Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/Apr/2007

Stetten, Germany — According to Novitec it hasn't so much 'improved' the power output of the Ferrari F430 but 'evolved' its performance capabilities.

In its factory finished state of tune, the Ferrari F430 is capable of developing 490hp, or 360kW of power @ 8500rpm. That's enough juice to propel it from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. That's very fast. And according to the Ed, it's a very good car too - read his review of the Ferrari here.

German tuning company Novitec decided that the F430 coupe chassis could deal with a lot more power than this, and so the F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione was born.

As well as numerous chassis and body work modifications, it's the engine that pack the strongest punch. Fitted with a pair Rotrex superchargers, and a modified and enlarged induction tract, plus watercooled intercoolers with additional watercoolers, pumps, new injectors and modified ECU, the F430 becomes a true supercar, shedding almost half a second from its zero to 100km/h dash to achieve a 3.7 second sprint.

The twin supercharged Ferrari's heavily boosted power output makes it even quicker in a straight line, and as well as 'evolving' the zero to 100km/h times, it also increases the famous Ferrari's top speed from 315 to 348km/h (216mph). Peak power has risen from 360kW (490hp) to a whopping 482kW (656hp) @ 8200rpm thanks to the new forced induction kit that is squeezed into the carbon-fibre covered mid engine bay. 

The engine power is then directed to the rear-wheels, and the two superchargers are programmed to deliver a maximum boost of 0.38 bar of boost (5.5 psi), which elevates peak torque to 662Nm (from 465Nm) @ 6100rpm.

Other engine mods include a stainless steel power-optimised exhaust system to cope with the extra pressure the twin compressors generate, and the gear ratios have also been modified to ensure the car is quick off the mark.

To match Novitec's powertrain upgrades, the German company has made big changes to the chassis including all new coil over suspension, which is paired with stronger anti-roll bars to improve cornering stability.

Adjustable KW stainless steel coil over suspension was chosen to replace the standard fit Ferrari setup, and is more tuned to intense driving, and is complemented by NF2 Race wheels: 9 x 19-inch front rims and rear 12.5 x 20-inch rear rims. 

The F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione generates grip from Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high quality tyres, measuring 255/30 R19 at the front and 345/25 R20 at the rear.

Deceleration is managed by upgraded Brembo disc brakes, and Novitec explains that it collaborated with Brembo to develop the new Novitec brake system with huge 380mm discs and 6-pistons calipers at both the front and rear axles. In Novitec's own words, the outstanding deceleration values offer complete security in all situations.

There's also a range of aerodynamic and visual enhancements made to the car that improve its stability at the higher speeds it can achieve, including an air tract duct in the underbody that reduces air swirl and turbulence at higher speeds.

Novitec went as far as to commission time in the wind tunnel of the Research Institute for Motor Vehicles in Stuttgart to fine tune the body work of the Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione, hence the under body air tract. Novitec says that the Ferrari F430 was already an aerodynamic marvel, but with its body mods it has increased negative lift at higher speeds.

Most of the ground effects have been changed, including the front apron, side skirts, and most notably the complex rear diffuser and the aggressive rear wing. As well as adding a motor sports edge to the vehicle, these new body mods ensure the car generates more downforce the faster it travels, and the rear wing and diffuser improve rear end grip by increasing downforce over the rear axle.

Other visual changes to what is regarded as one of the best-handling Ferraris of all time include a carbon engine cover complete with carbon ventilation louvers along the edges of the engine bay. The brake lights are finished in black, as are the indicators, which does a lot to change the look of the rear end.

German-based Novitec currently modifies a range of Italian vehicles, including Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo, leaving the German cars for the numerous other tuners such as Hamann, Brabus, and RUF.

For the Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione Novitec also decks out the interior with a new leather appointment kit, new Supersport Performance seats, a new steering wheel and an aluminium pedal set with driver and passenger foot rests.