If you are looking for the perfect 2-seater, the Ferrari F430 review is right for you. It made its debut as the successor to the Ferrari 360 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Styling was updated by Pininfarina to improve aerodynamics, especially downforce. Designers paid homage to the 60s-era Ferrari racers by including big oval openings in the front bumper. The F430 represents a large majority of first time Ferrari buyers first look into the brand. Is the Ferrari F430 an investment worth rolling the dice on? We think so.
Ferrari F430 Engine
More importantly, the Ferrari F430 specs marked the arrival of a new family of engines. Gone were the offspring of the 1950s Dino racing engines that dominated for a half-century. Instead, the F430’s engine is a 32-valve V8 was part of the F136 family of Ferrari-Maserati engines. The lightweight, all-aluminum 4.3L engine develops 490 horsepower, almost a hundred more than its predecessor. Motor Trend pointed out that the boost made it competitive with the Lamborghini Gallardo of its day. Its 3.6-second 0-60 time is fully 0.6 second faster than that of its predecessor.
The longitudinally mounted V8 is mated to a 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission with a 150-millisecond shift change. Ferrari F430 specs also include the E-Diff electronic differential, a limited-slip differential controlled by a computer, along with the self-correcting Skyhook suspension. The optional Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes reduce weight and resist fade. The big, lightweight brakes became standard on all models beginning in 2008.
Ferrari F430 Interior
Renowned Italian automakers understand that quality materials and craftsmanship must be given inside an exotic supercar. In this regard, Ferrari does not disappoint. When you open the driver’s side door of the Ferrari F430, you’ll quickly notice that a very welcoming cockpit perfectly complements the exterior. Precision stitched leather is rich and supple. Carbon fiber accents adorn the doors, the dash, and the center console. There’s even a tasteful touch of aluminum in the passenger-side kick plate and the foot pedals.
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The eight-way electric seats are heavily bolstered to keep both driver and passenger in place, even on hairpin turns navigated at ambitious speeds. Optional $5,000 carbon-shelled racing seats reduced weight, although they were no longer offered from mid-2006 forward. Settle into the cockpit and you’ll notice the exceptional sight lines made possible by the thin pillars. Motor Trend describes the Ferrari F430 specs interior as “light and airy.” It also features a heads-up display featuring a brightly colored tachometer with gear selection and driving mode clearly displayed. To the left is the traditional analog speedometer. Overall, the interior of the Ferrari 430 delivers a sophisticated blend of sportiness and luxury.
Ferrari F430 Price
The F430 may have been Ferrari’s entry-level model in its day, but it was still an investment. The F430 specs include an original base MSRP was $163,845, although options often drove the price well north of $200k. For example, selecting the carbon-ceramic brakes increased the price by $16,808, and opting for carbon fiber in the engine compartment added another $9,983. Despite these costs, demand and exclusivity often drove pre-owned prices higher than MSRP.
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Ferrari F430 Specs:
Horsepower: 483 hp
Torque: 343 lb-ft
0-60 MPH: 3.6 Seconds
60-0 Braking: 114 feet
1/4 Mile: 12.0 @ 119.6 MPH
Top Speed: 196 MPH
Take the wheel of the agile F430, and you’ll enjoy the crisp, responsive driving experience you’d expect from a Ferrari. Whether you’re Italian or not, the F430 will leave you proclaiming Che bella macchina! What a beautiful car!
