Crashworthiness Of F430 Spider | FerrariChat
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Crashworthiness Of F430 Spider

Discussion in '360/430' started by Piper, May 1, 2011.

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  1. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
    25,415
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #1 Piper, May 1, 2011
    Searched but couldn't find a thread on the topic, which I found interesting. Obviously niether NHTSA or any other such body is going to do a series of crash tests of 430's to extrapoliate a safety rating for side impact, front or rear, front offset, etc. Anyone have any idea how they would fare? It's not exactly a light car. How much of that weight went into passenger safety? What is it, 3 star side impact or rear impact, maybe somewhat better offset front? I have no friggin' idea. I'd just really like to feel okay about throwing a booster seat in there and taking my son for a ride. Currently don't. What do we think? What do we know? What can we prove?
     
  2. needspeed

    needspeed Formula Junior

    Oct 5, 2006
    579
    Middle of nowhere IA
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #2 needspeed, May 1, 2011
    I wish I had a real answer, but I expect that the car would score well in front and rear and OK on side only because it does not have side curtain airbags. I think these are what get cars to 5 stars once the doors have proper impact protection.......Steve
     
  3. CarreraCaballo

    CarreraCaballo Karting

    Apr 5, 2011
    246
    Full Name:
    Y.F.A
    #3 CarreraCaballo, May 1, 2011
    I once asked myself the same question, and after some research I found the following article :)

    Quote - http://www.ferraricars.org/ferrari-f430/chassis.html: "The chassis of the F430 fully exploits Ferrari's world-leading expertise in aluminium technology. In the same way as the 360 Modena, the first Ferrari berlinetta built entirely in aluminium, the F430 chassis is constructed at the Scaglietti facility in Modena in collaboration with Alcoa. The choice of aluminium and the design methods used have enabled two main objectives to be achieved: considerable structural stiffness and excellent driver and passenger protection with minimal weight.

    The spaceframe chassis consists of a mix of aluminium extrusions, panelling and cast nodes (riveted or welded depending on the area) and has been completely revised using finite element analysis to further reinforce key areas. Chassis rigidity, which is indispensable for optimal handling, has been increased by 20% in terms of torsion and by 8% in terms of flexure.

    Just like with a F1 monocoque, the increased structural rigidity means that only the suspension absorbs variations in the road surface. This in turn means that there is no deformation of the chassis to interfere with the car's road-holding in cornering, braking or under acceleration. The improvements to the chassis have also brought the car's passive safety features up to excellent standards. A minimal increase in overall chassis weight of 10% has enabled Ferrari's engineers to increase the resistance to front-end impact by 37% and to rear-end impact by an astonishing 105% (in compliance with US standard 301).

    To achieve such high standards, particular care was taken over the chassis design in the vital crumple zones, integrating the design of the various elements with the type of aluminium used. The central part of the chassis does not absorb energy, but is rigid enough to resist intrusion and roll over. Front and rear armature increases crash resistance, while the mountings of the side impact bars have been strengthened and reinforced so as to transfer energy throughout the chassis away from the area of impact.

    Similarly, the areas around the A-post and B-post and inner wheelarches have been reinforced. The floor of the car is in a new aeronautical alloy, which sees use for the first time in a chassis. This alloy (7075 T6) is extremely resistant and its light weight provides further advantages. The door structure, the chassis reinforcements, the positioning of the collapsible armrest and a more enveloping seat shape provide excellent protection. Scores in side impact tests were so good that side airbags were deemed unnecessary."

    Greetz,


    Joseph
     
  4. needspeed

    needspeed Formula Junior

    Oct 5, 2006
    579
    Middle of nowhere IA
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #4 needspeed, May 1, 2011
    Thanks for your post, that is great information......Steve
     
  5. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
    25,415
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #5 Piper, May 1, 2011
    I've always thought or airbags as the padding to keep the egg from breaking inside a rigid box. It's seems like false logic to me that the doors could be so strong that airbags would be unnecessary. On the contrary, I'd think the more rigid the structure, the more helpful, the more useful the airbag.

    Also, Chapter 301 safety standards set forth minimum requirements, minimum U.S. requirements. All they're saying is that they've complied with the recently updated minimum safety standards.

    All the talk of exotic alloys is fun to read. And this is indeed more info than I'd been able to find and I thank you for it, very much so. Unfortunately, there's nothing there to indicate that we're better than 3 star safety in any crash from any direction. Hopefully not worse. You don't really see worse than three star in NHTSA ratings. The cars wouldn't sell. Ferrari could get away with it and nobody would be the wiser, as long as they complied with minimum 301 requirements.

    The potential for fire is another area where I really wonder. I don't have the extinguisher in my car. Might think about it later. They look cool, but I've seen a few pictures of burned out 360's that make me think there's a pretty damned good reason to have it there.
     
  6. ELP_JC

    ELP_JC Formula 3

    Dec 13, 2008
    1,264
    #6 ELP_JC, May 1, 2011
    Last edited: May 1, 2011
    With no curtain OR side airbags, a cheapo Civic probably rates much better. The other problems are engine is right behind your back, front has nothing solid, and car is too low compared to most vehicles on the road, especially SUVs, so I think this car would rate low everywhere. If you want 5-star crash protection all around, you're in the wrong car :). But look at the bright side: you're much safer than in a motorcycle < ha ha>. Take care.
     

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