Filling a gap between the F430 and the V-12 powered Ferraris, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, gets more than 500 bhp and weighs less than the standard car. To combine low weight and stiffness, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia is available as a cope only.
Sounds a bit like the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera in concept? Well. so it is. Either a case of great minds think alike or customers of both marques wanting hotter cars.
510 bhp from 4.3-liter V-8
For the 430 Scuderia, Ferrari has increased output of the 4.3 liter V-8 from 480 bhp to 510 bhp at 8,500 rpm – the same speed as the standard engine. Improved breathing and remapping of the engine is enough to get this sort of power increase, which takes the specific output up to 121 bhp per liter. In addition, the compression ratio has been raised to 11.88:1 – very high.
Weight is also reduced with the aid of a carbon fiber air intake system.
Even faster shifts with F1 Superfast
As on the F430, the engine is coupled to Ferrari's F1-developed sequential six-speed gearbox, but this is an improved version, with new software, called F1 Superfast, which shifts gear in 60 milliseconds instead of 150 milliseconds. Shifts in the existing box were fast enough, but now they are lightning fast, and nearly as quick as on a Grand Prix car. The quicker shifts improve acceleration because less time is lost on each shift.
Integrated traction control and E-Diff
As the F1 Superfast shows, this is not just a souped up engine. In addition, there is now a new single integrated system combining traction control, the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control. Previously, there were separate systems. The integration speeds up operation and allows the controls to work more smoothly, while boosting acceleration out of corners by 40 per cent compared with conventional systems.
To reduce weight, the trim is pared back to the basics – as on earlier Ferraris – and the kerb (curb) weight is just 2,753 lb (1250 kg), giving a power-weight ratio of 408 bhp/tonne, joining the bunch of cars that rate at over the 400 mark.
The manettino featured on the F430 has been altered, with the replacement of the Ice control with a CT- control, which disables the traction control for more exciting motoring – mainly for the track. There is also an extra button on the center console to alter damper settings separately from the manettino.
Carbon ceramic brakes
As expected, carbon ceramic disc brakes are installed, with the discs 0.7 in (18 mm) larger in diameter than in the F430 - 380x34 mm with six-pot calipers at the front, and 350mmx34 mm with four-pot calipers at the rear.
Nor have the aerodynamics been forgotten. Ferrari has a new design of underbody with special splitters and diffusers which reduce both lift and drag – called Base Bleed and developed on the FXX.
Ferrari says that the 430 Scuderia weighs 220 lb (100 kg) less than the F430, which is a good weight reduction, helped by several carbon fiber parts, including seats. However, that is still 44 lb (20kg) more than the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, the car's main competitor, which is not that good considering the Lambo has four-wheel drive.
Altogether, an exciting addition to the Ferrari range, which will no doubt have fantastic driving entertainment, thanks to the combination of electronics and a superb power train. Incidentally, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia can lap Fiorano track at the same speed as the Enzo!
