I am about to spec a new 430 spider and have a few questions/observations. -brakes - it appears from the brochure that although the stock brakes are the same size as the 360, they offer greater performance due to a new alloy with molybdenum. Is it then worth paying about $28k (in our country) for the ceramic option for the odd track day. It would probably be more cost effective to buy a Brembo 6 pot caliper with 380mm discs kit. Any comments? -racing seats - what sort of a weight saving are they over the standard non electric seats -challenge wheels - any advantages other than weight and look. What is the weight difference if any? -colours - are there new colours for exterior, leather , roof and carpet What is the norm for dealers to ask for order deposits on a new car in other countries?
Firstly your arent from South Africa are you? I have my mates 430 brochure in front of me, seems the racing seats do save, weight, no electric motors should mean some sort of weight saving, main adavantage would probably be lateral support, and look, IMHO the standard seats dont look great. Standard brakes are sufficient I reckon, most moderm Ferraris dont tend to suffer in the area unless subjected to serious track work in scortching temps. Brochure seems to be non specific in regard to colours... As for the deposit dont really have much idea..
Hi, I've talked to a 430 owner yesterday. He told me the steel brakes are more than sufficient. He said the ceramic brakes only would make sence (cost-related)when the car is used regulary on track. He did try the car out the car on the Francorchamps track and even after 5 laps no sign of fading. Jurgen
I know of two new colors. A gray and metallic blue. Sport seats are designed for track work and not comfort. On long drives you may wish you had standard or Daytona seats. However the weight difference I believe is close to 150pd per seat. Though ceramic brakes work great, the need for them in a Spider or coupe for that matter, is debatable. I can understand them in a Stradale type car but certainly not in a Spider. Most track will not allow a Spider without a roll cage. Additional, the performance of ceramic over standard brakes only begins to show itself after 300 braking functions during a track day. Where ceramic help is weight and unsprung weight especially if you opt for the challenge wheels. In my view, the standard wheels look much better than the challenge wheels on the 430.
But the ceramic, looks great haha! I think stock brakes are kind of small. I would get the brembo upgrade.
Here are 2 pics to consider. I have opted for the CC brakes after a lot a research and help from F Chat CS owners who have them. They are expensive though. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
If you are really concerned about weight and track performance, you should get a coupe. Racing seats would be inappropriate for a spyder. Likewise the CC brakes. It's not like Ferrari's steel brakes are crap. Get the challenge wheels if you like them well enough to pay the large premium. Personally, I like the new twin spoke design. The challenge wheels are holdovers from the 360. Dave
