AutoCar F430 Article 7 Sept 2004

Hello Everyone,

I have just read an article in the new AutoCar Mag. It has some interesting things in it. Some info has probably already been posted but here it is anyway.

1. Ferrari had only planned to build 10,000 360s in the orginal forecast. This as we all know is over 17,000.

2. The 360 CS was planned for only 700, it is currently over 1,000 sold.

3. The 360 represents 70% of Ferrari's production so the importance of the F430 is a big deal.

4. The F430 is 35mm longer than the 360 and a millimetre wider. It is heavier by 60kg than the 360.

5. The F430 can sustain a 50 mph rear impact without fuel spillage up from 360's 31 mph rear impact.

6. F430 will circle Fiorano track three seconds faster than the 360.

7. Ferrari has achieved 114bph per liter in the F430, 360 is 110-111bph.

8. The F430 will be able to be ordered with Carbon-ceramic discs.

Specs: In UK terms

Price 110,000(Pounds est.)
On Sale UK in Spring 2005
Top Speed 196mph
0-62mph 4.0sec
Engine V8, 4308cc
Power 483bph at 8500rpm
Torque 343lb ft at 5250
Power to weight 333bph per tonne
Compression ratio 11.3:1

Dimensions

Length 4512mm
Width 1923mm
Height 1214mm
Wheel Base 2600mm
Weight 1450kg

The article interviews the company's general manager Amedeo Felisa. Over all the only pieces from the 360 that made it to the F430 are the roof, doors. Every thing else has been changed.

In regards to the engine it is built on the same production line as Maserati's engine, but as mentioned here before Ferrari developed the engine for Maserati. They use the same block but that is all. The article goes on to say that the F430 engine is fundamentally different as Maserati's engine is built for torque and F430's is built to rev higher and have a much higher power output.

All in all it makes for interesting reading. Worth a look.

Enjoy.

 

The 360 Modena Coupe is about 103,275(pounds)

The 360 CS is about 133,025 (Pounds)

The 360 Spider is about 112,195 (Pounds)

Cheers