|
|
2005 Ferrari F430 hails the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari V8-engined berlinettas. Every inch of the car was inspired by the engineering research carried out at Ferrari's Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division. The result is a highly innovative design characterised by cutting-edge technologies perfected for use on a road-going car. Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine's torque to
optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (better known to the Scuderia's drivers as the manettino) which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.
Interior and Carrozzeria Scaglietti Interior: The F430's interior has been redesigned for improved driver ergonomics. The instruments are
housed in a new binnacle, and this design, together with the layout of the dashboard, underlines the care that has gone into grouping all the major controls in front of the driver within easy reach. In the driver's
direct line of sight are the rev counter, which features new graphics with a choice of either a red or yellow background and a new metal surround, the digital readout of the gear ratio selected (F1 version) and a
multi-function display. Carrozzeria Scaglietti: The Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme is Ferrari's way of ensuring
that its relationship with each of its clients is absolutely unique. The programme offers F430 owners a range of racing and styling features and personalised finishes so wide that the possible combinations are virtually
limitless. A total of 16 bodywork colours, 12 leather colours and eight colours for the mats are available. Owners can also choose between carbon and aluminium dashboard inserts too and whether they want a
yellow or red background for the rev counter. The Programme offers virtually endless freedom when it comes to creating your very own bespoke car.
New Engine and Technical Specification A brand-new engine: The F430 is powered by a new 90° V8 featuring Ferrari's traditionally uncompromising
design approach with a flat-plane crank (180° between throws). This is an all-new unit that does not share any components with the 360 Modena's engine. The improvement in terms of performance, weight and
reduction of overall dimensions is the result of applying Ferrari's wealth of F1 experience to its road cars.
Transmission and E-DIFF - the electronic differential Transmission and F1 gearbox: The F430 features a new cast aluminium transmission casing that houses
the gearbox in unit with the electronic differential and bevel type final drive, as well as the engine oil tank. The 6-speed gearbox incorporates multicone synchronizers, while both the 6th gear and the final drive have
been lengthened to make the most of the greater power and torque of the new engine. |
|
|
The E-Diff is now standard equipment on the F430 - the first time that a production car has been equipped with such a sophisticated system for high-performance roadholding. On the track, the E-Diff guarantees
maximum grip out of bends, eliminating wheel spin. On the road it is a formidable technological refinement that improves roadholding. This system is available both on the F1-paddle shift version as well as on the manual gearbox
model and consists of three main subsystems: The manettino and Vehicle set-up
The manettino and vehicle set-up. Just like in Formula 1, the F430 driver can change various areas of the set-up of his car using a single selector set on the steering wheel. The manettino, as it is called by Scuderia Ferrari drivers, is a commutator switch that has been adopted directly from racing, where the driver's total commitment to driving requires maximum efficiency and speed in controlling the car's various functions. This switch quickly and simply controls the electronics governing suspension settings, the CST stability and traction control, E-Diff and the change speed of the F1 transmission, as well as the integration between each of these individual functions. The manettino is set on the steering wheel and is an example of the rationalisation studies that went into positioning all the controls inside the car. The manettino enables car settings to be changed to suit the personal preferences of the driver, road surface conditions and available grip. The settings available to the driver have been concentrated in five different strategies. These, in ascending order according the level of performance, are: ICE: performance is significantly restricted (maximum intervention by the stability and traction control) for
maximum stability - indispensable for driving in very slippery conditions (snow or ice). The car reacts smoothly to driving inputs. The automatic gear-changing mode is selected which prevents gear changes at
high revs and reduces the possibility of the rear wheels locking up on downchanges, even on ice.
Chassis Technology and Aerodynamics State-of-the-art chassis technology: The chassis of the F430 fully exploits aluminium construction
technology. Just like 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 the American company, 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. Improved aerodynamics: Traditionally, Ferrari has clothed its mechanical package in forms that are
dictated by the need for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. In the case of the F430, this principle has been developed to the extreme, employing exactly the same engineering approach to computer development
models and wind tunnel testing as used by the F1 team. In this way, Ferrari's engineers have been able to modulate the air flow both around the car, as well as under it, to perfection. The nolder on the trailing edge of the engine cover works in conjunction with the new diffuser between the
rear wheels. The latter features similar fences (deflectors) to those used on Ferrari's single-seaters, and increases the speed of air flow under the tail of the car creating an area of depression and ground effect
that pulls the car down. In this conformation, the underbody actively helps increase downforce to a maximum of 150 kg over the rear axle. The resulting combination of stability, road holding and traction give the driver
impressive feedback when accelerating out of a bend, and breakaway characteristics on the limit are even more progressive and controlled even at high speeds. Aerodynamic development also had a part in extracting
the maximum performance from the new 4.3-litre V8. The two intakes for the engine are positioned over the driven wheels in an area of high flow pressure, thus guaranteeing a greater volume of air to the intake manifold.
|
|
|