In the rarefied world of supercars the only way to go is up: more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. For its first few years the Ferrari 360 Modena was unchallenged as a mid-engined two-seater at around £100,000 but lately it has been overtaken by the Lamborghini Gallardo and even, whisper it, by a Ford, albeit the very special limited-edition Ford GT.
Ferrari’s answer — to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month, won’t be available here until next year. It is called the F430, reflecting an increase in engine capacity from 4.0 to 4.3 litres. While the car itself is an evolution of the 360, the V8 engine is new, related to that used by Ferrari’s associate, Maserati. In the Ferrari it produces 483bhp, 83 more than the standard 360, and a top speed of 196mph.
The cognoscenti will spot features such as the differently shaped air intakes, the larger rear window, which opens to give access to the engine bay, and the more elaborate diffuser under the extended tail, which provides aerodynamic stability.
Like other road Ferraris, the F430 is made in lightweight aluminium and it can boast a power-to-weight ratio better than the Gallardo. It should do 0-60mph in less than 4sec.
Ferrari owners who like to bathe in the glory of the marque’s racing success will love the F430’s steering wheel, which as well as carrying the engine starter button has a five-position rotary switch to set the car up for different driving conditions — just like Michael Schumacher’s Formula One car.
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