The F430 signals the arrival of a brand new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari’s achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations.

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.

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 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) 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 debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004.

Overall length: 4512 mm 176.6 in

Overall width: 1923 mm 75.7 in

Height: 1214 mm 47.8 in

Wheelbase: 2600 mm 102.3 in

Front track: 1669 mm 65.7 in

Rear track: 1616 mm 63.6 in

Kerb weight: 1450 kg 3197 lb

Type: 90° V8

Bore/stroke: 92 mm x 81 mm 3.50 x 3.03 cu in

Unit displacement: 538.5 cc 32.86 cu in

Total displacement: 4,308 cc 262.89 cu in

Compression ratio: 11.3:1

Maximum power: 360.4 kW (490 CV*) at 8500 rpm

Maximum torque: 465 Nm (47.4 kgm or 343 lbft) at 5250 rpm

Specific horse power: 114 CV*/l

Maximum speed: >315 km/h > 196 mph

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.0 s