2009 Ferrari F430
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National March 13, 2009Vehicle Overview
Ferrari's F430 sports car is a two-seat, mid-engine coupe or roadster with a high-revving V-8 engine. The most elite F430 variant is the track-special Scuderia, which joined the lineup for 2008. Competition comes from exotics like the 2009 Porsche 911 GT2.
(Skip to details on the: Ferrari Scuderia)
Exterior
Largely hand-built in Italy, like other Ferraris, the F430 features an aerodynamic shape that incorporates contemporary competition technologies — specifically, a flat underbody and a large rear diffuser, which increase downforce.
- Personalization program offers 16 exterior colors
- Upper and lower air intakes sit to the rear of each door
- Enormous, nearly flat back window allows V-8 to be seen from the outside
- Body barely clears the ground
- Four round taillights sit high on the deck, flanking a relatively subtle spoiler
- Four exhaust outlets
- Long nacelles behind seats in convertible trail into the rear deck, alongside the engine's viewing panel
Interior
Ferraris are known for snug cockpits, and the F430's two-passenger space is no exception. There's a red engine-start button and, on F1 models, paddles control the operation of the automatic gearbox.
- Interior can be customized with carbon fiber or aluminum inserts
- Additional storage behind seats
- Personalization program offers 12 leather colors and eight carpet colors
Under the Hood
The F430 holds a 4.3-liter V-8 that develops 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 342 pounds-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm. Either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed sequential manual can be installed. Ferrari says the Formula One-derived sequential gearbox cuts shift times down to 150 milliseconds.
- E-Diff electronic differential optimizes traction
- Steering-wheel-mounted commutator switch controls vehicle dynamics systems
- Ferrari-sourced zero-to-62-mph time of 4 seconds; 3.6 seconds in Scuderia
- Optional braking system uses carbon-ceramic discs
Safety
Ferrari Scuderia
The F430's predecessor, the 360 Modena, had a high-performance, track-ready version named Challenge Stradale. The F430's version of that track package is the Scuderia.
- Diffuser modified for additional downforce
- Scuderia uses carbon fiber everywhere possible to lessen weight, including the driver's seat
- Scuderia bumps power to 503 hp at 8,500 rpm and is only available with the F1-style sequential gearbox, which has been improved for even faster shifts than the regular F430's transmission
- Larger brakes with carbon-ceramic discs
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