The Ferrari 430 Scuderia: the Fastest, Greenest Ferrari to Star at Melbourne Motor Show

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia: the Fastest, Greenest Ferrari to Star at Melbourne Motor Show

- 1 -

THE FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA: THE FASTEST, GREENEST FERRARI TO STAR AT MELBOURNE MOTOR SHOW

Ferrari will display a unique performance car at the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show (29 February 2008), a car that is both the fastest ever production Ferrari and the one with lowest ever fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions: The Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

“The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is the epitome of everything that makes Ferrari the finest producer of super cars and racing machines,” says Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari in Australia and New Zealand. “It is car that is supremely fast, both in a straight line and around corners, one that has been honed to perfection by a seven time World Champion, this is a given, of course, for a Ferrari. But, at the same time, Ferrari has used its gifted and unique automotive design expertise to make this car also uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions that any other Ferrari. This fusion of performance and environmental performance could only come from Ferrari and provides clear evidence of Ferrari’s plans to cut emissions by 40 per cent without blunting its unique performance credentials.”

Much more than a new version of the Ferrari F430 – already a supercar benchmark in its own right – the V8-engined 430 Scuderia takes all the latest technology from Ferrari’s Formula One and road cars to produce a new model that is much more than just faster. It is as quick around the Ferrari Fiorano test track, a microcosm of all the most difficult and testing Formula One tracks in the world, asthe Ferrari Enzo – the V12-powered car that was the epitome of technology transfer from race track to road.

The 430 Scuderia crushes the benchmark 0-100 kmh acceleration test 3.6 seconds, blasts to 200 kmh in 11.6 seconds and dispatches the standing kilometer in 20.9 seconds en route to a top speed in excess of 320 kmh.

But straight-line performance is only part of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia story.

Thanks to the latest technology, including sophisticated aerodynamics, F1-SuperFast2 gearbox and E-Diff coupled with thesophisticated F1-Trac traction control system, the 430 Scuderia dispatches corners as well as it eliminates the straights.

This combination of brutal performance and exceptional grip has been blended into a new standard for handling by a unique Ferrari test driver – MichaelSchumacher.

The seven time world champion, the most successful and accomplished Formula One driver of all time, has spent hours on the test track and on normal roads, honing and refining the 430 Scuderia so that it is not only exceptionally fast, it is also highly capable and will enhance every driver’s capabilities so that they fully utilize the 430 Scuderia’s performance without any risk of being caught out by any unwanted or unexpected chassis characteristics.

In short, Schumacher has taken 430 Scuderia beyond every limit in speed, corning loads and speed/load transition to ensure that this new Ferrari can deliver an unparalled driving experience for those lucky enough to own this unique performance car.

Of course, Ferrari is the only car maker that can provide its customers with a car personally developed by the world’s greatest Formula One driver.

Lighter, Faster and Cleaner

Just how extraordinary this new Ferrari is, can be seen by fourexamples of data: Despite the performance leap, the 430 Scuderia has a better Carbon Dioxide figure and a lower official fuel consumption figure than the standard Ferrari 430, exemplifying the skill of Ferrari’s designers and engineers in their ability to produce a car that is quicker AND cleaner. Downforce is 30 kg up on the normal 430, but with NO increase in drag, a testament to the skills of the Ferrari’s engineers in the wind tunnel. At the same time, the Ferrari Enzo matching performance does not come at a Ferrari Enzo price, with the recommended retail priceexpected to half that of the Enzo.

The anticipation for this new Ferrari in Australia and New Zealand has been intense.

From the moment that Luca di Montezemolo, the President of Ferrari, hinted at last year’s Geneva International Motor Show that a new Ferrari would appear before the end of the year, there has been a steady stream of people from Australia and New Zealand wishing to own the 430 Scuderia, to the point where nearly 80 people are already in line to own this, the ultimate Ferrari.

However, with deliveries to Australia and New Zealand not due to start until mid-2008 and numbers limited by intense worldwide demand, the Melbourne International Motor Show will be, for the vast majority of people, the only opportunity to see the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

Key changes to produce the Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Aerodynamic

  • Deeper, reshaped front bumper
  • Deeper, reshaped side skirts
  • Changed rear deck shape with raised leading edge
  • Larger defuser, extra vanes
  • Re-routed exhaust pipes to allow greater airflow through rear defuser
  • Total down force now 310 kg at 200 kmh, up 30 kg with no increase in drag.

Weight

  • The bumpers and sills are made of a new material, RTM, that is light and cost effective
  • The glass rear window is replaced by Lexan
  • Door mirrors in carbon fibre
  • Door panels in carbon fibre.
  • Lightweight flooring
  • Simplified audio system
  • Alcantara interior trim saves weight
  • Racing style light weight seats, but still fully adjustable
  • Weight down from 1450 kg to 1350 kg

New Technology

  • E-diff is fully integrated with the electronic stability control system for the first time
  • Traction control and electronic stability system now separated for driver selection
  • Electronic stability control system and suspension now separated for driver selection
  • Gearchange time is cut by F1-SuperFast2 to 60 milliseconds, compared to 100 milliseconds for the 599 and 150 ms in Enzo.
  • New Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyre that lifts rear grip by 11 per cent and front grip by 20 per cent
  • New 398 mm carbo-ceramic brake discs and brake calipers (18 mm bigger than F430)
  • Lighter titanium springs, new ZF dampers, 30 per cent stiffer suspension.

Engine Changes

  • Compression ratio lifted from 11.3:1 to 11.88:1
  • New Carbon fibre airbox
  • New light weight exhaust
  • New ignition system and engine management programmes
  • Power up from 360.3 kW to 375.4 kW
  • Torque up from 465 Nm to 470 Nm with a lower, flatter curve

Environmental

  • Fuel Consumption: Combined figure down from 18.3 l/100 km to 15.7 l/100 km
  • CO2: Down from 420 g/km to 360 g/km

THE FERRARIRANGE

THE FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the latest in a long line classic V12 supercars on which the legendary Italian car maker has built its unique reputation, from the 1953 250MM, through the 1968 365 GTB4 ‘Daytona’ to the 575M Maranello.

Drawing on technology from both its road and Formula One cars, Ferrari has produced the ultimate sports car that combines shattering performance – 0-100 kmh in 3.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 330 kmh – with comfort, luxury and exclusivity. It is a car that is equally capable of easing its way through the toughest urban traffic conditions, cocooning its occupants in comfort, as it is hammering around the Ferrari test track, after which it is named, at speeds that place it on a par with dedicated racing cars.

The styling of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an effortless blend of beauty that lingers in the mind long after the 599 has disappeared over the horizon and the aerodynamic expertise that would be expected of the most successful company ever to participate in Formula One. For example, there is no crude wing across the back of the 599 to provide downforce, rather two graceful ‘flying buttresses’ parallel the C-pillar. These don’t just provide a visual lightness to the rear three quarter of the car; they also provide more than 100 kg of downforce and add to the excellent directional stability of the 599.

Power is nothing without control and the Ferrari has an exceptional chassis that is absolutely at the cutting edge of technology, from the F1-Trac electronic chassis control system to the SCM Magnetorheological Suspension that can instantly change the response of the suspension to meet different road and driving conditions. The standard brakes offer exceptional stopping ability, the optional Carbon Ceramic brakes offer epic performance that is usually only available on racing cars.

THE FERRARI F430

The link between motorsport and road cars can often seem tenuous at best, but when it comes to creating the ultimate road car, the all-new Ferrari F430, there is no doubt about the link between Ferrari’s World Championship winning race cars and the design, development, testing and production of the F430.

The research and development for the F430 was done by the same people who search for ways to make Ferrari Formula One cars faster; technology developed for the Formula One cars has found a new home in the F430; the shape of the F430 was honed in the same wind tunnel as the F1 cars use and not only was the new car tested on the same Ferrari test track as the Formula One cars, the finer points of handling and road holding were honed to perfection by the world’s most successful racing driver, Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher.

And, of course, the Ferrari F430 is produced in the same factory at Maranello in Italy as, Ferrari’s Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the comment has been made that for everyone but a Formula One driver, the Ferrari F430 represents the closest anyone will get to the experience of driving a Formula One Car.

But this does not mean that the Ferrari F430 is as difficult to drive as a Formula One car or as inhospitable when it comes to creature comforts. This is a remarkably easy to use, practical supercar that offers real comfort in day to day use.

If there was one piece of technology that best demonstrates the link between Formula One and the F430 it is the electronic differential (E-Diff), initially developed by Ferrari for it’s F1 single-seaters and designed to make to make the most of the engine’s torque to optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (better known to the Scuderia’s drivers as manettino) which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.

The F430’s light, compact 4,308 cc engine is completely new. Needless to say, its performance is outstanding, with a 0-100 time of 4.00 seconds and a top speed in excess of 315 kmh.

The F430’s aerodynamics are also highly innovative for a road car: its shape has been honed to generate special flows to increase downforce and improve cooling.

THE FERRARI F430 SPIDER

The F430 Spider joins the F430 as the latest addition to the new generation of Ferrari V8-engined sports cars. The Spider boasts all of the F430’s stunning technology, itself the product of a close working relationship with Ferrari’s Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division.

The Ferrari F430 has a top speed of 306 kmh and accelerates to 100 kmh in just 4.1 seconds.

The F430 Spider’s all aluminium bodywork has also been carefully strengthened as has its chassis to guarantee both safety and the structural rigidity demanded by a car as high performance as this.

The chassis of the F430 Spider fully exploits cutting-edge aluminium technology that allows considerable structural stiffness, excellent driver and passenger protection with minimal weight.

To offset the loss of the roof, the Spider’s chassis has been significantly reinforced. The sill members have been strengthened with extremely light, rigid aluminium foam inserts where they connect to the rear B-pillar chassis members.

Similarly, at the front the sill members are strengthened by a robust connection with the A-pillars which include the Ferrari-patented integral door mounting points and the base of the windscreen surround.

The reinforced door structure, inner wheel arches and chassis, the positioning of the collapsible arm rest and a more enveloping seat shape provide excellent protection, as emerged from the very high scores achieved in side impact tests.

Two very robust steel roll-bars are integrated into the windshield structure to guarantee maximum occupant protection. The electric hood is fully automatic and fold away under its own flush-fitting tonneau cover, allowing Ferrari’s engineers to carefully hone the aerodynamics of the car with the hood down.

THE FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI

The Ferrari F612 Scaglietti is the product of an avant-garde design that continues Ferrari’s long and honourable tradition in 2 + 2 sector.

Although designed by Pininfarina, the new model is named after the great Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese coachbuilder and stylist who penned some of the most beautiful Ferrari’s ever, during the 1950s and 60s.

The 612 Scaglietti epitomises Ferrari’s talent for innovation and design, perfectly melding a cabin capable of accommodating four occupants in comfort with the beautifully balanced body of nimble, sporty front-engined rear-wheel drive berlinetta, to offer unprecedented onboard comfort.

But make no mistake about it: the 612 Scaglietti isn’t just another 2 + 2. It’s more a two-door four-seater that never feels anything less than comfortable and roomy no matter what the driver conditions.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by a 65 degree V12 engine that displaces 5,748 cc. it punches out 540 hp at 7250 rpm, a full 98 hp more than the 5,474 cc engine mounted in the 456M. This provides it with a top speed of 320 kmh and a zero to 100 kmh time of 4.2 seconds.

Various modifications have been made to optimise the engine’s performance and fluid-dynamics and make it perform even more stunningly than it first did in the 575M Maranello.

The 612 Scaglietti offers new more direct air intake tracts with separate ducts peer cylinder bank from the radiator grille opening on the front bumper, new exhaust system geometries and volumes to cut backpressure, a higher compression ratio (11.2:1), and inlet tracks and exhaust porting with improved fluid dynamic characteristics.

The 612 Scaglietti also boasts a Bosch Motronic ME7 CPU and careful work on its dynamic handling means that it responds exceptionally quickly and smoothly, making it easier to control in all kinds of conditions.

The 612 Scaglietti boasts a wonderfully sophisticated sporty interior that reflects its all aluminium structure and advanced technologies. The pressed or solid aluminium used to trim the interior has been cleverly turned into a decorative element too.

The handcrafted leather, used to upholster the seats and in the interior trim, gives the cabin a sporty, exclusive ambience as well as making life aboard extremely pleasant indeed. The interior accessories include dualzone climate control system, sound system (radio with CD player and six channel digital unit developed especially by Bose for the 612 Scaglietti), a dusk sensor that automatically switches on the lights, a rain sensor that activates the windshield wipers, and an antitheft system with volumetric features.

The 612 Scaglietti’s boot is bigger too: 240 litres as opposed to the 465M’s 190 and the spare tyre cubby hole can even be used for extra luggage if necessary.

FERRARI IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

European Automotive Imports, the Sydney-based importer of Ferrari into Australia and New Zealand took over responsibility for the distribution of Ferrari in 2005 with the twin commitments of lifting the availability of Ferrari products to Australian and New Zealand customers and taking customer service to a new level.

In 2006, EAI’s first full year with Ferrari, sales stood at 101 in Australia and, despite unprecedented worldwide demand restricting sales, EAI lifted Australian deliveries in 2007 to 145 vehicles. These delivers were made through five Ferrari dealerships in Australia and one in New Zealand.

Customer service improvements have seen a revitalization of the Australian Ferrari network, with new dealerships opening Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the refurbishment of facilities in Adelaide, Perth and Auckland. In 2008 Zagame Ferrari will open an all-new dealership in Melbourne that will be a true world-class facility and provide Victorian Ferrari owners with a level of customer service that truly matches the qualities of the world’s greatest super car.

EAI has also lifted the presence and awareness of Ferrari in Australia and New Zealand, providing one of the absolute highlights of Ferrari’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations in 2007. As if two of the largest parades of road going Ferraris, one weaving its way through Melbourne and another across the SydneyHarbourBridgewere not enough, EAI also organized a unique Formula One experience, with Marc Gene demonstrating the Ferrari Formula One car on the streets of Melbourne. At the same time, a unique display of modern and classic Ferraris filled the Atrium at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.