Michael Schumacher didn’t just drive the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The seven-time world champion honed it to Formula 1 excellence, adjusting gear-change timing, traction, suspension, stability.
So, the 510-horsepower limited-edition supercar from the land of the Prancing Horse is directly connected to the racetrack, where it is as comfortable as it is on the freeway or a street in Scottsdale. Hence, the name that echoes that of Ferrari’s Formula 1 team: Scuderia Ferrari.
Schumacher tested the V8-equipped mid-engine at Nürburgring, the great German track that sounds Wagnerian, mythic, a place for the gods. For sure, this car, with its extraordinary weight/power ratio, will take you as close to performance-car Valhalla as you can get to in this world. After all, with the Schumacher’s refinements in place, the 430 Scuderia matched the lap time of the legendary 12-cylinder Enzo at the Fiorano test track near Maranello. Not bad equaling the racetrack performance of the legendary car named for the legend.
This 430 Scuderia is based on the original F430, first produced in 2005 and still available as a 485-horsepower addition to the stable: a fine motorcar, for sure. But this, the latest of the Ferrari berlinettas, is lighter (just 2,775 pounds), more powerful, handles better, has better aerodynamics, and includes upgraded carbon-fiber braking, an advanced manettino that gives the driver precision control over the vehicle and an upgraded gearbox.
In power and stability, the 430 Scuderia clearly demonstrates the 20-year progression of berlinettas from the 348 GTB through the 360 Modena F1 to today’s version. “This car follows the tradition of the 360 Challenge Stradale; it is basically a race car that can be driven on the street,” says Gary Simon, Ferrari sales manager at Scottsdale Ferrari, 6825 E. McDowell Road in Scottsdale. That car debuted in 2003 following the arrival the previous year of the Enzo. “The 60-millisecond gearbox changes are the fastest yet for a street car,” he explains. How fast? “About the same speed F1 cars were doing three years ago.”
Power: Potenza
The 430 Scuderia, then, bridges two performance worlds and is a perfect acquisition for the Ferrari driver who wants that level of precision and response suitable for the track. The engine is an improved 263-cubic-inch 90-degree V8 engine in the F430 with a higher compression ratio of 11:88. At 5250 rpm, it maxes torque at 346.67 pound/feet (an increase of 10 percent) and revs to 8640 rpm with a limiter. Remarkably, 80 percent of maximum torque is available at 3000 rpm. The car rips from stop to 62 mph in less than 3.6 seconds and 124 mph in 11.6 seconds. It tops out at 198 mph but, pushed, smart money is on this car to reach the Big 2.
Technology, honing and weight reduction enhance performance. Throughout the car, carbon fiber is used on a variety of components. In the U. S., the Carbon Fiber Package is mandatory. Further reductions result from updates such as titanium suspension springs and wheel nuts as well as hollow front and rear anti-roll bars, lighter shock absorbers, less noise insulation, lighter materials on the bumpers and rear diffuser and Lexan on the rear window. In addition, the car is about 15 mm lower than the original F430, further improving performance and handling.
In addition, the intake manifold has been micro-peened to improve efficiency, and a processing unit tracks each cylinder to ensure optimum performance. Even the signature Ferrari sound is improved by way of virtual simulators on the air intake, exhaust and sound-proofing functions. Put your foot down on the pedal, and this engine is a symphony.
Fast and Superfast2
The F1-Superfast2 six-forward-speed-gearbox uses a software management system to allow gears to be disengaged/engaged simultaneously with the clutch opening and closing. These operations are usually done sequentially. As a result, with the 430 Scuderia you are guaranteed racetrack-quick shifts.
Adding to the performance is the E-Diff electronically controlled differential unit, which intelligently distributes torque to the wheels — all in accordance with driving conditions and in concert with the car’s other functions such as the electronic suspension system and the F1-Trac.
This last, a traction control system, estimates the maximum levels of traction available and adjusts the delivery of engine torque. This essentially allows even the street driver to push the car to his/her limit, providing maximum propulsion coming out of curves, stability and ease in extreme driving conditions and total driver comfort.
Ferrari says that together, the E-Diff and F1-Trac provide a 40 percent increase in acceleration when exiting corners, providing you with near-professional driving performances as well as a comfortable 15 percent reduction in vibrations that result from racetrack-like conditions.
The racing manettino dial provides for optimum driving at a variety of environmental and skill levels. The driver simply switches between the settings. “Sport” is for everyday road use. “Race” delivers maximum performance for the racetracks. “CT” turns off the traction control system while maintaining sufficient safety level. “CST” also turns off the stability control, maximizing driver control. The car’s damping control also assists on uneven surfaces, such as the Nürburgring track. This is the “all-out” level for those who want to take the car to the limits.
Stopping, Carving, Personalizing
The carbon-ceramic braking system includes 15.6×1.4-inch front aluminum calipers and 13.7×1.3-inch rear discs, also with aluminum calipers. The brake pedal has been optimized to eliminate vibrations, even at the most extreme driving conditions. In addition, the braking system has been completely integrated with the ABS and the CST system to further enhance the driving experience through all conditions.
Aerodynamically, the car pulls ahead of the 430 as well, increasing downforce while maintaining the same drag coefficient. A new rear diffuser, more aerodynamically designed bumpers, a new chin spoiler, stylish gray air ducts and new lower sills also add to this carved efficiency.
Of course, even with the uniqueness of the vehicle itself, you may want to personalize the 430 Scuderia through Ferrari’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti program, which allows you to further reduce weight through carbon-fiber components, upgraded interior appointments and other custom accessories. And, if you really want to take this race-level car to the track, the Corso Pilota program allows you to do just that. For U.S. buyers, the courses are held at Mont-Tremblant, Canada.
The 430 Scuderia will be available this summer in Scottsdale — if you can catch it. Base price is $262,306. “Test driven by a champion, the 430 Scuderia will exceed all of your expectations,” Simon explains. “Take it to the track, and it will perform. Take it on the highway, it will perform. Take it to a Saturday night social event, with lots of eyes; it will perform.”
Scottsdale Ferrari, 480.421.3841, www.scottsdaleferrari.com
