2005 Ferrari F430 Spider

Ferrari’s new F430 Spider includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car’s F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia’s all-conquering F1 cars – which improves traction and road holding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia’s drivers as the ‘manettino’, which allows the car’s set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.

Formula 1 is again the inspiration for the development of Ferrari’s road cars. Designed by Pininfarina, the F430 Spider’s sinuous lines, in fact, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programme usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.

The F430 Spider’s shape is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced nolder which is integrated into the end of the engine cover, new bigger rear air intakes that emphasize the car’s muscular stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser of competition derivation. The engine itself is attractively set below a glass cover.

Just like the berlinetta, the new Spider incorporates two elliptical air intakes that feed the front radiators. The shape of the intakes is inspired by Ferrari’s racing cars from the 1961 season, especially the 156 F1 which Phil Hill drove to that year’s F1 Championship title. The spoiler that joins the two intakes at their bottom edge is highly effective in directing the central air flow towards the flat underbody. ...Ferrari F430 Spider: Page 2