2008 Ferrari F430

Second in line of the new Millennium Ferrari V8 models supplanting the 360 Modena comes the F430. The new direction for the Ferrari entry level models styled by Goran Popović at Pininfarina was an evolution from the 348 and F355 models, more sculpted and rounded lines and the major upgrade, the 3.6-liter V8 with 394BHP and 132lbs lighter than the F355 and where subsequent Ferrari V8 Supercars may be traced.

Ferrari clients responded, buying 360s as the new V8 flagship became the most produced model in Ferrari history with 16,365 (combined Modenas & Spiders) produced world wide and 4,199 produced for the U.S. market.

Clearly, Ferrari’s new direction was a hit, lighter weight, more power and with all the latest racing derived tech that would be expected from Maranello. And, perhaps best of all, belt replacement service was no longer an engine-out procedure.

Frank Stephenson who penned the Maserati MC12 and Mini Cooper for BMW took on the job of updating the 360 in 2004. Clearly happy with the record sales of 360s, Stephenson kept Popović’s basic shape although with a racier look and adding Enzo inspired tail lights. True to Ferrari’s nature, power was increased to a 4.3 liter V8 which produced 490BHP and ceramic brakes were now among the dozens of options for customers including the choice of 6-speed manual or automatic (F-1 type paddle shift) transmissions.

The F430 is distinguishable from the 360 with enlarged and rounded air intakes whaled of the front wheel wells in the nose and the addition of another air intake aft the doors above the rear wheel wells. Ferrari still opted against pop-up lights keeping the recessed visible headlights although now much narrower offering a leaner, more streamlined look.

At the rear, aside from the Enzo tail lights, Stephenson fleshed out the venturi tunnel aft the rear wheels a bit more. As seen on Formula One and sports cars from the 70s, the ground effect aero device was updated to help keep the car better planted in high speed turns and while the drag coefficient remained relatively the same, downforce was greatly enhanced.

The subtle tweaks to the body were outweighed by the inclusion of a brand new 4.3 liter V8 engine which shared DNA with the Ferrari-Maserati V8. The more powerful engine’s power output specifications grew, 490 PS (360 kW; 483 hp), at 8,500RPM and 465 N⋅m (343 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 RPM, 80% of which is available below 3,500RPM.

Despite the larger engine, the motor’s weight increased by only eight pounds. All of the internals were new, again, derived from racing featuring all new light weight connecting rods, pistons and crankshaft. The 4-valve cylinder heads, valves, and intake trumpets were lifted directly from the Ferrari F-1 engines of the time. The F430’s top speed is 196MPH and accelerates from 0 to 60MPH in 3.6 seconds. 0.6 seconds after that the 360.

The F430 also featured optional carbon-fiber reinforced ceramic composite brakes. Ferrari’s claim was that the carbon ceramic brakes will not fade after 300-360 laps at Ferrari’s test track at Firoano.

Also, of note, the F430 featured the E-Diff, computer controlled active limited slip differential which acts on input from distribution of torque, steering angle and lateral acceleration. The first application of Ferrari’s manettino steering wheel mounted control knob allowing drivers to selection from five settings which modifies the car’s ESC system.

This 2008 Ferrari F430 comes in spectacular Rosso Corsa over black and 6-speed manual transmission only 3,352 original miles and a full list of options to include:

CUSTOM OPTIONS
- Red Brake Calipers
- Carbon ceramic Brake System
- Daytona Style Seats
- Electric Seats
- Yellow Rev Counter
- iPod Connection
- Scuderia Ferrari Shields
- RadioNavi System + Bluetooth
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Leather Headliner
- Special Thick Stitching in Rosso
- Carbon Fiber Dashboard Trim
APPEARANCE EXTERIOR
- Rear bumper color: body-color
- Exhaust: quad tip
- Front bumper color: body-color
- Rear spoiler: lip
- Mirror color: body-color
COMFORT
- Dash trim: leather
- Floor material: carpet
- Air filtration
- Dash trim: alloy
- Front air conditioning: automatic climate control
- Door trim: alloy
- Door trim: leather
- Steering wheel trim: leather
- Center console trim: alloy
CONVENIENCE
- Multi-function remote: panic alarm
- Multi-function remote: keyless entry
- Cargo area light
- Vanity mirrors: passenger
- Power steering
- One-touch windows: 1
- Power outlet(s): 12V front
- Storage: cargo net
- Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
- Center console: front console with storage
- Reading lights: front
- Push-button start
- Storage: door pockets
DRIVETRAIN SUSPENSION
- Rear brake type: carbon ceramic disc
- Suspension control: electronic
- Front brake type: carbon ceramic disc
- Front shock type: gas
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Rear shock type: gas
- ABS: 4-wheel
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Limited slip differential: rear
- Rear brake diameter: 13.8
- Rear spring type: coil
- Rear stabilizer bar
- Front spring type: coil
- Rear brake width: 1.3
- Rear suspension type: double wishbone
- Front suspension classification: independent
- Front brake width: 1.3
- Rear suspension classification: independent
- Front suspension type: double wishbone
- Front brake diameter: 14.2
- Front stabilizer bar
- Active suspension
- Driver adjustable suspension: ride control
ENTERTAINMENT TELEMATICS
- Speed sensitive volume control
- In-Dash CD: single disc
- Antenna type: element
- Watts: 120
- Radio: AM/FM
- In-Dash CD: MP3 Playback
- Gauge: tachometer
- Warnings and reminders: tire fill alert
- Total speakers: 4
- Radio data system
EXTERIOR
- Headlights: HID/Xenon
- Daytime running lights
- Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers
RIMS TIRES
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Tire type: summer performance
ROOF GLASS
- Window defogger: rear
- Front wipers: variable intermittent
- Rear privacy glass
- Power windows
SAFETY
- Side mirrors: auto-dimming
- 2-stage unlocking doors
- Child seat anchors: LATCH system
- Front airbags: dual
- Anti-theft system: anti-tow sensor
- Anti-theft system: interior motion sensor
- Power door locks
- Anti-theft system: alarm