It doesn’t really matter whether you opt for the coupe or the convertible—the F430 is a sublime, if not conventionally beautiful, car. Yet, although it is based on the aluminum-intensive 360 Modena, the F430 sports different bodywork, a larger, more powerful V-8 (490 hp from 4.3 liters), and a host of electronic upgrades that forged new ground for Ferrari when the model debuted more than three years ago. Those improvements include a trick, electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential and the steering-wheel-mounted manettino switch, which controls the car’s traction control, electronic differential, automated manual transmission, and adjustable suspension. Crank the switch to the appropriate setting (race, sport, wet weather, etc.) and the car is automatically set up to deal with those conditions. The mid-engine V-8 wedge has long been a staple of the Ferrari fleet, and style continues its reign in the F430 Spider and Coupe F1.
Pros:
Possibly the best sports car. Ever.
Cons:
Radio from Radio Shack.
Contact Information
www.ferrariusa.com
