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Post #1 Thu, Sep 6, 8:41 AM

jumpman23
Senior Member - 370

Italian Stallions

It's of little surprise given the nature of the F430 Scuderia that there are a few more ponies in the paddock. Peak power from this quad-cam 4.3-liter V8 rises from 483 horsepower to 503 hp at 8,500 rpm, an increase that has much to do with a revised intake system made from carbon fiber, new pistons that deliver a taller compression ratio (11.75:1 instead of 11.3:1) and a lightweight, free-flowing exhaust system.

The V8's torque curve is also a beneficiary of these changes, and a quick peek at Corradi's internal Ferrari engineering document reveals that it is substantially fattened up between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, then peaks slightly higher than the F430 at 347 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm and keeps its advantage all the way to the tachometer's 8,600-rpm redline.

Another important engine enhancement relates to the engine's electronics. An ion-sensing knock detection system that's integrated with the spark plug in every cylinder can track the early onset of detonation, so the engine can run with the maximum amount of ignition advance. As a result, the engine can take better advantage of its taller compression ratio for improved power output.

Already you can sense what a full-on project the Scuderia has been, but there's more. The F1's automated sequential manual transmission with its shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel has been upgraded. The time it takes to nip between ratios has been cut from 150 milliseconds to just 60 providing you have at least 5,000 rpm on the tach and the throttle pressed more than halfway down (which, let's face it, will probably be most of the time). For comparison, the Enzo-evolution FXX bangs through its shifts in 80 milliseconds, while Ferrari's F1 cars have got it down to between 30 and 40 milliseconds.

Putting the Power on the Ground
As in the F430, the small manettino dial on the leather-trimmed, carbon-fiber steering wheel still allows you to alter the parameters of the F1-Trac stability control system (it also has a bearing on the engine management and the E-diff electronic differential), but it now offers a greater range of adjustment. An additional setting after Race mode allows you to turn off the traction control independently of the stability control, putting you on the verge of gizmo-free motoring.

The E-diff has become more sophisticated, too. It's now linked with the F1-Trac stability control, and there's also direct communication with the management controls for the engine and gearbox, so the Scuderia's whole vehicle dynamics package operates as a single entity. According to Corradi, the Scuderia has "about 40 percent better traction out of corners than the F430." He adds, "Through the esses near the bridge at Fiorano, it is now possible to go through without lifting and in the F430 you definitely have to lift."

Look at the front carbon-ceramic brake discs with six-piston calipers for evidence of the F430 Scuderia's ability to expand the envelope of speed. The front rotors now measure 15.7 inches in diameter (compared to the 15.0-inch rotors of the standard F430) and they barely fit within the 19-inch wheels.

Boots on the Ground
The F430 Scuderia looks like it has a firmer grip on the road thanks to snappy air vents just ahead of the front wheel arches that feature an airflow-taming strake. The front fenders are marginally broader to accommodate wheels that have grown 0.4 inch (10mm) in width. Corradi notes that the wider front rims not only deliver better road holding but also "make the front end more responsive."

These lightweight, forged-alloy wheels will be available in black, white and gold, as well as the gunmetal gray featured on this car, and carry Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires specifically tailored to the F430 Scuderia 235/35ZR19s in front and 285/35ZR19s in the rear.

Ferrari's Corradi asserts that the Scuderia's chassis is "very well balanced." Titanium springs (technology originally introduced by the lowly 2001 VW Lupo FSI) drop the ride height 0.6 inch and also reduce unsprung weight. The Scuderia enjoys the same weight distribution as the F430: 43 percent front/57 percent rear.

Flying on the Ground
The Scuderia's handling prowess is enhanced by its aerodynamic setup. Lessons learned from the Enzo-evolution FXX about underbody air management have helped out here.

The front spoiler (built from a new plastic that's slightly heavier than carbon fiber yet less expensive to replace if it's damaged in an off-track excursion) features larger vents for the oil coolers. The shape of the central vent has also been changed to funnel air more effectively under the car and improve the aerodynamic ground effect.

The front spoiler works in tandem with a revised air diffuser at the rear that now has three fins per side instead of two and also incorporates extraction vents for the underbody air ducts that cool the gearbox and clutch. The intakes for these ducts, located in the rocker sills, have also been enlarged.

Thanks to all these elements and with a little help from a slightly larger deck lid spoiler on the F430's tail the underbody aero package creates 683 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, which is 66 pounds more than the F430 can muster.

Where the Pilot Sits
There's not quite the same single-minded purpose to the cabin; instead the cockpit projects a spirit of pragmatism. Carbon-fiber door panels and bare aluminum floors are race-ready, but there's soft suedelike upholstery for the dash. The audio tuner and speakers have been deleted (though they remain on the options list), while the air-conditioning and airbags have been retained. The lightweight carbon-fiber seats incorporate four-point harnesses, but the seatbacks still recline. A rollover hoop is optional.

If you want a full-on racecar experience, goes the thinking, you can always buy an F430 Challenge. Besides which, once you're installed behind the wheel of the Scuderia, squeezed by the seat's substantial bolsters, held in place by the harness and about to prod the starter button on the steering wheel, the last thing you'll be thinking is, "I really wish they'd stripped out more of the cabin fittings."

Post #2 Sun, Oct 21, 7:20 AM

arclight
Supercar Messi - 2432