry weight).

F430 SPIDER
BRIEF 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)
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: >310 km/h (over 193 mph)
0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds

* European market version

Ferrari at th 75th Geneva Motor Show

F430 Spider
Ferrari has decided to unveil the new F430 Spider against the glittering backdrop of the Geneva Motor Show. The new Spider is the drop-top version of the F430 whose success it looks set to emulate.

Once again the race track has proved to be the Prancing Horse’s finest research and development arena, and the Scuderia’s experience has had a huge impact on the development of the new car. The Pininfarina-designed Spider not only boasts all of the stunning technology of the F430, but has also been honed by the very latest aerodynamic calculation methodologies developed in collaboration with the Formula 1 Racing Division know as the Gestione Sportiva or GES.

The new Ferrari’s meticulous aerodynamic and styling is reflected in the design of the rear spoiler incorporated in the engine cover, more muscular air intakes to channel air into the powerful engine, and the new rear diffuser integrated into the bumper which boasts racederived dimensions. The large rear window offers a view of the glorious Ferrari engine too.

The F430 Spider also boasts a compact, fully automatic electric hood that allows the stunning engine to be seen all times and which takes up very little space indeed when lowered, despite the car’s uncompromising central-rear engine layout.
The F430 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s new 490 hp, 4,308 cc 90° V8, an incredibly light,compact unit that punches out a specific power of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.9 kg per hp (dry weight). The result, needless to say, is absolutely breathtaking performance: the Spider sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of over 310 km/h.

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