IMAGE  CREDITS -Ferrari

                                               

(Source Ferrari Press )  The F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari’s extraordinary achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations directly derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters. Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel-mounted switch (better known to the Formula 1 Scuderia’s drivers as "manettino"), which manages the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics                                                            Specifications       Engine                                      V8       HP    490 bhp @ 8500 rpm       Displacement     4308 cc (263 cu in)       Torque    343 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm       Weight    3196 lbs (1450 kg)       Acceleration 0-62  mph        4 sec.                                                Top speed    >315 km/h > 196 mph       Driveline    Rear Wheel Drive       Price (approx)    Starting at $174,600 The other main characteristics of the new F430 are its light, compact 4,300 cc 90° V8 engine, which punches out 490 hp to achieve a specific output of 114 hp/litre, also providing the new Ferrari berlinetta with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.8 kg/hp (dry weight); a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs for optimal efficiency under extreme use (optional); a Formula 1-derived gearbox that cuts gear shifting times down to 150 milliseconds allowing the driver to make the very most of this truly high performance car (0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds flat, a top speed in excess of 196 mph) and an aerodynamic design that embodies the very latest competition technologies, specifically the flat underbody and large rear diffuser to increase downforce. The car will be officially presented during the Paris Motor show in September 2004