Ferrari 430 Coupe review (2005-2010)

Few thought that there was much wrong with the F360 Modena, but such is the pace of development Ferrari have now replaced it with the F430. While it shares the majority of its chassis with the old car, albeit significantly revised to increase stiffness, there's a new engine in the shape of a 4.3-litre V8, and a new style too. The new look is certainly more dramatic than the curvaceous wind tunnel honed 360, Pininfarina charged with adding some more visual drama and sporting appeal to the F430's looks. Despite its more appealing lines it improves on its predecessor's aerodynamic downforce to ensure even higher speed stability. The rear lights are reminiscent of the Enzo, protruding up through the bodywork, while the sharper, more aggressively styled nose feeds cooling air to both the brakes and radiators. It needs to, as that new V8, derived from the 4.2-litre unit used by Ferrari's sister company Maserati, is bound to produce a lot of heat with 490bhp on offer. It allows the F430 to rocket to 60mph in just 4.0 seconds and onto 196mph if you happen to be passing through Germany.

Inside it retains the practicality of the 360 with some space behind the seats for luggage, with some additional space under the front bonnet. Options include the F1 paddle-shift transmission at £6,500, it shifting faster and smoother than ever, and ceramic brakes which come in at a whopping £9,000. Even with a hike over the 360 in the list price to £111,000 its first year of production is already sold out. We can understand why, with performance that answers the questions asked by so many when Lamborghini released the Gallardo, Ferrari has taken it's rightful place back at the top of the supercar pile.