WebRidesTV.com met with Toscan Bennet, Public Relations director of Ferrari in North America. He introduced us to the powerful and sleek F430, as well as the “Challenge Series” race. The F430 is available from Ferrari dealers ready for the track, featuring sport seats, carbon fiber panels to reduce weight, and wide rims and tires. The engine is a 4.3L V8, 479 HP monster that can exceed 200mph top speed, and does 0-60mph in about 4.5 seconds. Featured in classic Ferrari red, the F430 itself is as gorgeous as it is powerful, with low slung and sweeping body lines. The coupe is outfitted with everything for the track except a roll cage. The new F430 is the successor to the earlier Ferrari 360, and shares many of the same design elements in its chassis. The body itself was redesigned, and as a result downforce has been greatly enhanced. A great deal of Ferrari heritage is found in the car: at the rear, the Enzo's tail lights and interior vents have been added. The car's name has been etched into the Testarossa-styled driver's side mirror. The large oval openings in the front bumper are reminiscent of Ferrari racing models from the 60s, specifically the 156 "sharknose" Formula One car and 250 TR61 Le Mans cars of Phil Hill. The F430 includes the E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip differential which can vary the distribution of torque based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration.
Other notable features include the first application of Ferrari's Manettino steering wheel-mounted control knob. Drivers can select from five different settings which modify the vehicle's ESP system, "Skyhook" electronic suspension, transmission behavior, throttle response, and E-Diff. The feature is similar to Land Rover's "Terrain Response" system. The Ferrari F430 was also released with exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT “run flat” tires.
Mr. Bennet touted that the owners of the F430 could drive to the track and enter in the “longest amateur gentlemen’s racing series race in North America”. The “Challenge Series”, entering its 14th year in the US, draws Ferrari owners to race against each other across the country in 6 weekend events. Let’s hope they’re insured.
