NS:
although the 430 comes with a relative comfortable suspension setup, definitely useable for daily driving, the F430 is ranking among the ring experts. of course the Pirelli Corsas are mainly "responsible" for that...
at the limit the cars shows a light understeering tendency and finally load-cycle changes are no problem at all unlike shown on past models.
HHR:
unfortunately the 430 shows quite some roll under heavy breaking and cornering, seems like a concession to the softer setup, mainly springs/dampers. nevertheless the F430 is a really good handler at the track and Ferrari did a really good job - visible at the .12 time...
acc./braking:
due to the great engine/tranny/clutch and outstanding traction nothing more needs to be added, 4 sec flat to 100 is really good for a RWD but mainly the 12.6 to 200 is impressive. of course brakes with race technology are good for perfect results - 11.5m/sē in combination with the sport tires.
aerodynamics:
in the Ferrari wind tunnel the F430 generates 18/4 kg downforce at 200km/h as itīs equipped with a "treadmill" so the wheels are moving as well, the DC wind tunnel where SA tests the cars is not equipped with such a system so the results are worse with 11/6kg lift at front/rear - nevertheless the aerodynamic balance is overall very good.
max. lat.acc.:
with full tank the F430 weights 1493kg at a weight distribution of 41,9% front, 58,1% rear - just like on the 360, 360CS the F430 has relative wide rear tires but too narrow front ones ( 285 vs 225 ), as with wider front tires the handling is getting worse due to the more grip at the front axle, nevertheless the Corsa sport tires are good for 1.35g
36m slalom:
although the Corsa is in general a ultra direct tire the F430īs steering feel is not that sharp and direct, a positive thing - the car is not very nervous then - it requires quite some "work" behind the wheel as the narrow front tires are that good for precise and fast steering inputs, the F430 is very neurtal but also shows quite some roll...
110m evasion test:
the nasty load-cycle change behaviour from the past mid engine Ferraris is more or less history, Ferrari found a good compromise here, the limit is settled at a quite wide range, nevertheless itīs not as agile as one may be used to from a Ferrari.
wet handling:
with the el.aids even with sport tires the wet handling section is no problem , of course the more sporty drivers will turn everything off as it can be very annoying to be overruled all the time...
for any further questions donīt hes.2ask
Sport Auto Supertest: F430
Linear Mode
