2009 Ferrari F430 Spider

Launched following the successful rollout of the F430 coupe, the Ferrari's F430 Spider is the highly desirable convertible variant of the exotic sports car.

The F430 range represents Ferrari's entry-level offering, following in the footsteps of the popular Ferrari 360, which was also offered in convertible form. The F430 Spider's powerful V8 provides an impressive 483 hp at 8500 rpm. Peak torque is 343 pound-feet at 5200 rpm, 80 percent of which is available below 3500 rpm.

The Spider's coupe sibling won much praise in the automotive press for its performance, handling, and overall quality. Reaction to the convertible has been similar, with "fun" points going to the Spider, despite its increased weight and decreased rigidity.

Some testers have managed a zero to 60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, making the F430 Ferrari's third quickest model ever, behind the Enzo/FXX and 599 Fiorano.

This mid-engine supercar goes head-to-head with Lamborghini's Gallardo Spyder, which is more powerful, but generally regarded as slightly less capable on track. The F430 uses a 4.3-liter V8, while the Gallardo uses a 5.0-liter V10.

The F430 is available with either the classic Ferrari open-gate manual gearbox or with the F1 paddle shift that Ferrari has continuously developed and refined over recent years.

Ferrari's F1 gearbox for the F430 has been tuned by engineers on the Gestione Sportiva racing side. It incorporates a new control strategy which improves gear change speed and smoothness under hard use. Changing gear takes just 150 milliseconds.

The F430 includes the E-Diff computer-controlled limited slip differential, large Brembo brakes, Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT tires, and F1-inspired "launch control" technology (Europe only).

Vehicle

• EPA Classification
  Two seater
• 
  

Engine

• Engine Type
  Gas V8
• Displacement
  4.3L/263
• Fuel System
  MPFI
• SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
  490 @ 8500
• SAE Net Torque @ RPM
  342 @ 5250
• 
  

Transmission

• Drivetrain
  Rear Wheel Drive
• Trans Type
  6
• Trans Description Cont.
  Manual
• First Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Second Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Third Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Reverse Ratio (:1)
  - TBD -
• Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)
  4.30
• 
  

Mileage

• EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)
  11
• EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)
  16
• 
  

Electrical

• Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
  - TBD -
• Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Cooling System

• Total Cooling System Capacity (qts)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Weight Information

• Base Curb Weight (lbs)
  3351
• 
  

Trailering

• Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)
  - TBD -
• Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Suspension

• Suspension Type - Front
  Fully Independent
• Suspension Type - Rear
  Fully Independent
• Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
  Wishbone
• Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
  Wishbone
• Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm)
  - TBD -
• Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm)
  - TBD -
• Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in)
  - TBD -
• Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Brakes

• Brake Type
  Pwr
• Brake ABS System
  4-wheel
• Disc - Front (Yes or )
  Yes
• Disc - Rear (Yes or )
  Yes
• Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)
  14.2 x 1.3
• Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)
  13.8 x 1.3
• 
  

Tires

• Front Tire Size
  P225/35ZR19
• Rear Tire Size
  P285/35ZR19
• Spare Tire Size
  - TBD -
• 
  

Wheels

• Front Wheel Size (in)
  19 x - TBD -
• Rear Wheel Size (in)
  19 x - TBD -
• Spare Wheel Size (in)
  Compact
• Front Wheel Material
  Aluminum
• Rear Wheel Material
  Aluminum
• Spare Wheel Material
  Steel
• 
  

Steering

• Steering Type
  Pwr Rack & Pinion
• Steering Ratio (:1), Overall
  - TBD -
• Lock to Lock Turns (Steering)
  - TBD -
• Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)
  18.0
• Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Fuel Tank

• Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)
  25.1
• 
  

Exterior Dimensions

• Wheelbase (in)
  102.4
• Length, Overall (in)
  177.6
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)
  75.7
• Height, Overall (in)
  48.6
• Track Width, Front (in)
  65.7
• Track Width, Rear (in)
  63.6
• Min Ground Clearance (in)
  - TBD -
• Liftover Height (in)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Cargo Area Dimensions

• Trunk Volume (ft³)
  8.8
• 
  

Interior Dimensions

• Passenger Capacity
  2
• Passenger Volume (ft³)
  52.0
• Front Head Room (in)
  37.8
• Front Leg Room (in)
  46.0
• Front Shoulder Room (in)
  - TBD -
• Front Hip Room (in)
  - TBD -
• 
  

Summary

• Vehicle Name
  F430 Spider
• Body Style
  2dr Convertible