2011 Ferrari F430 Spider Review
Price
RM1,748,888
Installment
RM16,679/mth
2011 Ferrari F430 Spider at a glance
The 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider enjoys the same flawless driving dynamics as the F430 Coupe. By dropping the top, the 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider brings even more style, and surround sound effect for the V8 soundtrack.
2011 Ferrari F430 Spider quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2011 Ferrari F430 Spider ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Unlike the previous Ferraris, the F430 Spider's styling took the dramatic path, oozing aggression and character from every angle. With little carried over from the previous 360 Modena, the Ferrari F430 Spider features new styling cues along with its muscular stance. From the two distinctive air intakes and spoiler at the front, flared wheel arches, wing mirrors, to multiple exhausts and rear diffuser, all these details add to the sleek body design for aesthetic purposes as well as for optimum aerodynamics.
Handling
Ferrari and pure handling are synonymous. And the 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider is no different. With sharp, full-of-feel steering, the Ferrari F430 Spider corners with extreme precision, holding on with astonishing amounts of grip. Body control is similarly superb, allowing maximum agility. As the first road car fitted with Grand Prix traction aids such as the electronic differential, the 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider allows drivers to have F1-style fun while keeping everything safe. To think that driving a supercar can be as unintimidating as in the Ferrari F430 Spider is another plus. In short, fabulous to drive, on-track or on-road.
Comfort
The new-era supercars are no longer just great to drive yet offer little else comfort-wise. Indeed, the 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider's interior carries the same sense of occasion as the exterior. All sorts of adjustments make finding that ideal driving position easy. Coupled with supportive seats and good view out, the cabin is a brilliant place to be in. Ride comfort is surprisingly good, while refinement takes a beating by the loud engine note—something we can get used to. The 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider rumbles at idle, but step on the throttle, and that is when the Italian orchestra starts playing.
Quality + Reliability
The classy cabin showcases beautiful craftsmanship that is in line with the Ferrari performance. Nothing short of first-rate materials are used, with impressive fit-and-finish. An area to improve would be some controls' placement, such as placing the window switches on the doors instead of on the dashboard. Considering the tremendous amount of work in building this car, we have little doubts that the Ferrari F430 Spider will be reliable with the proper maintenance.
Performance
First-class performance from Ferrari's 4.3-litre V8. Capable of 483 bhp at 8500 rpm and 465 Nm at 5250 rpm, of which 80 percent of torque is made available at 3500 rpm. The performance is as electric as the figures suggest: the 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider takes 4.0 seconds flat to complete the century sprint. With maximum power at 8500 rpm rev-limit, the V8 must be worked, hard, to get the best from it. A six-speed F1 paddle-shift gearbox is standard.
Roominess
Having only two seats does little for practicality, but at least the driver and passenger enjoy comfortable amounts of head-, shoulder- and leg-room. The boot, at the front, is small by any standards, but small luggage can be placed in the cabin. Press a button to activate the folding roof mechanism, and the roof folds automatically into the space between the passenger cell and engine.
Running Costs
Whether for the fuel consumption, road tax, insurance, servicing or depreciation, the numbers are large. To maintain peak performance, servicing will be regular and expensive. The desirable Ferrari brand, and the two-to-three-year wait for a new Ferrari F430 Spider will help mitigate depreciation, but mileage and condition will determine the residual value to a large extent. With the sky-high price, a small depreciation still represents a lot of money (for non-Ferrari owners).
Value for Money
Judging the value for so much money in the conventional sense is next to impossible. But there is a reason why buyers have to wait two to three years for the F430 Spider, or any Ferrari for that matter. Ferraris are pieces of Italian artwork, constructed with flair and craftsmanship. On the roads, the prancing horse comes alive with such mind-blowing performance that makes every penny worthwhile.
Equipment
Getting a Ferrari means plenty of personalisation—carbon or aluminium dashboard trim, rev-counter background colour, and racing seats are some of the many available options. Only the leather interior, electronic safety aids, and dual front airbags are standard. Why only two airbags for a supercar? Ferrari claims that the F430 Spider's strong structure negates the need for side airbags. We sure hope they are right.
Environment
The 2011 Ferrari F430 Spider emits 345 g/km of carbon dioxide, which is a large number like the price and horsepower. Churning out so much power invariably consumes lots of fuel, and emits lots of global-warming gas. And if you constantly drive the car to its potential (near the rev-limit 8500 rpm), the emission level is going to rise.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Glamorous looks, especially top-down
Wonderful engine
Superb handling and yet still comfortable
Two-to-three-year wait
Sky-high pricing and running costs
Too much attention from on-lookers
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