2005 Ferrari F430 Spider

What man hasn’t dreamed of racing around town in a sexy Ferrari? Just imagine hugging every curve of the road while the speedometer rises and drivers of surrounding vehicles stare with pure envy. Well, the 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider is certainly a highly acclaimed sports vehicle worthy of the Ferrari name. Most of the features of this amazing vehicle were inspired by the adrenaline rush-inducing Formula 1 cars.

Engine

The 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider gains its speed and performance thanks to its 490 hp, 4,308cc V-8 engine. This particular engine is very lightweight and compact and can generate 114 hp per litre utilizing a 2.9 kg or 6.4 lbs per horsepower weight-to-power ratio. Forget about the technical specifications – the bottom line is that the engine allows this vehicle to reach amazing speeds of more than 193 mph! Even more impressive is the fact that drivers can actually reach 0-62 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. Just imagine how much fun you could have taking this vehicle for a spin on Germany’s Autobahn…

Technical Features

Again, the majority of the technical innovations used in the 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider are designed with the Formula 1 cars in mind. For example, the vehicle uses a electronic differential or E-diff that was initially designed for the F1 cars of Scuderia’s racing division. This feature greatly enhances the traction and road hugging ability of the vehicle under absolutely any road conditions.

Another F1 inspired feature is the rotary switch mounted on the steering wheel. The F1 Scuderia’s drivers refer to this as the “manettino.” It enables the driver to adjust the set up of the vehicle in a remarkably quick period of time and with minimal effort.

Shape

A significant amount of testing went into the design of this vehicle’s particular shape. The sleek lines of the 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider bear similarity to the Formula 1 cars. In fact, Pininfarina created and fine-tuned the lines with the help of a highly advanced computer program that simulates aerodynamics. Normally, this program is used solely by members of the F1 team.

Features

Features include an improved rear valance that incorporates a competition derivation diffuser and an aesthetically pleasing glass cover for the vehicle’s powerful V-8 engine.

Spoiler

Another distinctive design element is the rear lip spoiler that is very pronounced and built into the engine cover’s end. This spoiler was not added merely for visual enhancement, it also does an impressive job of focusing the central air flow in the direction of the underbody.

Intakes

The rear intakes are larger to highlight the “muscular” appearance of the 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider. In addition, the spoiler forms a part of both elliptical air intakes that supply the radiators at the front of the vehicle. The designers used the shape of the intakes found in the 1961 Ferrari racing cars when they designed the ones for this particular model. The shape closely resembles the 156 F1 car driven by Phil Hill when he won the F1 Championship.

Engine / Performance

• 4.31 naturally aspirated 90’ V8. mid-mounted
• Displacement 4,308 cc
• Maximum power: 490 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
• Maximum torque: 343 lb-ft @ 5.250 rpm
• 0-60 mph: 4.0 sec.
• Top Speed: 193 mph

Chassis / Body

• All aluminum chassis, body and suspension
• Dimensions: Length 78 in. Width 75.7 in Height 47.8 in.
• Curb Weight 3,197 lbs
• Weight distribution: 43% front. 57% rear
• Adaptive suspension system

Electronics / Tires

• Electronic Stability and Traction Control CST)
• E-OIFF electronic differential
• Wheels: 19"
• Tires: 225/3SZR 19 front. 285/35ZR 19 rear

Transmission / Gearbox

• Rear-mounted gearbox
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 6-speed electro-hydraulic sequential transrnission, Formula 1 technology with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel






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August 11, 2007, 6:32 am