Ferrari F430 Spider/Coupe F1 2007
January 1, 2007
Ever since the generously mustachioed Thomas Magnum cruised around Hawaii in a red 308, the mid-engine V-8 wedge has been the staple of the Ferrari fleet. That’s not likely to change with the F430 coupe and Spider. Although it is based on the aluminum-intensive 360 Modena, the F430 has different bodywork, larger-displacement, a more powerful V-8 (490 hp from 4.3 liters), and a host of electronics upgrades that made it an essentially all-new car when it debuted more than a year ago. Those electronics include a trick electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and the steering-wheel-mounted manettino switch. The manettino controls the car’s traction control, electronic differential, automated manual transmission and adjustable suspension. Crank the switch to the appropriate setting (race, sport, wet weather, etc.) and the car is automatically set up to deal with those conditions. Choose the coupe or the convertible, traditional manual or automated paddle-shift manual—it doesn’t make much difference. It’s a brilliant, if not conventionally beautiful, car.
PRICE: $209,222 (Spider); $185,545 (Coupe F1)
ENGINE: 4.3-liter V-8
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automated manual or 6-speed manual
POWER: 490 hp at 8,500 rpm
TORQUE: 343 ft lbs at 5,250 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,351 pounds (Spider); 3,196 pounds (Coupe F1)
0-60 MPH: 3.9 seconds (Spider); 3.8 seconds (Coupe F1)
TOP SPEED: over 193 mph (Spider); over 196 mph (Coupe F1)
PROS: Brilliant performer
CONS: Hang on, we’re thinking
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