The launch of the 997-series Porsche 911 cabriolet may be imminent, but Maranello won’t allow Züffenhausen to steal the limelight for long and will launch the Spider version of its handsome F430 at next month’s Geneva Show.
The launch of the 997-series Porsche 911 cabriolet may be imminent, but Maranello won’t allow Züffenhausen to steal the limelight for long and will launch the Spider version of its handsome F430 at next month’s Geneva Show.
Penned by Pininfarina, the F430 Spider shares its 360 kW 4,3-litre V8 with its berlinetta sibling, but its contours were said to have been fine-tuned using computer aerodynamics simulation software usually employed exclusively by the Scuderia’s F1 team. The new model has bigger rear air intakes that emphasise the car’s stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser.
Instead of a tin top, the F430 Spider has a fully automatic electric hood “that allows the engine to be seen in all its glory at all times and which, once lowered, takes up relatively little space, despite the central-rear engine layout,” Ferrari claims.
Under the (glass) bonnet, the Spyder has an electronic differential – which is claimed to improve the Prancing Horse’s traction and roadholding. The model also has a steering wheel-mounted switch (better known to Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello as “manettino”) that manages the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.
The F430 Spider’s powerplant produces a maximum of 465 N.m at 5 250 r/min is will reportedly propel the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,1 seconds and a top speed of over 310 km/h. a specific output of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 3,9 kg per kilowatt (dry weight).